That is a strange piece of legal reasoning. It's derived from the theory of the unitary executive, or, as Trump says, "I can do whatever I want." Under this theory, which is relatively new, Congress cannot constrain the president much.
Until recently, it was considered settled that the president can't fire most federal employees. Cabinet members serve "at the pleasure of the President", but further down, civil service employees were not fireable by political officials.
That's changed.
Until recently, it was assumed that a president who tried this stuff would be impeached. That prevented presidents from getting out of control. But Congress is too weak now to do its duty of constraining the president.
That is a strange piece of legal reasoning. It's derived from the theory of the unitary executive, or, as Trump says, "I can do whatever I want." Under this theory, which is relatively new, Congress cannot constrain the president much. Until recently, it was considered settled that the president can't fire most federal employees. Cabinet members serve "at the pleasure of the President", but further down, civil service employees were not fireable by political officials.
That's changed.
Until recently, it was assumed that a president who tried this stuff would be impeached. That prevented presidents from getting out of control. But Congress is too weak now to do its duty of constraining the president.
[1] https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/24/24-50627-CV0.pd...