The recent Supreme Court decision affirming President Donald Trump’s authority to dismiss nearly every executive branch official is viewed as a triumph for conservative ideology. However, this perspective is partially an accident of historical events. The decision in the case of Trump v. Slaughter echoes sentiments that would have once pleased President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Democratic left during the 1930s.
President Roosevelt is renowned for his leadership during a transformative era in U.S. history. One of his notable actions was his first radio “fireside chat” in 1933, which showcased his innovative communication strategies to connect with the public. At that time, Roosevelt and his allies might have welcomed an expansion of executive power similar to what the current court ruling provides.
The contemporary political landscape often frames such an empowerment of the presidency as aligning with conservative values. However, if observed from the perspective of the 1930s, it is conceivable that Roosevelt’s administration would have embraced similar authority. It demonstrates how interpretations of political power and its alignment can shift over decades.