Tomorrow, millions across the U.S. are set to join nearly 2,000 peaceful demonstrations as part of No Kings Day, voicing their opposition to President Trump’s challenges against the Constitution, democracy, and the rule of law. These events follow the observance of No Kings Day back on June 14, which commemorated the 79th anniversary of Trump’s presidency.
A broad coalition of nonprofit organizations is backing these protests, uniting Republicans, Democrats, independents, and supporters of various third parties in a common cause. They are drawing inspiration from Abraham Lincoln’s assertion that a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” will endure.
The Constitution, a remarkable creation, laid the foundation for what made America so exceptional, particularly through its Bill of Rights, which secures freedoms many can only hope for. However, the nation has not always lived up to its values, notably in its struggles with slavery and ongoing discrimination against minorities and women, which, while reduced, still persist in troubling ways.
Sadly, Trump has not adhered to the principles enshrined in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence; it often seems that he disregards them entirely.
The former president appears to admire authoritarian leaders who wield power without regard for democratic principles, such as those in Russia, China, and North Korea. He’s made claims about the Constitution granting him vast powers, suggesting it allows him to “do whatever he wants” as president, a perspective that has been derided by legal experts.
According to a New York Times investigation, Trump’s actions during his current term’s first 100 days have been criticized by scholars across the political spectrum for being potentially illegal or unconstitutional. They include actions such as ending birthright citizenship, failing to spend Congress-appropriated funds, deporting immigrants without due process, and pressuring law firms for free legal services to maintain their federal contracts.
He’s also hinted at budget cuts to federal funding for universities that don’t comply with his directives and has sought to limit press access and dismiss public servants unfairly. The Justice Department has been employed against individuals like former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James as retaliation for their investigations.
His actions extend to appointing unqualified individuals to key positions, refusing to collaborate with the opposition, and creating problems that affect millions, like rising healthcare costs under the Affordable Care Act.
This enumeration of Trump’s choices merely scratches the surface of what many see as his authoritarian inclinations. He’s seemingly waiting for legal challenges, hoping the Supreme Court will back him as it has in the past.
As noted by David Posen, a law professor, the current administration shows a “disregard for civil liberties, political pluralism, separation of powers, and legal constraints,” qualities marking it as authoritarian.
Historically, Congress members have stood firm against presidential overreach, regardless of party lines. For instance, many Democrats criticized President Lyndon Johnson’s decisions during the Vietnam War, while Republicans opposed Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal.
Yet nowadays, with Trump in his second term, many in Congress seem pressured to align with him for fear of losing their positions, effectively allowing him unchecked power, which threatens American freedoms.
It’s crucial, then, to remember the earlier teaching of unity for the common good and to invoke nonviolent resistance in these times when American democracy feels at risk.
We need to ensure our nation remains one without the rule of any king or queen.
