President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress on...

President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 28, 2017. Credit: AP/Jim Lo Scalzo

Judging by his past speeches to Congress, President Donald Trump once felt the need to ask lawmakers to pass his agenda. Not so much anymore.

Trump, who is addressing Congress on Tuesday night, has asserted his authority to reshape the federal government without needing to consult the legislative branch. That’s a break from his previous remarks to Congress in which he specifically sought lawmakers' backing on many of the actions he's now taking unilaterally.

On his own, Trump has signed orders to levy punishing taxes on imports, deport immigrants in the country illegally, fire hundreds of thousands of federal workers and freeze congressionally approved spending. There are limits to that approach as he will still need lawmakers' help to extend his 2017 tax cuts.

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NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland and Newsday family writer Beth Whitehouse have your look at the hottest toys this holiday season. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas

My Little Pony, Furby making a comeback this holiday season NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland and Newsday family writer Beth Whitehouse have your look at the hottest toys this holiday season.

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