During his 2016 campaign, Trump said, “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot someone, and I still wouldn’t lose any votes, OK? It’s like incredible.”
I’m starting to think Trump could shoot someone during this term, and Congress still wouldn’t move to impeach him. Constitutional scholars have authored a series of articles that state that any one of the following deeds merits the initiation of the impeachment process.
Unconstitutionally usurping Congress’s power to declare war.
Committing treason by levying war against the U.S., individual states, and their people.
Abusing his power by inciting violence, including murder, in Minnesota and covering up the execution of Minnesota civilians by ICE agents.
Calling for the execution of members of Congress.
Illegally kidnapping, detaining, and removing U.S residents.
Unconstitutionally and systemically violating the First Amendment.
Defying court orders, threatening judges, and unconstitutionally usurping judicial authority.
Abusing investigatory and prosecutorial powers.
Abusing his power to remove nonpartisan civil servants, punish perceived adversaries, and reshape federal agencies.
Unlawful extortion of private industry.
Engaging in corruption for his own and his close associates’ personal enrichment.
Co-opting and dismantling independent government oversight of businesses, government institutions, and law enforcement.
Imposing unlawful tariffs.
Receiving foreign and domestic emoluments.
Unconstitutionally usurping local and state authority.
Abusing emergency and pardon powers.
Abusing his power to deprive the American public of accurate political, historic, scientific, and medical information.
Unlawfully aggregating and disseminating private data in violation of individual privacy and liberty rights.
Depriving citizens of their birthright citizenship.
Blocking efforts to secure U.S. elections.
Engaging in unlawful, corrupt practices during the 2024 presidential campaign.
All the above actions remind us that Trump is dismantling our democratic institutions to consolidate his own power, silence his opponents, shield himself from accountability, and establish an authoritarian regime.
Between the Supreme Court and Congress, in many ways Trump’s power has gone unchecked. I understand the pros and cons of initiating the impeachment process, but I also understand the dangers of ignoring blatantly illegal power grabs.
Edmund Burke once wrote, “The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.”
During these times that try men’s souls, we must identify and address such abuse. Our democracy depends on it.
14 Responses
Enough for me.
How about an impeachment, easy conviction on any number of the crimes; never mind treasonous insurectionist on 1/6/21 where 5 people were murdered & $3 million damage to Capital by Trump’s ‘patriots’ and he still has to answer for his obvious crimes with children on Lolita Island.
Gallows or military firing squad.
Bob, you make great points. Thanks.
Guillotine
A useful and rather short checklist! Trump himself has recognized that he will be impeached in the House if Democrats obtain the majority in this year’s election. Alas, the prospects that two thirds of the Senate will vote to convict are quite dim. But one can hope!
J. T. I agree. It probably won’t happen but the list is depressingly long.
This is a very good list. Thank you. Reading it, however, is depressing.
Republicans in Congress are also acting in a way that is unconstitutional. They have decided to do nothing. They are ignoring their responsibility. But, they are all getting paid as if they are working.
Our own Andy Harris could be a poster child for shirking responsibility. While Congress can’t pass a budget, he goes to Hungry to support Viktor Orban, their fascist dictator.
I hope when Democrats are in charge, that they don’t repeat the mistakes of the Biden administration and refuse to prosecute crimes. They should be keeping a list like Ms. Grant has, and doing something with it in 2027.
Michael, thanks for writing. You make a great point about Andy Harris. He is the absolute worst and a complete embarrassment. Please tell me he won’t get reelected.
You can add to this list, his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records: remember the scheme to cover up the hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 presidential election?
Robin, you are right. I was only talking about the last 15 months. A longer time frame means a much longer list. Thanks for writing.
Thanks for the list. It’s a reality check on the state of the United Sates, with Republicans controlling the White House, Congress, and Trump running wildly out of control both here at home and internationally.
Republicans’ failure to hold him in check is leading the US and the world into a new post- WW II world order where the powerful do what they want and the weak do what they must. Not a safe or pretty picture for our children, grandchildren, or our Country.
Michael, thanks for writing. You make excellent points.
His presidency is a stain upon the mantle of our democracy. May our nation be shriven of his apostasy.
Bishop Johnson, Amen!
Based on history, Trump will likely skate. In my opinion, the better alternative is to go after the next layers down. Hegseth is an easy one; he can be flown out to the Hague in a heartbeat.