Category: Forever Presidency

Trump primes supporters for a third term and beyond.

Trump’s Dangerous Push for an Endless Presidency Threatens American Democracy

Donald Trump recently toyed with the idea of remaining in office indefinitely, even suggesting that it would not be a bad idea. During his speech at the Israeli-American Council National Summit, he boasted about his presidency as the best for Israel, detailing controversial actions like moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This decision has been met with global backlash, especially from Palestinians who consider Jerusalem their capital.

In his remarks, Trump implied a desire to extend his time in power, claiming that some had joked about him not leaving office. Trump recounted conversations with supporters, hinting at future scenarios where he could remain president, saying, “these people are so stupid… now we have to start thinking about that.” This raises serious concerns about his understanding of democratic principles and the peaceful transfer of power.

Amid audience cheers, he continued, “When they all scream ‘four more years! Four more years!’ I always say, ‘make it 12 years,’” suggesting he would revel in driving his critics into frustration. This rhetoric mirrors authoritarian tendencies, where the leader seeks to undermine democratic norms for personal ambition.

Concerns about Trump’s potential refusal to leave office have been previously echoed by political commentators and even his former associates. Issues of potential civil unrest were raised by figures like Bill Maher and Michael Cohen, who articulated fears of a violent reaction should Trump lose an election, reinforcing the idea that his commitment to democracy is superficial at best.

As Trump continues to normalize such undemocratic sentiments, it becomes clear that his vision extends beyond the presidency into a realm of quasi-dictatorship. This stance poses a profound threat to American democracy, making it imperative for citizens and lawmakers to remain vigilant against any encroachments by Trump and his Republican allies.

(h/t: https://www.newsweek.com/trump-jokes-he-wont-leave-presidency-after-8-years-its-not-bad-idea-1476178)

Trump Advocates for Lifelong Presidency at Taxpayer-Funded Event in North Carolina

Former President Donald Trump delivered a contentious speech at the Opportunity Now Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he boldly floated the idea of extending presidential terms, undermining democratic norms with his flippant remarks about serving beyond the two-term limit. This alarming suggestion, presented in a taxpayer-funded event that resembled more of a political rally than a national address, drew immediate criticism for its blatant disregard of constitutional principles.

During his speech, Trump dismissed legitimate media coverage as “fake news” and attacked Democratic leaders, attempting to distract from the significant issues plaguing the nation. He emphasized his administration’s economic narrative, selectively highlighting statistics while ignoring the broader economic disparities and injustices that persist across communities, particularly affecting marginalized populations.

Trump’s comments about the importance of maintaining his rally-style events—even if he secures reelection—further indicate his intention to blur the lines between official duties and personal political ambitions, raising ethical concerns about the misuse of public resources for private gain. His remarks, framed as humorous, effectively trivialize the critical state of American democracy.

Additionally, his speech included references to “criminal justice reform” and economic initiatives, purportedly geared towards benefiting underserved communities. However, these statements often come under scrutiny as mere rhetorical devices rather than substantive policy changes, leaving many to question the sincerity of such claims.

This event, coupled with Trump’s recent Senate acquittal, highlights a troubling trend in which the former president continuously portrays himself as a victim, blaming external forces for his administration’s challenges. Such tactics not only undermine public trust but also serve to further entrench division within the political landscape, reflecting a broader authoritarian inclination that threatens the foundations of democracy.

(h/t: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-north-carolina-opportunity-now-summit-charlotte-north-carolina-watch-live-stream-today-2020-02-07/)

Trump immediately refuted the Republican idea he was chastened by impeachment

Minutes after the Senate vote to acquit him on Wednesday afternoon, President Donald Trump posted a tweet undercutting the belief a number of Republican senators expressed in recent days that getting impeached might prompt him to tone it down a little.

Trump posted a video with an edited animation of a Time magazine cover teasing that he, or at the very least someone with the same last name, will be running for president in 2020, 2024, 2028, and beyond. It ends with Trump standing being an election placard reading, “TRUMP 4EVA.”

Trump regularly jokes about serving more than two terms in office. Coming from someone who’s supposedly the leader of the free world, Trump’s quips along these lines are never in good taste. But alluding to them in the immediate aftermath of a trial in which a bipartisan group of senators voted for his removal from office is especially brazen.

