Almost 250 years ago, the American colonists rejected the rule of King George III by listing their grievances against him with the Declaration of Independence. Today, Americans claim similar grievances against Donald Trump, whom they see as a would-be King. Once again, a quarter of a millennium later, there are calls for “no Kings”.
The colonists raged against taxation without representation. They resented the King’s imposition of tariffs (taxes) on several essential imported goods, including tea, without any say by their colonial representatives. On July 4, 1776, the colonists broke away from the King, “For imposing Taxes on us without our consent” and “For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world.”
Americans today are taxed without representation, and their foreign trade is interrupted capriciously. Even though Trump denies that his tariffs are a tax on Americans, they will pay tens of billions of dollars this year alone under his tariffs. Worse, he imposes them unlawfully, country by country, without Congressional consent in highly erratic ways, creating chaos, which often devastates existing trade. Just this week he said he would impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese imports in retaliation for their actions. China already had stopped buying soybeans from the US because of Trump tariffs.
In addition, in 1776 our ancestors complained about the King’s incitement of insurrectionists among the colonies: “He has excited domestic insurrectionists amongst us…” Today, Americans cannot forget Donald Trump inciting the January 6 insurrection against our Capitol and the lawfully elected government. Then he pardoned all, including the violent insurrectionists. He continues to sow strife among us.
The colonists resented the deployment of British troops, often mercenaries, within the colonies without their permission: “He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislature.” Similarly, Trump has called up the national guard to deploy in several Democratic-led U.S. cities, against the pleas of mayors, governors, and legislatures who urge Trump to stay out. He even ordered the deployment of 400 Texas National Guard troops to other states, including Oregon and Illinois, to fight threats that Trump imagines. Americans suspect that Trump wants us conditioned to accept constant military deployments in our cities, despite its unlawfulness, and they resent it.
The colonists understood the importance of the legal principle of innocent until proven guilty. In 1776, they protested, “For depriving us in many cases of the benefits of trial by jury.” Unlike any other president, Donald Trump publicly accuses individuals by name, especially his enemies, of criminal acts without indictment, trial or conviction. Governors or mayors who oppose him he proclaims “should be in jail. (So much for innocent until proven guilty.) Trump’s retribution against his enemies seems aimed at making their life hell, whether a conviction is ever obtained.) He publicly ordered his Attorney General, Pam Bondi, whom he treats as his personal attorney, to prosecute former FBI Chief James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA). He has accused Joe Biden, former FBI officials, and the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley of treason. He even called for Milley’s execution.
The colonists complained about the King’s interference with the rule of law. The colonial legislatures could write laws, but they took effect only if the King or his governor “assented” to these measures. The Declaration of Independence complained, “He has refused his assent to Laws.” The King’s refusal interfered with the establishment of the rule of law by colonial legislatures.
Today, President Trump substitutes himself for our national legislature. He has issued hundreds of executive orders that he directs our federal, even state and local, government to follow, as if Congress enacted them.
He has no power to defeat laws by failing to assent to them. He simply disobeys them, thwarting the rule of law. When his violations are challenged in court, he defends with strained, unprecedented interpretations of law that would enhance his power. He automatically appeals rulings against him, usually all the way to the Supreme Court, causing delay and confusion in the lower courts. Trump systematically challenges even bedrock laws, including clearly stated language in the Constitution, such as the birthright citizenship.
The colonists also objected to their deportation to England to stand trial on fabricated charges. The Declaration of Independence cited, “For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offenses.” Today, Americans object to Trump deporting alleged unlawful immigrants to stand trial, even for violations of U.S. law, in third-party nations where they have no ties.
The conclusion in the Declaration of Independence was:
“A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.” That is still true today.
Jim Bruce
Talbot County
There will be a No Kings protest in Easton on Saturday, October 18th. Learn more here.
Michele Dappert says
Well said!! Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.
Lance Simon says
Looking forward to marching against Kings with you, Jim! Thank you for this inspirational editorial.
Michael Pullen says
A terrific analysis and a compelling comparison. Will Americans today respond with the courage displayed by the colonists 250 years ago?
Just as in 1776, silence and complacency are not options in these times.
Peaceful protest, non-violent resistance, speaking out, standing up and standing together for the same principles on which the very idea of America was born is what the times require.
Let freedom ring out loud with our message: tyrants and kings and have no place here.
Wilson Dean says
This article is an excellent lesson as to how deeply President Trump’s actions run counter to the fundamentals upon which our country was founded. As was the case almost 250 years ago, it is up to the people to reject this kind of leadership as unacceptable.
Jim Franke says
Some wonder about what underlying issues might explain the actions of tyrants. For example, King George III began to experience significant mental health issues in the 1770s. Hmm.
jane says
Trump is acting as if he were a king. It is time some of the Republicans in Congress stood up to him instead of fearing being “primaried”.
ALEXIS MAESTRE-SABORIT says
NO KING,TRUMP FASCIST.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Trump is a demented old man who is being propped up by his “Kingmakers” Miller and other senior staff who
are actually”ruling”. They are the ones to focus on as Trump is only in office to enrich himself and to continue to turn the White House into a golden bordello.
We attended the No Kings protest in Florence, Italy. There were hundreds of us. There is something stirring and
I sense a rise in understanding how dangerously close our nation is towards total fascism.
Never backdown to fascist. Ever.
Mary Smith says
Practically speaking, our daily lives are shaped far more by local government than by anything happening in Washington. In Talbot County, unelected conservation groups and major donors dominate policy discussions and planning decisions, often outweighing the needs of everyday residents. It’s become nearly impossible to grow a small business, build affordable homes, or bring basic services anywhere outside Easton. Families still drive miles for groceries, doctors, and childcare because preserving views always comes before community needs. Local control should mean freedom and opportunity for everyone, not a system that leaves regular people frozen out.