Fears Mount Over Trump’s Potential Misuse of Military Power in a Second Term
As concerns grow that Donald Trump may return to the White House and exploit the power of the military for his own political gains, experts are warning that the US military could become an instrument of his dictatorial rule. During his previous term, Trump was guided away from pushing the limits of presidential power by a circle of independent appointees. However, if reelected, many fear that Trump would surround himself with loyalists who would unquestioningly comply with his demands. The worry is that Trump’s recent legal theory, which claims a president can essentially do anything as long as he can’t be impeached and removed from office, could provide him with unchecked power, including the ability to assassinate political adversaries. In response, public interest groups and lawmakers are quietly developing strategies to oppose any expansion of presidential power, possibly including putting pressure on the military to resist Trump’s political agenda and filing lawsuits if necessary.
Mary McCord, executive director of the Institution for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown Law, revealed that they are assembling a team to anticipate and challenge any damaging actions Trump might take. The group aims to form a coalition with like-minded organizations to mount a defense against Trump’s potential abuses of power. Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward, emphasized the need for collective action, stating that they view this as an existential moment for American democracy and believe everyone must play a role in protecting it.
There are several concerns about Trump’s ability to mobilize the military for various purposes, from intervening in elections to suppressing domestic protests. The Insurrection Act, a tool available to presidents, grants significant discretion in determining when the deployment of active-duty military is warranted to address uprisings. Lawmakers worry that Trump may invoke this act to involve the armed forces in quashing protests or influencing election outcomes. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal is working on legislation to clarify the act and provide Congress and the courts with oversight on its use. However, its passage seems unlikely since Republicans control the House and are largely loyal to Trump.
Trump’s previous remarks about seeking retribution and his recent statement that he would be a dictator (albeit jokingly) have further fueled concerns about his potential misuse of presidential powers. William Cohen, former Republican senator and defense secretary in the Clinton administration, described Trump as a clear and present danger to the country’s democracy. Even though Trump’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment regarding the fears described in the article, his ongoing legal battles shed light on his vision of an unrestrained presidency. His legal team argues that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted for even serious crimes like bribery or murder unless Congress first impeaches and convicts him.
During a recent federal appeals court hearing, where Trump was present, one judge raised disturbing questions about the implications of this broad presidential immunity. The judge pondered what a president might do if such wide-ranging immunity were permitted. These concerns highlight the urgent need to address potential abuses of power and safeguard the principles of democracy.
In conclusion, fears are mounting that Trump could exploit the power of the military and expand presidential authority for his own political agenda if he returns to the White House. Public interest groups and lawmakers are taking proactive measures to challenge any abuses of power, including potentially pressuring the military and resorting to legal actions. The concerns revolve around Trump’s recent legal theories and his past statements about seeking retribution and embracing dictatorial powers. As the possibility of Trump’s return remains a significant factor in US politics, it is crucial to address these fears and protect the foundations of American democracy.
