President Trump may prefer “strict constructionists” when it comes to Supreme Court Justices, but when it comes to his own power, he is more than willing to ignore the constitutional text. As recent statements by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo indicate, he and Trump believe the President can authorize military action in Venezuela to topple Nicolás Maduro. They’re wrong according to Article I of the Constitution and the Framers’ intent. Unfortunately, there’s ample precedent by Trump and his predecessors for presidential power to initiate conflict.
Continue Reading Venezuela, Trump, and the Constitution’s War Powers