Congress has gone soft on Trump, says Dag Blanck, professor of North American studies at Uppsala University.
Congress has been compliant because both the Senate and the House of Representatives are controlled by Trump's party, the Republicans.
But that could change if the Democrats do well in the current midterm elections. Democratic congressional candidates have promised to hold Trump accountable and, among other things, investigate the Trump family's ties to certain companies and the gifts the president has received.
A fear?
The US government is based on the separation of powers between the judicial branch (the Supreme Court), the executive branch (the president) and the legislative branch (Congress). The idea is that the three branches should check one another and ensure that no one becomes too powerful.
But during Donald Trump's presidency, Congress has largely abdicated its oversight role, says Dag Blanck. He believes this is due, among other things, to fear of what might happen to those who do not have Trump's support. He cites scandal-plagued, corruption-accused Senate candidate Ken Paxton in Texas as an example.
He is not a particularly strong candidate, but he received Trump's support. That meant voters chose Paxton in the primary, and then (incumbent Republican Senator John) Cornyn disappeared. That shows how powerful the president is.
Can block
If the Democrats take control of the House of Representatives after the election, they can launch investigations, block legislation and bring impeachment charges.
If the Democrats take control of the Senate, they can also block ministers, judges and other high-ranking officials appointed by the president.
But Congress has become increasingly divided and polarized in recent years. One way both President Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden have circumvented the legislative process is through so-called executive orders. Trump has used them to make decisions on, for example, tariffs and expand the powers of the immigration police, ICE.
However, executive orders are often criticized as less durable.
They can be torn up on day one when a new president is in the White House, points out Emma Ricknell, a lecturer in political science at Linnaeus University.
She emphasizes that “proper” legislation is a way for a president to leave behind a more lasting legacy. And one area where executive orders cannot be used is the state budget, which must be approved by both chambers of Congress.
Ricknell also believes that Congress has more power than it has exercised in recent years.
Donald Trump has, especially during this second term, really pushed the limits of what a president can do in power.
What do you think?