Fact Check: Does Trump have total authority to overstep state government, and mayor?

What We Know

In April 2020, President Donald Trump claimed he had "total authority" to decide when to reopen the economy, which he stated during a press briefing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He asserted, “When somebody is president of the United States, the authority is total” (AP News). However, this claim was met with immediate pushback from governors across the political spectrum, who emphasized their primary responsibility for public safety and the authority to manage state-level health measures (AP News, NPR).

Legal experts have also weighed in, stating that the President does not possess the unilateral power to override state orders. Chris Edelson, a professor at American University, noted, “We live in a constitutional system with checks and balances. Nobody has total authority” (New York Times). Similarly, Stephen I. Vladeck, a law professor, confirmed that no statute or constitutional provision grants the President such authority (New York Times).

The Constitution primarily allocates public health responsibilities to state and local governments, as reinforced by the 10th Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states (NPR, Politico).

Analysis

Trump's assertion of "total authority" is fundamentally flawed and contradicts established legal principles regarding federalism in the United States. While the President can influence state actions through public statements and federal guidelines, he lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally dictate state policies or override local orders. The pushback from governors, including both Republicans and Democrats, highlights a consensus on the limits of presidential power in this context (AP News, Politico).

The sources used in this analysis are credible and include reputable news organizations and legal experts. The Associated Press and NPR are well-respected for their journalistic integrity, while the New York Times and Politico provide thorough analyses of political claims and legal interpretations. The consensus among experts and state officials reinforces the conclusion that Trump's claim is not supported by the Constitution or legal precedent (New York Times, NPR, Politico).

Conclusion

Verdict: False
President Trump's claim of having "total authority" to overstep state governments and mayors is inaccurate. The U.S. Constitution delineates powers between federal and state governments, ensuring that states retain primary authority over public health and safety measures. Trump's assertion lacks legal grounding and has been widely challenged by both legal experts and state officials.

Fact Check: Does Trump have total authority to overstep state government, and mayor?