The Deep State, comprising entrenched interests like bureaucrats, lobbyists, and politicians, has successfully resisted attempts to reform the US federal government from a free market, small government perspective since 1980.
Jacksonians in the mid-1800s effectively dismantled the “American System” through a strong executive, achieving lasting institutional reforms including destroying the central bank, enacting free trade tariffs, and paying down federal debt.
Executive orders can be used to dismantle regulatory agencies, as the president has constitutional authority to ensure laws are faithfully executed, controlling how money is spent and determining constitutionality.
The veto power can be wielded against cronyism and excessive spending, as demonstrated by Andrew Jackson’s famous veto of the Second Bank of the US recharter.
Rotation in office, while criticized as the spoils system, can reduce entrenched bureaucracy by cycling in new people, potentially perpetuating liberty.
Appointing allies to key positions, like Russ Vought as OMB Director and Linda McMahon as Education Secretary, can achieve meaningful change by dismantling bureaucracies and challenging cronyism.
Executive orders like “ensuring accountability for all agencies” and “unleashing prosperity through deregulation” can rein in independent regulatory agencies by requiring presidential approval for major regulations.
Deregulating independent agencies like OSHA, FDIC, EPA, and NLRB through executive orders and appointments can stop cronyism, special privileges, and regulatory overreach.
Signing statements and impoundment can be used constitutionally to weaken spending and cut government, with the president deciding how appropriated funds are used.
Recess appointments allow presidents to bypass Senate confirmation and appoint allies when Congress is out of session, enabling dismantling of entrenched interests.
Publicizing cronyism and waste through social media can shine a light on government inefficiency and corruption, even if formal oversight mechanisms have limited power.
The Trump presidency demonstrated a Jacksonian spirit with a focus on eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, signing more executive orders than most predecessors combined.
