The appropriation process is real. It’s just that Trump treats it as discretionary. The federal budget is really big, and much of it he doesn’t care to disturb and never will. This is emblematic of authoritarian systems. Much of it hums along as before, unless and until the regime decides it won’t….
I agree with the main point, though, that Democratic leadership is not acting like this is the constitutional emergency it is. It’s as if they’re waiting for him to grow a mustache and put on a military uniform.
The critical issue is: are we governed by laws or by the whims of a person? Are institutions an expression of collective decision making or the instruments of a personality? The media reports on his edicts and assumes his will shall be done. We are surprised when courts object and wait for SCOTUS 1/
And when he is checked, is it actually law that constrains him? Dictators do not have truly absolute power. Roman Emperors had to carefully manage their actions to avoid alienating the city, right? But the limitations on power stem from purely political considerations, not legal constraints. 2/
Trump can arrest Ras Baraka. He can’t (yet) imprison him indefinitely. Both actions are illegal. I don’t think it holds to say that in the second instance the law is what’s constraining him. /3
And yes, all law is politically constructed. But in most moments here we assume that the law is in force. Leaders work to show that their actions are consistent with law—even when they are breaking critical laws. (W didn’t admit he was a torturer.) /4
Trump says, “I am the law.” And popular reporting increasingly acquiesces to this frame. Popular opinion increasingly assumes this is how things will ultimately shake out. /end
@schumer.senate.gov and @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social will lose their positions if they don’t step up. What a huge error on their part. Who is giving them such misguided advice?
This Congress has made themselves irrelevant.