By John Q. Hosedrinker 
As Trump’s authoritarian tendencies escalate, his disregard for legal and constitutional boundaries grows increasingly apparent. A recent PRRI poll indicates a majority of Americans view Trump as a dangerous dictator, yet significant forces capable of opposing him, such as retired military officers and the legal profession, have remained largely inactive. Despite a few instances of legal action against Trump’s actions, bar associations have generally failed to take decisive steps to defend the rule of law. The author urges new leadership within the legal community to harness the profession’s influence to combat Trump’s actions and uphold the principles of justice.
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Why Aren’t the Lawyers and Bar Associations Screaming From the Rooftops for Trump’s Impeachment? Well, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? It boils down to a few key factors, and honestly, the answer is a lot more complex than just “cowardice,” though that certainly plays a part. First, let’s look at the political realities. Impeachment, as we all know, is a political process. It requires votes in the House and a conviction in the Senate. With Republicans holding a majority, any impeachment proceedings would be dead on arrival. The Senate would not convict, plain and simple.
The timing of any such attempt is also crucial. Some believe pushing for impeachment earlier in a term could be more effective, keeping the issue fresh in voters’ minds. But others argue that waiting until the end of a term or even the beginning of a second term, after a potential conviction, can be strategically beneficial.
Money, or more accurately, the fear of losing it, also looms large. Trump targeted major law firms and universities early in his presidency. This sends a clear message. When those at the top are targeted, there is a chilling effect throughout the whole community. It creates a climate of fear. Law firms, like any business, are beholden to their clients and need to survive. Many lawyers also work for big firms that rely on the government for contracts. Going against the grain carries huge risks of alienating a powerful political figure and potentially losing out on lucrative opportunities.
There’s the simple fact that there’s a lack of power to pursue the action. The Bar Associations, by and large, lack the kind of direct power to move that is required. They can censure or disbar lawyers who cross certain lines, but they can’t force an impeachment. And even then, such actions would require time, energy and resources that many are unwilling or unable to expend. There are a variety of other professions that are also likely to disagree with Trump.
Furthermore, some legal professionals are pragmatic. They understand that a futile fight is just that: futile. Many lawyers are focused on achieving results, and launching an impeachment that has no chance of succeeding is simply not a good use of resources. Some see the whole situation as pointless. They’ve watched the previous impeachment attempts fail, and they don’t see how another one would yield a different result, especially given the current political climate.
Then there is the issue of optics. Publicly calling for impeachment can backfire. It can be seen as partisan, and potentially alienate a large segment of the population. Some firms also prefer to avoid taking a strong political stance to keep their customers.
Another significant consideration is the potential for retaliation. Trump is known for going after his perceived enemies. Any lawyer or firm who publicly advocates for his impeachment could face severe consequences. They may be targeted through audits, investigations, or other means. In short, there’s a real fear of repercussions.
Finally, it’s worth noting that not all lawyers share the same views. Some are Trump supporters, or at least they’re sympathetic to his cause. Others may simply believe that impeachment is the wrong approach. They may think it’s divisive, ineffective, or even harmful to the country.
In conclusion, the silence of the legal community on the issue of Trump’s impeachment is not just about cowardice, although that certainly plays a role. It’s about political realities, fear of retaliation, financial considerations, strategic calculations, and a diversity of opinions within the legal profession. It’s a complex tapestry of factors that helps explain why the rooftops remain relatively silent.