Donald Trump has stirred controversy over his rapid issuance of executive orders, especially the ill-vetted one limiting entry into the United States. If it is true that it was not reviewed by the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel, that was an unforced mistake which should not be repeated in the future. It’s important to do things right.

But controversy will arise even then — and the more so if the Trump White House follows up on suggestions from two creditable sources, who argue that the president has powers that go considerably beyond what is generally recognized.