© 2025 WEKU
NPR for Northern, Central and Eastern Kentucky
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Join WEKU's 1850 campaign for the future! 1,850 new supporters, each giving $10 monthly to keep WEKU strong. Update: 1,630 supporters to reach the goal! Click here to support WEKU!

University of Kentucky professor weighs in on President Trump's executive orders

Dr. Stephen Voss, a Political Science professor at the University of Kentucky, says neither gubernatorial candidate scored a knockout during their first debate Thursday.
University of Kentucky
Stephen Voss, an associate political science professor at the University of Kentucky, says even if many of President Trump's executive orders are overturned, he may still be able to advance his goals.

Executive orders by President Trump have led to confusion for state and local governments, nonprofits and other groups. Among those is an apparent freeze on federal spending programs, which critics say violates the Congressional power of the purse. Stephen Voss is an associate professor of political science at the University of Kentucky, specializing in American politics.

“If Donald Trump's orders end up causing a revisitation of the Impoundment Act, it won't be the first time federal courts have considered the meaning of that legislation, but every situation is different.”

The 1974 Impoundment Act restricts a president’s ability to limit funds appropriated by Congress and has been affirmed by the Supreme Court. However, the makeup of today’s court is far different, with three members appointed by President Trump. Voss said Trump may be playing the long game with the flurry of executive orders.

“Even if many of his executive orders get overturned, even if ultimately the changes Donald Trump tries to impose don't happen, both politically and maybe to a degree, in turn, in a policy sense, by creating the disruption. Donald Trump wins in terms of his policy goals.”

Voss used a baseball analogy, saying some of the president's executive orders are like a bunt – the batter’s likely to be thrown out, but other baserunners will advance.

** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.

John McGary is a Lexington native and Navy veteran with three decades of radio, television and newspaper experience.
WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.
Related Content