Governor Says Trump Has Too Much Power

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro criticized President Donald Trump on Sunday, arguing that the president has accumulated more executive authority than America’s founders intended. His remarks came one day after Trump’s Independence Day address celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary and praising the U.S. Constitution.

Appearing on CNN’s State of the Union, Shapiro said he believes the balance of power envisioned by the nation’s founders has shifted too far toward the executive branch.

According to the Pennsylvania governor, recent administrations have expanded presidential authority beyond what the Constitution’s authors intended. He also claimed the Trump administration has sought to limit certain freedoms while applying different standards to different groups of Americans.

Shapiro further criticized the rhetoric used by both President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, arguing that language dividing Americans based on political or ideological differences weakens national unity.

Trump Highlights Freedom and the Constitution

President Trump delivered his Independence Day speech Saturday evening after weather delayed the event. The address focused on America’s history, the Constitution, and his vision for the country’s future as it celebrates 250 years of independence.

Trump praised the nation’s founders for creating what he described as one of the greatest political documents in history.

He said the Constitution has preserved America’s freedoms for nearly two and a half centuries and highlighted core constitutional protections, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and equal justice under the law.

During his remarks, Trump also referenced the legal challenges he has faced in recent years, suggesting he had not always received equal treatment under the justice system.

Executive Power Debate Intensifies

The disagreement reflects a broader national debate over the scope of presidential authority.

Supporters of President Trump argue that a stronger executive branch allows elected presidents to carry out the agenda voters elected them to implement. Critics, however, contend that expanding executive power weakens the system of checks and balances established by the Constitution.

The issue has drawn renewed attention following several major court decisions involving presidential authority.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court ruled that the president may remove leaders of certain independent federal regulatory agencies without first demonstrating “good cause.” Supporters say the decision reinforces presidential accountability over the executive branch, while opponents argue it gives the White House greater control over agencies designed to remain politically independent.

The Trump administration has also faced legal challenges involving election-related policies, including proposals requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections and efforts to place additional restrictions on widespread mail-in voting.

Bill Clinton Joins the Criticism

Former President Bill Clinton also used the Independence Day holiday to criticize the Trump administration.

In a Fourth of July statement, Clinton said the United States is experiencing another period of deep political division and warned that the country’s democratic institutions are under increasing pressure.

He accused the administration of expanding federal authority, criticized its immigration enforcement policies and military actions overseas, and argued that cooperation between the White House, Congress, and recent Supreme Court decisions has strengthened executive power at the expense of constitutional checks and balances.

Shapiro Urges Democrats to Focus on Results

Shapiro, who is frequently mentioned as a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028, said his party should spend less time engaging in political theater and more time delivering tangible results for voters.

He pointed to Pennsylvania as an example of what government should prioritize, arguing that elected officials build public trust by improving everyday life through effective leadership rather than generating headlines or social media attention.

The governor also criticized Congress as a whole, saying lawmakers from both parties often spend too much time on performative political battles instead of addressing issues that directly affect American families.

The Debate Is Likely to Continue

The clash over presidential authority is expected to remain one of the defining political issues heading into the 2026 midterm elections and the early stages of the 2028 presidential race.

President Trump has argued that his administration is restoring constitutional government, strengthening executive accountability, and putting American voters first. Meanwhile, critics such as Shapiro contend that recent legal rulings and executive actions have expanded presidential power beyond what the nation’s founders envisioned.

As both parties continue shaping their political message ahead of future elections, the debate over the proper limits of executive authority is likely to remain at the center of the national conversation.