HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – While many are questioning President Trump’s reasoning for declaring a national emergency, it can’t be said that he is the first president to do so.
Actually, it’s not at all uncommon.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, presidents have declared national emergencies 60 times since 1976 when the power was codified. Clinton declared 17, Bush, the younger, 12 times, Obama, 13, and Trump, so far, thrice.
The words “national emergency” seem to create a cloud of fear, but WHNT News 19 Political Analyst Jess Brown said we should stop and think.
“The first thing people should ask is, ‘is this really a national emergency?’ or is there some other agenda lurking behind this activity?” said Brown.
He said although Trump isn’t the first to do this, circumstances differ.
“What makes this one a little different is it’s a high-profile, controversial issue, and the truth is this president does not enjoy widespread public support for his action,” explained Brown. “And he does not enjoy widespread congressional support for his action.”
The…
