There's confusion over what the president wants with his trade war and whether the GOP's big spending bill should include raising taxes on the rich in order to fund Trump's domestic priorities.

Many of Trump's actions are a direct challenge to the courts and to Congress, the two branches of government designed to act as checks on presidential power. We look at this power dynamic.

But first, NPR's senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson joins us now. Good morning, Mara, and happy Mother's Day. MARA LIASSON, BYLINE: Good morning, Ayesha. Happy Mother's Day to you.

Mara Liasson is a national political correspondent for NPR. Her reports can be heard regularly on NPR's award-winning newsmagazine programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Liasson ...

NPR political correspondents Mara Liasson and Susan Davis have been covering this power dynamic. They join me now. Hi to both of you. SUSAN DAVIS, BYLINE: Hey, Juana. MARA LIASSON, BYLINE ...