January 13, 2026

12:50 pm - 2:00 pm, Pacific Time

The Imperial Presidency: Past and Present

Stanford Law School Room 280B, Stanford, California

Since returning to office last January, President Trump has pursued what commentators describe as a boundary-pushing “Imperial Presidency.” But his claims of expansive executive power are part of a structural trend that presidents of both parties have enabled for decades. It also reflects theories of constitutional interpretation that enable presidents to push the limits of their power, especially in times of crisis.

Join us for a conversation with Visiting Professor Jack Goldsmith, Learned Hand Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, about the history of executive power, the Trump administration’s approach, and his experiences working on these issues, including as head of the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel.

This event is co-sponsored by the Stanford National Security Law Society (SNSLS) and the American Constitution Society (ACS).