DEMS/ROBERT MUELLER/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “A fateful confrontation for the ages is fast approaching over the limits of presidential authority between Donald Trump and the political, investigative and judicial bodies that stand in his way. The three top intrigues consuming Washington — the Russia probe, the duel over the border wall and Trump’s battle with the new Democratic-led House — all ultimately revolve around his grabs for authority and efforts to constrain him. Trump, special counsel Robert Mueller and House Democrats are arming themselves for an almighty political and constitutional tussle that will define the coming year, and possibly the current presidency itself. At stake is the system’s capacity to rein in an aggressive President, which will inevitably be seen by his fervent base as an attempt by elites to subvert a democratic election. If the contentious first few weeks of 2019 are any indication, the coming year will see Trump and counterweight forces in the US political system square off, as the partial government shutdown over the wall intensifies, Mueller inexorably marches toward the end of his investigation and Democrats flex muscle.”
–Stephen Collinson, “Trump seeks to expand powers as Mueller, Democrats threaten to constrain,” CNN Politics, CNN.com, January 10, 2019 9:30 am