Category: Forever Presidency

Trump primes supporters for a third term and beyond.

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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