Checks and Balances

Hidden Bill Provision Could Cripple US Courts

A recently passed House bill contains a provision significantly limiting the courts’ ability to enforce injunctions and restraining orders unless a security bond is provided by the plaintiff. This effectively renders many existing injunctions unenforceable, impacting cases ranging from antitrust to school desegregation. Legal experts argue this serves to weaken judicial power and is likely a response to the Trump administration’s numerous legal defeats. The provision’s constitutionality is highly questionable, yet its passage marks a significant challenge to the independence of the judiciary.

Read More

Trump’s Economic Sabotage: Experts Sound the Alarm

Senator Rubio erroneously asserted a dichotomy between the federal and judicial branches, claiming immunity from judicial oversight in foreign policy matters. This statement reveals a disregard for the three-branch system of checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution. His position reflects a belief in executive supremacy, echoing the Trump administration’s apparent view of unchecked presidential power. This perspective, potentially emboldened by recent Supreme Court rulings, allows for actions like deportations without due process.

Read More

Rubio Claims Immunity From Judicial Oversight: Defiance Sparks Outrage

Senator Rubio erroneously stated a two-branch government model, ignoring the legislative branch, and further asserted his noncompliance with judicial oversight of foreign policy decisions. This declaration reveals a disregard for the constitutional principle of separation of powers and checks and balances. Rubio’s position aligns with the Trump administration’s apparent belief in unchecked presidential authority, potentially emboldened by recent Supreme Court rulings on presidential immunity. The resulting actions, such as deportations without due process, demonstrate a president operating outside the constraints of law.

Read More

Trump’s Emergency Declarations: Power Grab or Necessary Action?

President Trump’s frequent declarations of national emergency, totaling eight within his first 100 days, far exceed those of previous administrations. These declarations, encompassing issues ranging from border security to trade disputes, grant the president access to special authorities not otherwise available. The legality of these actions is being challenged in court, raising concerns about the potential for abuse of emergency powers. These powers, stemming from legislation dating back to World War I and codified in the National Emergencies Act, grant the president extensive control over various aspects of national life, raising questions about the appropriate balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

Read More

GOP Blocks Democratic Oversight Votes

House Republicans passed a rule delaying Democratic investigations into the Trump administration until October. This blocks “resolutions of inquiry,” which force votes on information requests from the executive branch. The move, justified by Speaker Johnson as preventing “political stunts,” is seen by critics as an attempt to shield the administration from scrutiny regarding numerous scandals. These scandals include controversies surrounding Elon Musk, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal, and other issues. The Republican action effectively prevents Democrats from using the resolutions to compel information and documents.

Read More

Resisting Trump: Why Apathy Is Not An Option

The American constitutional system relies on the self-interest of its leaders to prevent tyranny, as Madison argued in Federalist 51. Initially, a lack of ambition among politicians led to a reluctance to challenge the president. However, a recent shift is evident, with ambition resurfacing as demonstrated by Senator Van Hollen’s visit to El Salvador to meet with a victim of the Trump administration’s policies, highlighting a renewed willingness to confront executive power. This signals a potential return to a more robust system of checks and balances.

Read More

Trump Defies Court Ruling: Is the Constitution Finished?

If Trump flouts the Abrego Garcia rulings, the Constitution is done. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario; the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision demands action, yet the administration’s inaction speaks volumes. The delay alone suggests a blatant disregard for the rule of law, a cornerstone of our constitutional democracy. We’re not merely witnessing a disagreement; we’re observing a potential unraveling of the very fabric of our governance.

If Trump continues to defy this ruling, it will not only be a violation of the court’s authority but a direct assault on the foundational principles upon which the country operates. The Constitution isn’t simply a document; it represents the agreement between the governed and the government, an agreement now seemingly under threat of being unilaterally broken.… Continue reading

Congress Must Stop Trump: Voters’ Powerless Against Runaway Presidency

Trump 2.0 is a runaway dump truck, barreling down the road toward a cliff, and the brakes are failing. It’s a terrifying image, a metaphor for a political situation spiraling out of control. The sheer momentum of this force, fueled by a potent mix of political maneuvering and fervent support, seems unstoppable. But the assertion that only voters can stop it is, at best, an incomplete picture.

The idea that voters alone bear the responsibility for this impending disaster ignores several crucial elements at play. Congress, with its power of impeachment, holds significant influence over the situation. The suggestion that a relatively small number of individuals—less than twenty, even—could theoretically halt the entire process underscores the potential for swift, decisive action from within the existing political framework.… Continue reading

Democrat Calls for Trump Impeachment Over Supreme Court Defiance

Representative Thanedar is calling for President Trump’s impeachment due to the administration’s defiance of a Supreme Court ruling ordering the return of a deported individual. A federal judge found probable cause for holding the administration in criminal contempt, though prosecution remains at the Department of Justice’s discretion. Thanedar asserts this non-compliance constitutes impeachable conduct. This follows Trump’s prior impeachments and his own recent call for the judge’s impeachment.

Read More

Trump Defies Supreme Court: Uncharted Waters or Familiar History?

The Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling ordering the Trump administration to facilitate the return of Salvadoran national Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to the US has been ignored by the president. This defiance stems from conflicting justifications, ranging from claims of judicial overreach in foreign policy matters to assertions of El Salvador’s sole responsibility. Trump’s actions represent a significant departure from established norms, potentially undermining the system of checks and balances intended to prevent executive overreach. The precedent set by ignoring a Supreme Court order raises concerns about the future of American governance.

Read More