Just a few weeks into his new administration, President Donald Trump has issued a blizzard of executive actions.

Sweeping orders from the White House have included a federal spending freeze, massive federal layoffs, gutting the United States Agency for International Development and ending birthright citizenship.

A question many people are asking is — can he do that?

The courts have been pushing back on Trump’s agenda. As of Friday, judges across the country have paused at least 18 executive orders.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the powers of the presidency with a law professor and a political scientist.

Guests:

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• Larry Jacobs is a political scientist and founder and director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota. He is also the author of “Democracy Under Fire: Donald Trump and the Breaking of American History.”

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• Nick Bednar is an associate professor of law at the University of Minnesota. He’s also holds a doctorate in political science. He specializes in administrative law, immigration law and the federal workforce.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.