Checks and Balances What Limits are there on Presidential Power

Donald Trump reclaimed the White House and, on the first day of his second term, took out his Sharpie pen and signed 26 Executive Orders — a record, with the total thus far exceeding 200. He’s not the first president to exercise this privilege of the presidency with frequency, but he has generated more challenges to the reach of his constitutional authority than any president who preceded him. The military operation that led to the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro is yet another example of an imperial presidency. The Supreme Court this Term will decide cases dealing with several unilateral actions Trump has taken involving a diverse range of governmental decision-making — Birthright Citizenship, immigration, tariffs, and the firing of federal agency heads. Has President Trump overreached, or does the presidency receive a bonus when it comes to checks and balances? Join FOLCS and the 92NY in Conversation with former Deputy Solicitor General of the United States, Neal Katyal, NYU legal scholar, Melissa Murray, and former Attorney General under George W. Bush, Michael B. Mukasey, moderated by FOLCS’ Thane Rosenbaum, on President Trump’s expansion of executive authority. Recorded Feb 19, 2026 at the 92nd Street Y, New York. Your support helps us continue creating online content for our community. Donate now: http://www.92NY.org/Donate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/92ndStreetY Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/92ndStreetY TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@92ndstreety Archives: https://www.92ny.org/archives