Meanwhile, the Trump campaign’s official Twitter account posted a tweet making a mockery of the entire impeachment proceedings.

None of this is surprising at this stage of the Trump presidency. But it does reveal the absurdity of the talking points used by Republican Sens. Susan Collins (ME), Lamar Alexander (TN), and Rob Portman(OH), each of whom indicated in recent days they believe Trump learned a lesson from getting impeached and will behave better going forward.

That talking point was self-evidently absurd for anyone operating with a basic understanding of the timeline that culminated in Trump’s impeachment. The call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in which Trump implicitly linked the release of military aid to Ukraine helping with investigations into his political foes took place on July 25 — just one day after special counsel Robert Mueller wound down his investigation of the president by testifying to Congress and saying Trump could be indicted after his term for obstructing justice because of his interference with the Russia investigation.

So instead of responding to the end of the Russia investigation by cooling his jets, Trump was on the phone with the Ukrainian president the very next day trying to solicit political favors — the very same conduct that fueled suspicions about his Russia dealings in the first place. With Republican senators now having voted to let him off the hook for that conduct, there’s no reason to think he won’t try and do it again.

Trump is who he is. Republican senators who justified impeaching him partly because they thought he’d be chastened by the experience were either fooling themselves or the American people. Trump’s initial response to being impeached made that perfectly clear.

[Vox]

Trump’s Disturbing Remarks on Presidential Term Limits Threaten Democracy

President Donald Trump’s recent flippant comments about potentially extending his presidency beyond the constitutional two-term limit reveal a troubling disregard for democratic norms. During various appearances, Trump has claimed he might not leave office, stating, “Four more years, four more years,” and even jesting about serving for a total of 12 years, indicating he strives to provoke the media’s ire. Despite framing these remarks as humor, the implications suggest a serious threat to the democratic process.

This pattern of rhetoric is not new; since taking office in 2017, Trump has made at least 27 references to the idea of remaining in power beyond prescribed limits. Such declarations tap into authoritarian tendencies and resonate with his base, reinforcing their adoration for him as an indispensable leader. Trump’s comments can easily be interpreted as a test of loyalty among supporters, who amplify his suggestions, often with chants of “Twelve more years!”

Moreover, Trump’s historical reluctance to accept election results raises questions about his intentions if future elections do not favor him. He is known for insinuating that elections are “rigged” or “stolen” when results are unfavorable, employing the notion of voter fraud without any substantiated evidence. These tactics threaten to destabilize trust in the electoral process and exemplify a broader fascist creep within the Republican Party.

The potential fallout from Trump’s reckless claims grows, especially in a deeply polarized political climate. With implications that carry into tightly contested states, Trump could declare victory prematurely, casting doubt on legitimate ballots that take time to count. This sets the stage for chaos, with Trump and his followers potentially disputing the vote count based solely on his initial lead.

These comments, even if intended as jokes or rhetorical flourishes, underscore a significant risk to American democracy. They point to a willingness to undermine foundational principles of governance in favor of consolidating power and can lead to severe repercussions if left unchecked. The road to loss of democratic integrity, paved with humor, is fraught with peril for the future of the nation.

(h/t: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/02/trump-jokes-rigged-elections-chaos.html)

Trump Flirts with a Third Term, Undermines Constitutional Limits at Prayer Event

During a recent White House prayer event, Donald Trump made alarming comments regarding his desire to extend his presidency beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms. He joked about possibly serving a third term, saying, “So while I’m president — which will be hopefully for 5 years, and I dunno, maybe we’ll work with the media on a major extension of that.” This flippant remark highlights a disturbing trend within the Republican Party, where adherence to democratic norms is increasingly questioned in favor of authoritarian ambitions.

Trump’s comments were made amidst the backdrop of his ongoing impeachment trial, revealing the pressure he faces. However, rather than addressing serious constitutional issues, he chose to pander to his audience with absurd jokes. By trivializing the sacred principles of American democracy, Trump not only undermines the significance of the electoral process but also emboldens his followers in their disdain for established democratic limits.

The setting of the National Prayer Breakfast, typically a bipartisan event honoring faith, became an alarming platform for Trump’s authoritarian messaging. His casual dismissal of the 22nd Amendment serves as a blatant disregard for the rule of law and reflects a broader trend in Republican rhetoric that seeks to normalize undemocratic behavior. This indicates a troubling path forward for a party that increasingly embraces disregard for both the Constitution and institutional checks.

