Who Drafts the Unusual Orders Trump Signs?

When it comes to the drafting of executive orders signed by former President Donald Trump, the common assumption is that higher-level administrations, such as the White House Counsel’s office, would be responsible. Surprisingly, the idea that a mere third grader or someone with a 'tiny brain' could be involved in such a critical process might seem peculiar. However, it's essential to examine this topic with a more informed perspective.

The Role of the White House Counsel

One would expect the White House Counsel’s office to handle the drafting of executive orders. During his presidency, Donald Trump was initially assisted by Don McGahn, who served as the first White House Counsel. Following McGahn, Emmet Flood served in an acting capacity before Pat Cipollone took over. These individuals or their teams would typically draft and advise on the content of executive orders.

Input from Other Interest Groups

While the White House Counsel’s office is the primary drafters, other interest groups or departments could indeed contribute to the drafting process. These groups might provide input, context, or specific legal advice that the White House Counsel’s office would integrate into the final document.

Concerns and Misunderstandings

Some have raised the point that if the orders were indeed intelligible, they would likely be drafted by professionals. However, it's equally important to recognize the complexity and multiplicity of roles involved in the drafting process. There is no evidence to suggest that a third grader or someone with a ‘tiny brain’ would draft such orders. Furthermore, there are concerns from some quarters that the drafting process was less sophisticated than expected, which could indicate a level of oversight or perception issues.

Who Did Not Draft Them?

It can be confidently stated with near certainty that the voters of Donald Trump did not draft these orders. According to the system, while the voters have significant influence and are the ultimate arbiters of the president’s fate, they do not directly contribute to the drafting process. Instead, they support the president and hold his actions, including the signing of executive orders, accountable through the electoral process.

Checks and Balances

While the Constitution grants the legislature and the judiciary (Congress and the Supreme Court) significant checks on presidential powers, these checks are not ‘orders’ but rather oversight mechanisms. These branches can, for instance, pass legislation that restricts executive actions or challenge executive orders through legal channels. However, the drafting and signing of executive orders lie within the president's purview.

The Magic Mirror and the 8 Ball?

A popular meme suggests that Donald Trump relied on a magic mirror and an 8-ball for decision-making. While humorous, this raises questions about the informed and vetted process behind the drafting of executive orders. Whether or not Trump relied on such unconventional methods, the reality is that the drafting of such orders is a highly professional and legally rigorous process.

The Process of Drafting Executive Orders

Executive orders are usually drafted by attorneys who work either for the White House or various government departments. These attorneys, along with the White House Counsel, ensure that the orders align with legal and constitutional requirements. The drafters must also consider the potential impact on various stakeholders and the broader implications for the executive branch and federal agencies.

Conclusion

Given the complexity and importance of executive orders, it's clear that the drafters involved are highly trained professionals. Concerns about the drafting process can be addressed by understanding the roles and processes involved. The White House Counsel, combined with input from various departments, are the primary drafters, while the broader checks and balances offered by Congress and the Supreme Court provide important safeguards.