By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Trump’s military actions in Venezuela, including the bombing of Caracas and the abduction of President Maduro, have sparked widespread criticism and calls for his impeachment. Experts in international law, such as Yale Law School professor Oona Hathaway, have argued that these actions lack a legal basis and contradict the UN charter, particularly regarding self-defense justifications. Furthermore, the seizure of Venezuela’s oil could violate the Fourth Geneva Convention. Critics across various sectors denounce the actions as morally wrong, illegal, and warranting immediate congressional intervention to stop the escalation and hold the administration accountable.
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‘None of This Is Legal… Trump Should Be Impeached’: Will Congress Act Against Trump Lawlessness? This question, posed with a sense of exasperation, encapsulates the prevailing sentiment among many observers regarding the potential for congressional action against Donald Trump. The overwhelming response, distilled from the collective online commentary, is a resounding “no.” The reasons are complex, stemming from a combination of political realities, partisan divides, and perceived lack of will within Congress.
Even if one were to entertain the possibility of the Democrats gaining more traction in the midterms, the consensus suggests that it’s unlikely they’d possess the necessary votes to secure Trump’s removal from office. The specter of multiple impeachment proceedings, should the Democrats even attempt to initiate such a process, is a real possibility, yet many consider it a futile exercise, a mere political gesture. The underlying frustration points to a legislative structure deemed by many as fundamentally flawed, one that seems incapable of effectively representing the interests of the American people.
The very premise of action against Trump often feels like a rhetorical exercise. Many are quick to point out the perceived hypocrisy and selective outrage that plagues the political discourse. The focus shifts away from the core issues at hand, replaced by what feels like political games. The emphasis then turns to what truly matters to voters, implying the impeachment question is a distraction, a sideshow that detracts from more pressing concerns.
The sentiment that Congress is failing to act echoes throughout the comments. The overall tone is one of disillusionment, suggesting a profound lack of faith in the ability of the legislative branch to hold Trump accountable. The criticisms extend to both parties, but it’s the Republican Party which draws the harshest scrutiny. Many accuse the GOP of abandoning its responsibilities to the country and of prioritizing party loyalty over the tenets of the Constitution.
The perceived reasons for inaction are varied. Some see the Republican Party as being entirely beholden to Trump, with members acting as “bootlickers” who prioritize his interests above all else. Others believe that the Democrats lack the resolve and political maneuvering skills necessary to mount a successful challenge. It is seen as being a symptom of the current political climate where political calculations, campaign donations and power struggles overshadow any sense of duty to serve the public.
The commentary doesn’t just focus on the actions of Trump. The inaction of Congress is seen as a sign of the United States’ loss of global standing and a blow to the country’s image. There is a sense that the US is failing to be a “voice of reason” on the global stage. This perceived shift in America’s role in the world is attributed to the lack of consequences for Trump’s actions, and the silence from Congress only compounds the problem.
The discussion frequently pivots to the subject of “legality” itself, with several commenters dismissing it as secondary to the larger picture. The comments seem to place more significance on the moral and ethical dimensions of Trump’s actions rather than strictly legalistic arguments. A common thread reveals that voters are disillusioned and believe the system is rigged. It can also be seen that any chance of holding Trump accountable is a mere fantasy.
The conversation is not limited to the potential for impeachment. There are also discussions about the need for a cohesive political platform, the importance of strong candidates, and the frustration that the Democrats’ political strategies are limited. Ultimately, the question of whether Congress will act against Trump’s perceived lawlessness is met with widespread skepticism. The overwhelming conclusion seems to be that they will not.