Trump questions the validity of the Constitution, denying the possibility of a third term for himself.
Rewritten Article:
Washington - President Donald Trump, known for pushing the envelope during his White House return, showed hesitation about respecting the Constitution - America's supreme legal standard.
"I don't know," Trump bluntly answered when NBC posed the question on Sunday. The topic? If he thought he should respect the Constitution, which ensures fair judicial proceedings for everyone on U.S. soil.
"I have fine lawyers working for me," Trump continued, "and they'll obviously follow what the Supreme Court has stated."
Since his second term began in January, Trump's executive powers have rivaled those of any modern president, with over 140 decrees aimed at curbing illegal immigration, battling diversity programs, and dismantling federal bureaucracy.
Yet, even a president's authority has limits. Many of Trump's decisions have been halted by judges, a fact that frequently fuels Republican frustration.
Legal blocks from federal courts, appeals courts, and even the Supreme Court have temporarily stopped a 1798 law on "enemy aliens," previously used only during wartime, from being enforced by the Trump administration against immigrants suspected of being gang members. This move has sparked criticism from human rights defense groups and international organizations.
When asked if foreigners on American soil deserve legal due process, a constitutional right, Trump replied, "I'm not a lawyer. I don't know."
Never a Third Term?
Citizens are concerned by Trump's apparent authoritarian leanings.
"Are you leading the country down an authoritarian path?" NBC's journalist questioned.
" Why don't you rephrase that question?" Trump countered. "Many people want to come to our country. Many people like Trump. I won the elections."
He went on to declare that Americans have the right to voice their critiques without fear of consequences, while labeling some critics as "malicious."
Unsurprisingly, Trump took another opportunity to belittle his greatest political foe, former Democratic president Joe Biden, whom he blames for the economy's "bad sides" while praising the "good sides."
The president seemed to dismiss the possibility, forbidden by the Constitution, of a third term: "That's not what I'm pursuing."
Despite numerous hints about a third term since his return to the White House, Trump claimed he intended to have four good years and pass the torch to another strong Republican. Potential successors he mentioned included J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio.
However, Trump admitted, "It's way too early to say."
(Enrichment Data added:) The presidency of Donald Trump is marked by a notable shift toward authoritarianism, both in his first and second terms, as highlighted by recent observations. This shift erodes democratic norms and institutions, with actions such as undermining the rule of law, suppressing dissent, promoting a climate of fear and division, eroding human rights protections, and creating an "imperial presidency." These authoritarian tendencies stem from Trump's use of divisive rhetoric, weaponization of government, and impairment of democratic checks and balances.
- The ongoing immigration policy and legislation under President Donald Trump's administration has raised concerns among citizens, sparking fears of authoritarian tendencies.
- Trump's hesitation to unequivocally affirm his respect for the Constitution, which guarantees legal due process for foreigners on American soil, adds to these worries about authoritarian leanings.
- Trump's second term has seen an increase in executive orders aimed at curbing immigration, challenging policy-and-legislation, and limiting civil rights – concerns that have been exacerbated by the temporary halts of several of these orders due to legal blocks from federal courts, appeals courts, and the Supreme Court.
- The potential impact of Trump's policies on crime-and-justice and human rights, especially in relation to immigration, has led to criticism from human rights defense groups and international organizations.
- As the politics of general-news continue to evolve, the ongoing debate about authoritarianism, war-and-conflicts, and the limits of presidential powers remains a hot topic, particularly with references to the Constitution and the potential for a third term for President Trump.
