By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Trump fired U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert after learning of bipartisan support for his nomination, which was a thinly veiled excuse for Trump’s desire to pursue charges against his political rivals. Siebert’s refusal to bring charges against Letitia James and James Comey ultimately led to his dismissal, as Trump has long sought to weaponize the justice system for retribution. This action is a clear violation of ethical standards and the rule of law, signaling a dangerous escalation in Trump’s efforts to punish those he views as enemies. Trump’s actions represent a stark abuse of power, potentially causing far greater damage than past political interference in the justice system.
Read the original article here
Donald Trump’s Firing of a Federal Prosecutor Crosses the Reddest of Lines. It’s hard to know where to even begin, isn’t it? We’ve seen so much, so many questionable decisions, so many actions that would have sunk any other politician. But here we are, again, discussing another instance where Donald Trump seems to have trampled on the very foundations of our democracy. The firing of a federal prosecutor, Erik Siebert, isn’t just another blip on the radar; it’s a direct assault on the integrity of our legal system. We’re not even talking about a simple disagreement or a policy dispute. This is about wielding the power of the presidency to influence, or even obstruct, the pursuit of justice.
The narrative here is pretty clear. President Trump allegedly wanted Siebert to pursue charges against his perceived enemies – individuals like New York’s Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. When Siebert didn’t play ball, he was ousted. And the replacement? Apparently someone with absolutely zero experience as a prosecutor. This is a blatant attempt to weaponize the Justice Department, transforming it from an independent institution into a tool for personal retribution and political gain. It’s a manipulation of power that, frankly, should send shivers down everyone’s spine.
We’ve heard it all before. “He crossed a line!” “This is unprecedented!” “The end of democracy!” And, unfortunately, all too often, nothing happens. It’s a pattern of behavior. Trump tests the boundaries, sees how far he can push things, and faces few, if any, consequences. And, the lack of consequences, the consistent failure to hold him accountable, is, perhaps, the most dangerous part of all. It emboldens him, and it sends a message to everyone else that the rules don’t apply. What’s to stop him from going further next time?
This incident is just another example of the systemic disregard for established norms, for the separation of powers, and for the rule of law. The Constitution, built on good faith and tradition, crumbles when those in power simply choose to ignore it. It’s almost as if the red lines have blurred into a single, continuous, crimson stain, a testament to how far the standards have slipped. What happened on January 6th already crossed the reddest of lines.
And it’s not just about Trump, either. The enablers – the people who look the other way, who make excuses, who prioritize party loyalty over principle – they are complicit. We’re not just talking about his supporters, either. It’s about everyone who sits on the sidelines, who fails to speak out, who lets this erosion of democratic principles continue.
The frustration is palpable. How many times can someone cross a line, any line, and get away with it? We’ve had the coup, the attacks on the Capitol, the blatant lies, the abuse of power, the attacks on the media, and the demonization of anyone who dares to disagree with him. And here we are again. The lack of action from Congress, from the Justice Department, is deeply disheartening. The founding fathers would be appalled.
Some might argue that there are “redder” lines, that previous actions were more egregious. But that’s missing the point. Each transgression chips away at the foundations of our republic. Each instance of impunity normalizes the behavior. The cumulative effect is devastating.
It is a sad truth that many have lost faith in the ability of the institutions to hold Trump and his enablers accountable. And the fact that nothing may come of this latest incident reinforces that sentiment. It’s a dangerous cycle: the crossing of lines, the lack of consequences, the erosion of trust, and the steady march toward a more authoritarian style of governance.
There are no more red lines to cross. Every day we are left with more instances where he just does whatever he wants. The concern isn’t what happens next. The issue is that he has gotten away with it for so long. How can anyone trust any process when this is happening?