A Democratic majority in Congress should consider impeachment and also move to limit future presidents, according to political scientist Richard Davis. The scholar argues that lawmakers should reduce the scope of unilateral executive power, including authority over pardons, war-making, and tariffs.
Calls to limit future presidents
Davis contends that any impeachment effort should be paired with constitutional reforms that place clearer checks on the presidency. He points to the pardon power, initiation of military action, and the ability to set tariffs as areas where Congress could reassert its role.
On pardons, Davis urges new guardrails to prevent self-serving or obstructive uses. For war powers, he recommends tightening requirements for congressional approval before military engagements.
On trade, he suggests restoring more authority to Congress on tariff policy to ensure broader accountability. Similar debates have emerged as AI regulation in Congress stalls as parties split on approach, highlighting broader questions about legislative oversight.
While his proposal focuses on President Trump, Davis frames the reforms as a long-term fix to strengthen separation of powers and avoid future abuses by any occupant of the Oval Office. The discussion echoes long-running concerns about the balance among the three branches of the federal government and how to preserve constitutional checks.
As questions about unilateral executive authority continue, advocates and scholars are likely to look to both historical practice and the text of the U.S. Constitution for guidance on potential reforms.
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