Can Trump Unilaterally Reopen Federal Agencies?
It has been a regular question in political discussions: Can former President Trump unilaterally reopen federal agencies? The answer is a clear and unequivocal no. His power as a former president is limited to his influence over current representatives and the ability to make political appeals, but he has no direct legislative authority. This article will delve into the specific reasons why he cannot reopen agencies and outline the necessary steps for reopening the government.
Why Trump Cannot Reopen Federal Agencies Unilaterally
Chiefly, Trump, being a former president, no longer holds any elected office and therefore has no official power to control the federal government. His influence is largely limited to political lobbying and appeals to the public, which can sway a degree of action but does not grant him direct authority over governmental bodies.
Moreover, his failure to secure a victory in the election of 2020 resulted in the transition to a new administration, which further underscores his lack of official legislative power to reopen agencies. The authority to manage the federal budget and congressional approval are essential, and without these, any attempt by Trump to reopen agencies on his own would be fruitless.
The Reality of a Government Shutdown
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass an appropriations bill or a continuing resolution by the beginning of the fiscal year. In this specific case, the absence of funding appropriations as required by the federal law is the cause of the government shutdown, not any actions (or inactions) by the former president.
Specifically, the shutdown is due to Congressional inaction. Congress is responsible for passing the necessary funding for government operations. As of October 1, 2018, Congress did not pass the necessary budget appropriations, leading to the partial shutdown. This is a direct violation of the requirement to have a government budget in place by the start of the fiscal year.
Steps to Reopen the Government
The process of reopening the government involves several key steps, primarily the passage of a continuing resolution or a full budget appropriations bill by Congress. Here is a detailed look at the mechanics of this process:
Continuing Resolution: A continuing resolution (CR) is a temporary funding measure that keeps the government operating at present levels while the full budget is being negotiated. Such a resolution can be passed by the House and Senate and then signed by the President to effectively reopen the government. For instance, if Congress passes a CR and Trump signs it, the government can resume operations almost immediately.
Quick Process: Getting a CR passed and signed into law can often be accomplished within a day. This streamlined process is designed to ensure that the government can continue its operations without major disruptions.
Why Trump Wouldn't Do It
It is worth noting that even if Trump were to advocate for or support a CR, he likely wouldn't do it himself. His strategy is often centered around leveraging his influence to achieve his political goals, rather than serving the interests of reopening the government. For example, he could encourage Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to take up and pass a CR, which Trump could then sign. However, this move would be seen as conceding a loss in the political arena, a scenario Trump is fundamentally averse to.
The political optics of such a move could be damaging. It poses a risk of appearing weak or compromising, goals that the former president has consistently fought against. Hence, it is highly unlikely that he would advocate for such a compromise.
Conclusion
The reopening of federal agencies is a complex process that requires legislative action, not unilateral presidential authority. The government shutdown is primarily due to Congress failing to pass a necessary budget bill, a situation that the former President Trump can influence but not control.
Understanding this process is vital for anyone involved in political discussions and government oversight. To summarize, Trump, as a former president, does not hold the power to unilaterally reopen federal agencies, and the government can only be reopened through democratic processes involving Congress and the President working together.