Opinion | Trump Does Actually Need to Legislate - The New York Times

Key Argument

The article contends that President Trump's administration lacks a robust legislative agenda, relying heavily on executive orders. This approach, it argues, is insufficient and risks rendering the administration ineffective.

Concerns

The author points out that Trump's seeming indifference towards Congress hindered his first term and that without a comprehensive legislative strategy, the current administration is susceptible to early stagnation. The upcoming expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act further necessitates a focused legislative effort.

Proposed Solutions

The article suggests that the administration should concentrate on developing bipartisan legislation to complement its executive orders and expand its political base.

• Immigration policy: Legislative reforms are recommended to enhance the administration’s immigration efforts, potentially including clarifying the asylum process and improving the H-1B system.
• Bipartisan appeal: The author promotes exploring proposals that resonate across party lines to improve chances of successful legislative action.

Consequences

Failure to pursue a compelling legislative agenda could limit the Trump administration's achievements and lead to a decline in political influence before the 2026 midterm elections.