nope, he's told what to do with everything. he cannot do anything without the other party members approving, this is called checks and balances, it's 7th grade civics... that simple, civics. i'm guessing you didn't pay attention to that class? you saying the president has actual power is probably the most idiotic statement I've heard all day.
Obama's brother was taking about Obama's personally and distance, and his lack of effort to be a brother. Especially in the context of the President's ability to make meetings with people he wants to meet with. Not the President's legislative history. Also, the President has executive powers.
his executive powers mean nothing when a small-time judge can thwart them for this reason or another. he has no power, executive powers don't really exist, they are only there to entice people to become president
they told trump this right before his inauguration, which is why he looked so damn pissed as he walked up stage, because he realized he had more power as a celebrity than he does as the president. Hillary Clinton still has more power and influence than trump does for the same reason.