Has Trump made the presidency too powerful?

July 17
29 mins

View Transcript

Episode Description

The 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey may represent the pinnacle of soft power for the USA and a moment of global prestige for President Donald Trump.

But at home, concerns are growing over his ever-expanding vision of presidential power. Is America now living with an 'imperial presidency'? Has the Supreme Court given the president powers that future generations might find hard to take back? How might Trump's autocratic style affect the November midterm elections? And why does he like to associate himself so closely with sports?

Bronwen Maddox is joined by Heather Hurlburt and Max Yoeli of Chatham House's US and North America Programme to discuss presidential overreach, football red cards and the unitary executive theory of power.

Produced by Podmasters for Chatham House, with thanks to Sara Seth.

Explore Chatham House's latest:

Comment | Trump's threats – and U-turn – on Hormuz fees further undermine US credibility in the Gulf

Comment | US refusal to renew USMCA trade deal brings uncertainty for Mexico. But the treaty is far from dead

Upcoming event | US at 250: Separation vs. concentration of power

Magazine issue | The World Today summer issue

Audio | The Climate Briefing🎧

Audio | Africa Aware🎧

Follow Independent Thinking on your favourite podcast apps.

See all episodes