Miller Center Experts Analyze Trump's Second First Year

Panelists discuss the President's use of executive power and its lasting impact

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Miller Center hosted a panel discussion on the first year of President Trump's second term, with experts analyzing his aggressive use of executive power, the erosion of congressional authority, and the long-term implications for the presidency.

Why it matters

This discussion provides insight into the unprecedented expansion of executive power under the Trump administration and the potential lasting effects on the balance of power between the branches of government.

The details

The panel, moderated by Miller Center Director William Antholis, featured Everett Eissenstat, Chris Lu, and Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, who examined how Trump has thoroughly studied the government and is using aggressive measures 'designed to increase and expand the powers of the executive branch.' They discussed the President's use of emergency powers, his ability to bypass congressional approval, and the Senate's rule change to speed up the confirmation of executive nominations.

  • The panel discussion took place on January 29, 2026.
  • In September 2025, the Senate Republicans changed a rule to allow them to pass bundles of executive nominations, speeding up the confirmation process.

The players

William Antholis

The director and CEO of the Miller Center, who moderated the panel discussion.

Everett Eissenstat

A James R. Schlesinger Distinguished Professor at the Miller Center, who previously served in the first Trump White House as deputy assistant for international affairs and deputy director of the National Economic Council.

Chris Lu

A James R. Schlesinger Distinguished Professor at the Miller Center, who has held various public service roles in the federal government, including as President Biden's UN ambassador for management and reform, and as a senior official in the Obama administration.

Kathryn Dunn Tenpas

A Miller Center practitioner senior fellow, the director of the Initiative on Improving Interbranch Relations and Government, and a visiting fellow with governance studies at the Brookings Institution.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is an unprecedented test of executive power, and in many ways it's going to set a new benchmark of executive power.”

— Everett Eissenstat, James R. Schlesinger Distinguished Professor, Miller Center (jeffersonindependent.com)

“Because he can. Across the board, Trump has acted not because Congress authorized it, not because the courts agreed, and not because it was legal, but because nobody stopped him along the way.”

— Chris Lu, James R. Schlesinger Distinguished Professor, Miller Center (jeffersonindependent.com)

“Unpredictability is good with our adversaries, but not with our allies. NATO is the strongest military alliance in the history of the world and keeps America safe at a fraction of the cost.”

— Chris Lu, James R. Schlesinger Distinguished Professor, Miller Center (jeffersonindependent.com)

What’s next

The upcoming Supreme Court ruling on the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) will have a significant impact on international economic policy for decades to come.

The takeaway

This discussion highlights the unprecedented expansion of executive power under the Trump administration and the potential long-term consequences for the balance of power between the branches of government. It underscores the importance of maintaining checks and balances, even when one branch has the ability to act unilaterally.