We've Never Had to Before

President: "I'm going to manage executive agencies."

Judges: "That's not allowed."

President: "They are executive branch agencies. I'm held responsible for what they do. Seems like I should have a say."

Judges: "You can pick some temporary employees to add but not take any…

— Jeffrey A Tucker (@jeffreyatucker) March 24, 2025

… away from existing staff nor change policy nor otherwise intervene in operations, much less shut agencies."

President: "Seems like you want a mere symbol not a chief executive as described in the Constitution."

Judges: "Precisely. That ship sailed long ago. You are the problem for not playing along."

President: "Why are you only now explaining this?"

Judges: "We've never had to before. Everyone else knew the game and liked it. The perks are good, everyone is nice to you, you get a book deal, and a library at the end. You go down in history. That was enough for all the other marionettes."