The Powell Perspective™

07/07/2025

Publius

Have the Trump administration's actions put the US into a constitutional crisis?

This article examines whether recent executive actions by the Trump administration have triggered a constitutional crisis, defined as a scenario where fundamental governance principles are threatened. It cites specific examples including the administration's freeze on federal spending (violating Congress's appropriation power) and attempted restrictions on birthright citizenship (contradicting the 14th Amendment), which have prompted over 180 state-led lawsuits challenging constitutional overreach. The piece highlights polling showing 54% of voters are dissatisfied with the current checks-and-balances system and emphasizes the role of courts and state governments in defending constitutional limits. Full article - https://www.theusconstitution.org/news/have-the-trump-administrations-actions-put-the-us-into-a-constitutional-crisis/

How the Constitution Constrains Presidential Overreach Against the States

This analysis details constitutional mechanisms to counter presidential overreach targeting state sovereignty, focusing on the "anti-commandeering" doctrine that prohibits federal coercion of state governments. It argues that separation of powers—particularly state legislative and judicial checks—provides the strongest defense against executive branch abuses, offering legal pathways for states to challenge federal directives exceeding constitutional authority. The article underscores this framework's relevance amid contemporary disputes over federal-state power dynamics. Full article - https://statecourtreport.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/how-constitution-constrains-presidential-overreach-against-states

The RE Doctor

This article outlines the optimistic outlook for commercial real estate in 2025, highlighting robust performance in industrial and retail sectors alongside growth opportunities in affordable housing and public-private partnerships. It addresses persistent challenges like climate risk and interest rate uncertainty while emphasizing data-driven strategies for investors. Full article - jpmorgan.com

Healthy Community Design, Anti-displacement, and Equity Strategies

This research examines housing policies that prevent displacement through inclusionary zoning and revenue-generation tactics like Tax Increment Financing. It analyzes how affordable housing requirements in new developments and strategic public land use can create long-term affordability, offering case studies on policy implementation and stakeholder collaboration. Full article - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Skier Tom

Professional Snowsports Education Online Certificate

This article details Penn State's 9-credit online undergraduate certificate program developed with PSIA-AASI, focusing on ski and snowboard instruction fundamentals. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, covering teaching techniques, leadership development, and snowsports industry dynamics. Students prepare for PSIA-AASI Level I certification while studying courses like Leadership Development in Snowsports and Snowsports Education, culminating in a credential that enhances professional teaching capabilities.
Full article - https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-professional-snowsports-education-undergraduate-certificate

Teen Instructor Program at Stratton Mountain

This piece outlines Stratton Mountain’s Teen Instructor Program (TIPS), an eight-day training initiative for aspiring junior ski and snowboard instructors. The curriculum emphasizes PSIA/AASI Level 1 standards, movement analysis, child-focused lesson development, and safety protocols. Successful graduates gain eligibility for hire at Stratton’s Mountain Sports School, with lift tickets provided during the four-weekend training sessions.
Full article - https://www.stratton.com/plan-your-trip/snowboarding-ski-lessons/seasonal-programs-camps/tips

Founder's Paradox

The Perils of Founder Worship

This article examines the risks of idolizing startup founders, which can lead to governance failures and ethical lapses. It advocates for early adoption of governance standards, ethics codes, stronger VC due diligence, and regulatory compliance to counteract founder-centric excesses in high-stakes leadership. Full article - https://clsbluesky.law.columbia.edu/2025/05/20/the-perils-of-founder-worship/

Start Smart: Founder-Proof Your Startup

This guide details legal and organizational strategies to mitigate founder-related risks, emphasizing corporate governance structures like independent boards and formal meeting protocols. It addresses litigation risk prevention through structured decision-making and founder isolation reduction via accountability frameworks. Full article - https://www.svrlawyers.com/news-highlights-posts/2025/2/6/start-smart-founder-proof-your-startup

Secrets of Capital Raising

This article examines the transformative trends in global private markets, with a focus on the Middle East, where regional investors are leveraging strategic capital to influence fund terms and drive innovation. It highlights the surge in secondaries, rise of co-investments, and adoption of flexible fund structures amid economic diversification agendas. Nearly 80% of Middle East investors plan to increase private equity allocations, targeting sectors like energy infrastructure and AI.
https://www.aoshearman.com/en/insights/global-trends-in-private-markets-spotlight-on-the-middle-east-2025

From Bootstrap to Billions: Your Ultimate Guide to Raising Capital in 2025

This guide details emerging 2025 fundraising strategies, including AI-powered venture matching for precision investor connections, revenue-based financing to avoid equity dilution, and DeFi business loans utilizing blockchain technology. It analyzes pros like faster capital access and cons such as crypto volatility, providing tactical insights for efficient capital formation across stages.
https://preferredcfo.com/insights/from-bootstrap-to-billions-your-ultimate-guide-to-raising-capital-in-2025