“Trump starts the firing even before his term begins” (web, Dec. 16) says in part that conservatives support a “‘unitary executive’ theory of government,” which “holds that the president is in charge of all executive functions and must put his people in place to have accountability.” It’s not a theory; it’s constitutional text.

Article 2, Section 1 of the Constitution says “the executive power shall be vested in a president of the United States of America.” The president and the president alone is the executive branch of government. His appointees are subject to his control and are chosen to implement his policies and directives. He’s entitled to select people who will get with the program, not at odds with it.

Under the Constitution, Congress is vested with enumerated powers, and no one would suggest it is a “theory” that Congress can hire staff that will faithfully implement those powers. The Constitution vests judicial power in the Supreme Court and inferior courts. No one would suggest it’s a “theory” the judicial branch can hire staff that will faithfully implement its powers. 

Abraham Lincoln said a house divided against itself cannot stand. The same is true of the executive branch of government. The president is entitled to ensure that there’s no division.

JIM DUEHOLM

Washington

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