President Donald Trump’s second term has been marked by a push to test the limits of executive power, according to a new book by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.

Trump’s Agenda

The book, titled ‘Regime Change,’ details Trump’s efforts to trample norms, dismantle established institutions, and push the limits of presidential power. Trump has suggested that he would not be as powerful in his second term if he had not lost the 2020 election.

Trump still falsely claims to have won in 2020. However, a second term at that time might have been marred by pushback from members of his own administration, the coronavirus pandemic, and an antagonistic Congress controlled by Democrats.

Succession Plans

The authors recount how Trump frequently quizzed aides about whether Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be better to succeed him. Trump is said to be impressed by Vance’s intellect and abilities, as well as Rubio’s background as the son of Cuban immigrants.

Rubio and Vance are also friends, with Rubio offering to campaign with Vance after the latter’s comments about ‘childless cat ladies’ became a scandal. As the two men jostle for position before the 2028 election, it’s possible Trump won’t soon yield the spotlight to them.

Policy Initiatives

Trump has been focused on various policy initiatives, including a potential takeover of Venezuela. The president has suggested that Venezuela could become a state where he would be allowed to appoint the governor.

Trump has also been involved in the release of files from the investigation into disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, which has raised questions about the administration’s handling of the matter.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.