Trump’s ability to make light of such a serious issue further demonstrates his contempt for democratic norms and the rule of law. The implications of such statements are profound, as they further entrench the idea that the presidency can be seen as a personal empire rather than a role bound by constitutional limitations. This pattern showcases how Trump, with the support of the Republican establishment, continues to threaten the foundations of American democracy.

(h/t: https://www.vox.com/2020/1/17/21070218/trump-prayer-event-impeachment)

Trump’s Rupp Rally: A Push for Authoritarianism

During a rally at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, President Donald Trump pushed his vision of a prolonged hold on power, hinting at a potential 21-year presidency. Referring to his critics, he asserted, “You know he’s never leaving office,” promoting serious concerns about his respect for democratic values and the U.S. Constitution. This rhetoric represents a chilling move towards authoritarianism, as Trump’s desire for a “forever presidency” continues to undermine the democratic institutions upon which the nation relies.

Last week, the Democrats voted to try and nullify the ballots of tens of millions of Americans to be exact, 63 million people disgracing themselves and bringing shame upon the House of Representatives. They’ve been plotting to overthrow the election since the first hour that we won and actually before we won they were plotting to overthrow this election before we won.

19 minutes after I took the oath of office, the disgusting Washington Post — look at all these people back there, look. [Audience shouts “Boo”] Fake news media, it’s the fake news, look at all of them. What they don’t know is that when we hang it up in five years or nine years or 13 years or maybe 17 years or maybe if I still have the strength, 21 years.

See now, they’re going crazy. Now, they’re saying see, I told you, he was a dictator. He wants to take charge, in control of our country. These people are crazy. You have — you have one nut job on television, he’s sitting down, doing an interview recently, and he looks at the person he’s interviewing, and he goes like he’s in total depression, total depression.

Trump’s remarks came during a campaign rally for incumbent Republican Governor Matt Bevin, who is facing a tight race against Democrat Andy Beshear. Trump’s support for Bevin was framed within a context of fear, as he painted the Democrats as radical and intent on destroying traditional American values. This rhetoric not only stokes division but also distracts from the pressing issues faced by the state, where Republican policies have led to adverse outcomes for many residents.

At the rally, Trump also lashed out against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, dismissing her governance and reaching for populist sentiments by criticizing homelessness and drug abuse in her district. This tactic serves as an attempt to shift blame onto Democrats while conveniently overlooking the substantial issues under Republican led administrations. These comments trivialize the serious consequences of neglect in addressing social issues, presenting a façade of control that further signifies his manipulative governance style.

Moreover, Trump’s rally featured a continuous attack on the news media, specifically targeting The Washington Post as “disgusting”, a common theme in his speeches that promotes a narrative filled with hostility toward journalistic integrity. This hostility not only delegitimizes the free press but encourages an environment where misinformation thrives, thus placing the principle of transparency in jeopardy as partisan attacks dominate Trump’s approach to politics.

The close race between Bevin and Beshear indicates a fracture within Kentucky’s Republican base, despite Trump’s strong approval ratings in the state. By framing the election as a battle against “open border fanatics,” Trump is blatantly employing racially charged and xenophobic rhetoric to galvanize support. Trump’s rally reflects a deeper agenda of promoting fascism under the guise of patriotism, revealing his true intentions to centralize power and dismantle the democratic fabric of the country.

(h/t: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-rally-lexington-kentucky-today-maga-2020-campaign-rupp-arena-2019-11-04/)

Trump’s Vision of a Permanent Presidency Threatens Democracy and Civil Liberties

At the Values Voter Summit, President Donald Trump delivered a combative address, painting Democrats as “crazy” amid the impeachment inquiry against him. He focused on rallying his conservative base, while simultaneously attacking House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others involved in the investigation, revealing a concerning trend of political violence and intimidation linked to the Trump administration’s rhetoric.

Trump’s remarks highlighted his controversial decision to withdraw troops from Syria, an action he framed as a necessary step to end “never-ending wars.” This fallacious justification ignores the complex geopolitical ramifications and the increased risk to Kurdish forces, demonstrating a lack of understanding and compassion for international allies who had relied on the United States for support.

