I mostly agree with former VA Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, a Trump-supporting conservative Republican, on this one. Although Bolling’s still waaaayy underplaying the significance, urgency and danger of what Trump and Musk are up to, which is basically to seize power for the president, take it away from Congress, violate the law and the constitution at will, etc. But yes, as Bolling says:
“Trump’s actions will no doubt once again trigger a constitutional challenge. USAID was created and funded by an act of Congress, and there is a serious constitutional question as to whether the President has the unilaterial power to shut down an agency that was created and funded by Congress.
As we see these efforts to exert more control over the federal govenrment by the Trump adnministration, it is important to keep in mind that America does not have an Imperial Presidency. Presidents have certain powers in our democratic system, and certain powers are reserved for Congress.
If we are going to cede these types of broad powers to the President, some may like the decisions President Trump will make, but they may not like the decisions the next Democratic President may make. That is why the President has limited powers in our system.”
By the way, why are we getting stronger responses from Republicans, including ones that support Trump (like Bill Bolling), than from the vast majority of Democrats, who seem to be fixated on egg prices, etc., even as Trump/Musk rapidly dismantle our government, deprive Congress of its constitutionally mandated authorities, etc??? Because as this astute comment points out, “The power to preserve our constitutional republic lies with the people, but we require our elected officials to stand with us in naming this crisis for what it is. We do not have time.”
Sign up for the Blue Virginia weekly newsletter
