Reviewing Certain Presidential Actions
Summary
This presidential memorandum directs the Attorney General and the Counsel to the President to investigate potential abuses of presidential power during the Biden administration. The investigation focuses on allegations that Biden's aides concealed his cognitive decline and improperly used an autopen to enact policies without his full awareness or consent. The memo suggests that these actions, if proven, could constitute an unconstitutional wielding of presidential power.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect will be an internal investigation led by the Counsel to the President, potentially involving multiple executive departments and agencies. The investigation's findings could lead to legal challenges against past executive actions taken during Biden's presidency. Ultimately, the investigation could impact the validity and legality of numerous executive actions undertaken in Biden's name.
Potential Benefits
- Could reveal potential abuses of power within the executive branch.
- May ensure greater transparency and accountability in presidential decision-making processes.
- Could restore public trust in the integrity of the presidency.
- Might lead to reforms that prevent future abuses of power.
- Could provide legal grounds to challenge potentially unconstitutional executive actions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could be perceived as a politically motivated investigation.
- May divert resources from other pressing governmental matters.
- Could further polarize the political climate.
- Might undermine the legitimacy of past executive actions, creating uncertainty.
- Could set a precedent for future administrations to investigate their predecessors.
Constitutional Alignment
The memorandum invokes the President's authority under the Constitution, specifically referencing the unitary executive theory. The investigation aims to determine if the use of an autopen and alleged concealment of cognitive decline violated the principle that executive power must be exercised knowingly and intentionally by the President. This relates to Article II, which vests executive power in the President, and the oath of office, which requires the President to faithfully execute the laws.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).