His speech also reinforced regressive views on various social issues, including abortion and LGBTQ rights. Trump falsely claimed that Democratic candidates, like Beto O’Rourke, sought to revoke tax-exempt status from churches that oppose same-sex marriage, which is a manipulation of facts aimed at inciting fear among conservative audiences.

Throughout his address, Trump alluded to an enduring presidency, suggesting that if re-elected, his leadership would not be transient. Comments implying a desire for an extended political presence reflect a troubling trend among far-right leaders who challenge democratic norms in favor of authoritarian governance.

The Values Voter Summit, heavily attended by evangelical Christians, serves as a platform for Trump to solidify his base, revealing the extent to which his administration continues to erode civil liberties and democratic traditions in pursuit of unpopular and divisive policies.

(h/t: https://www.politico.com/news/2019/10/12/trump-values-voter-summit-2020-045162)

Trump’s Disturbing Push for Indefinite Presidency Undermines Democracy

President Donald Trump has again trivialized the boundaries of presidential terms, recently joking to FIFA President Gianni Infantino about extending his presidency until the 2026 World Cup in North America. This comment reflects a disturbing propensity for Trump to flout democratic norms and hint at a desire for an authoritarian permanence in power.

During a public interaction with Infantino, Trump facetiously suggested that he would require an extension of his second term, implying that the press and public would not object. This incident is not isolated; Trump has previously made light of the concept of staying in office longer than is constitutionally permitted, showcasing a troubling disregard for the democratic process and rule of law.

In May, Trump endorsed an idea put forth by Jerry Falwell Jr., a prominent evangelical leader, who proposed that he should have his term extended due to a politically motivated investigation into his campaign’s ties to Russia. This rhetoric undermines the integrity of elections and promotes a narrative of victimhood among Trump supporters, further emboldening his autocratic tendencies.

Trump’s past comments, including his admiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s unlimited term and his musings about remaining in office for “10 or 14 years,” reveal a frightening ambivalence towards democratic principles. These statements raise concerns that extend beyond mere joking; they reflect a deeper agenda to normalize the idea of an indefinite presidency.

While Trump’s remarks are cloaked in humor, they evoke genuine concern among Democrats and political analysts alike, who fear that he may not accept the outcome of the 2024 election should it entail his removal from office. Such sentiments reiterate the necessity of defending democracy against figures like Trump, whose cavalier approach to presidential limits poses a real threat to American governance.

(h/t: https://www.politico.com/story/2019/09/09/trump-jokes-extended-term-2024-1486897)

Trump’s Delusional Quest for a Forever Presidency Threatens American Democracy

During a recent rally in Montoursville, Pennsylvania, President Trump expressed a delusional vision of a potential fifth term in office, purposefully sidestepping the constitutional limits established by the 22nd Amendment, which prohibits anyone from serving more than two terms. His statement, “If we really like it a lot — and things keep going like they’re going — we’ll do what we have to do: we’ll do a three and a four and a five,” blatantly disregards democratic principles and highlights his autocratic ambitions.

While attempting to rally support, Trump utilized typical Republican rhetoric to attack Democrats, labeling them “socialist wackos” and claiming their policies would harm rural communities. His absurd assertions included accusations of supporting “lax immigration enforcement” and the “destruction of the Second Amendment.” These statements not only misconstrue the opposition’s policies but also aim to incite fear among his followers, diverting attention from the genuine issues facing American society.

Trump’s rally also served as a platform to claim credit for programs he did not create, including the Veterans Choice initiative initially established under President Obama. By misrepresenting facts, Trump reinforces a personal narrative that positions him as a champion of American values, while in reality, he is perpetuating misinformation to consolidate power.

As the 2020 election approaches, Trump’s actions and rhetoric reveal a pattern of behavior aligned with fascistic principles. By undermining trust in democratic institutions and promoting unilateral political narratives, he is creating a divide that jeopardizes the fabric of American democracy. Additionally, local Republican figures continue to support his vision, further illustrating the party’s descent into authoritarianism.

In summary, Trump’s calls for a potential “forever presidency” reflect a profound disregard for democratic norms and an unsettling ambition for absolute power. His repeated attempts to consolidate support in pivotal states like Pennsylvania, marked by falsehoods and inflammatory rhetoric, exemplify the dangers posed by his administration and the Republican Party’s complicity in this troubling trajectory.

(h/t: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-rally-pennsylvania-today-watch-live-stream-speech-montoursville-2019-05-20-live-updates/)

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