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How can the U.S. president ( any of them, not just Trump) issue an Executive Order that directs businesses or individuals to act a certain way? It is my understanding that EO's are not laws but are directions from the Chief Executive to executive departments on how the departments are to conduct business. Thanks.
The President may issue an executive order that is binding on private individuals or businesses if a) Congress has delegated that power to the president or b) the source of the power is Article II of the Constitution. For example, if Congress has delegated the power to the President to determine the tariff on foreign cars, the president may issue an executive order declaring that no tariff shall be placed on foreign cars. The President may require all soldiers to do 10 push-ups every day because the President is commander-in-chief of the army.
