PALM COAST, Fla. – In a compelling address that blended constitutional scholarship with current events, legal expert Jesse Panuccio captivated a sold-out audience at the Flagler Tiger Bay Club. With a focus on the legal foundations and implications of executive orders (EOs), Panuccio offered a masterclass in constitutional law, beginning with an insightful overview of the Federalist Papers and the historical use of executive authority.
Panuccio, a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP and former Acting Associate Attorney General of the United States, spoke plainly and powerfully, ensuring the complex topic resonated with both legal professionals and laypersons in attendance. Drawing from his experience as executive director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and general counsel to then-Governor Rick Scott, he contextualized the modern use of EOs, particularly under President Donald Trump, as tools to advance policy amid Congressional gridlock.
Recently reappointed to Florida’s Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission by Governor Ron DeSantis (December 2024), Panuccio brought both legal authority and practical insight to the discussion. He addressed three major aspects of executive orders, though time allowed for an in-depth exploration of only the first.
During the lively Q&A session, questions came from both seasoned legal professionals and local officials. The session’s standout moment came from Palm Coast Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo, whose question earned the event’s prestigious Fang & Claw Award for best question.
“If Congress provides the funds for a program to an agency, can the President or DOGE in this example really eliminate or remove funding for that program through a passed law?” asked DeLorenzo.
In response, Panuccio cited relevant statutes and Supreme Court decisions, including the high-profile ruling on student loan forgiveness, emphasizing the complexity and constitutional nuance involved in such decisions. His answer underscored the need for rigorous legal analysis in evaluating executive actions.
Flagler Tiger Bay Club Vice President and attorney Marc Dwyer expressed his enthusiasm for the session, inviting Panuccio to return. Board Member and fellow attorney Dr. Joe Saviak praised the talk.
“His analysis of the history, authority for, use of, and constitutional limits upon executive orders by U.S. Presidents provided our members with a valuable understanding of this important tool of administrative direction to the executive branch. His series of specific examples involving different Presidents effectively explained why executive orders are or are not likely to survive judicial scrutiny,” said Saviak.
“Superb speakers inspire excellent questions. The questions were stellar. They enabled Mr. Panuccio to share critical insights about why executive orders continue to influence the execution of public policy and impact the operation of our national government as well as daily life in America.”
In keeping with the club’s commitment to civic education, Panuccio also met with students from Flagler Palm Coast High School as part of the club’s Young Tiger program.
He encouraged members and students to approach political and legal news with critical thinking and historical awareness.
“I hope the discussion today was illuminating for everybody, and just that when they read in the news about an executive order or presidential action, they understand that they’ve really got to look at the arguments on both sides and also put these things in some historical context,” said Panuccio.
“(It’s important) they understand the long history of presidential action, judicial action, congressional action. There’s a tension in the system and they’re supposed to check and balance each other.”
The Flagler Tiger Bay Club will conclude its 2025 Spring Speaker Series with Paul Peterson, Regional Vice President of First Trust Portfolios, L.P., on June 18. The event, sponsored by Innovative Financial Solutions, Inc., is open to members and guests. For more information, visit www.FlaglerTigerBayClub.com.
