Executive Power

Trump Is Expanding Executive Power. Democrats Are Already Eyeing the New Tools.

Some Democrats are licking their chops over other economic powers that Trump has claimed for the presidency.

Eric Boehm | 9.4.2026 12:50 PM

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President Donald Trump has greatly—and, in many cases, quite recklessly—expanded the executive branch's power over private businesses.

The Trump administration has invoked claims of "national security" to levy higher tariffs on everything from steel to musical instruments. It has used the same argument to seize equity shares in more than two dozen private companies, including a so-called "golden share" in U.S. Steel that grants the president the authority to veto future attempts to relocate headquarters or make changes to its production facilities.

And if you think a future Democratic administration will try to stuff those executive powers back into their proper, constitutional boxes, well…don't hold your breath.

Take California Gov. Gavin Newsom, widely regarded as a serious contender in the 2028 presidential race, for example. Last week,........

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