Trump Refutes Founding Fathers Saying Nation Should Be Ruled By Men Not Laws

In a recent interview with Time magazine, President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about the United States being governed by laws, suggesting instead that personal judgments from individuals like himself play a significant role in legal administration. This remark is particularly alarming coming from a sitting president, as it undermines a foundational principle of democracy that maintains all individuals are subject to the law.

During the interview, Trump was questioned about adding a portrait of John Adams to the Oval Office, a figure who famously stated, “we’re a government ruled by laws, not by men.” Trump’s response reveals a troubling dismissal of this idea, as he notes, “We are a government where men are involved in the process of law.” His implication that laws can be interpreted based on individual influence only reflects his attempts to reshape the nation’s legal framework to suit his agenda.

Further compounding concerns about his adherence to the rule of law, Trump hinted at his desire to exploit legal loopholes to potentially secure a third presidential term. He claimed to be overwhelmed with requests from supporters urging him to pursue this path. Despite his public avowal against exploiting loopholes, Trump has repeatedly engaged in tactics that disregard judicial boundaries, especially regarding immigration policy.

One glaring instance of this disregard for legality involves the deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully removed to a dangerous El Salvadoran prison. Trump deflected responsibility for upholding court orders for Garcia’s return, claiming he left those matters to his lawyers. Instead of addressing the importance of due process, he surprisingly suggested that the Salvadoran president, Nayib Bukele, was uncooperative, while also perpetuating false narratives about Garcia’s character.

Moreover, in a shocking statement, Trump indicated he would support the deportation of American citizens to foreign prisons, portraying the notion as a legitimate legal consideration. His comments not only reveal an alarming authoritarian inclination but also demonstrate a profound misunderstanding of the legal systems he ostensibly governs. Trump’s administration has consistently flouted court rulings, emphasizing his and the Republican Party’s disturbing trend towards undermining democratic norms and expanding executive power at the expense of justice.

(h/t: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-time-interview-us-nation-laws-1235325085/)