Omar Bennett
Republicans have been criticized for not standing up for the Constitution and for failing to hold former President Donald Trump accountable for his unconstitutional actions. Trump has expressed indifference towards upholding the Constitution, refusing to commit to it and taking actions that blatantly disregard it, such as deporting immigrants without due process. Despite this, Republicans have largely remained silent or defended Trump's actions. This raises questions about the party's commitment to upholding the nation's founding document and the principles of democracy. Additionally, the Republican Party has been accused of breaking America's ancient Constitution through its partisan actions and ideological differences, contributing to a polarized political culture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Republicans defending Trump's dismissal of the Constitution | Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) |
| Republicans silent on Trump's refusal to commit to the Constitution | All 53 Republican senators |
| Trump's unconstitutional actions | Refusal to bring back a Maryland man deported without due process; musings about being "king" and staying in office beyond his constitutionally mandated term limit |
| Trump's disregard for the Constitution | Trump saying the Constitution is only important so long as it doesn't interfere with his political goals |
| Republicans' lack of criticism of Trump | Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) being the only Republican to criticize Trump's comments |
| Republicans' priorities | Placating Trump over upholding the Constitution |
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What You'll Learn
Republicans silent as Trump refuses to commit to the Constitution
During an NBC News interview, when questioned about his administration's refusal to bring back Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported without due process, Trump responded with "I don't know" when pressed on whether he felt it was his duty to uphold the Constitution. Trump has also expressed desires to remain in office beyond his constitutionally mandated term limit and has mused about being "king".
Despite this, Republicans have largely avoided the issue, with only Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) openly criticising Trump's comments. When asked about Trump's dismissal of the Constitution, Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) defended him, saying, "I think the president knows he needs to uphold the Constitution." Representative Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) responded similarly, stating that he wasn't concerned about Trump's comments.
This silence from Republicans is notable, as they have shown a willingness to criticise other presidents for similar actions. For example, they have criticised the Biden administration for its handling of immigration issues, which some argue is a violation of the Constitution. The lack of response from Republicans to Trump's comments suggests that they prioritise placating Trump over upholding the Constitution.
While some may argue that Republicans are simply supporting Trump's agenda, it is important to note that remaining silent on this issue could have significant implications for the country's democratic principles and the rule of law.
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Republicans are breaking America's ancient Constitution
The Republican Party has long been associated with upholding the US Constitution, a document that is sacred to conservatives. However, in recent years, the party has been accused of breaking America's ancient Constitution and failing to stand up for it.
During the Trump administration, Republicans were notably silent on several issues relating to the Constitution. When asked about Trump's dismissal of the Constitution, many Republicans defended him or avoided the issue altogether. Trump himself has mused about staying in office beyond his constitutionally mandated term limit, and has taken other unconstitutional actions, such as deporting immigrants without due process. The Republican Party has largely been complicit in these actions, choosing to prioritise placating Trump over upholding the Constitution.
One example of this complicity is the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was deported to El Salvador without due process. Despite the Supreme Court ruling 9-0 that the administration must facilitate his return, Trump washed his hands of the situation, and Republicans remained silent. This stands in stark contrast to the expected uproar if a Democratic president had taken similar actions.
In addition to their actions during the Trump administration, Republicans have also been criticised for their attempts to change House rules. In January, the far right insisted on procedural changes, such as allowing any one representative to call a vote to oust the Speaker. This has been seen as a power grab by Republicans, who are unable to pass their agenda through traditional means due to a lack of support in the Senate and from President Biden.
The two-party system in the United States, with its unique lack of serious third parties, has contributed to the polarisation of American politics. The Republican Party has become an unwieldy coalition of conservative and far-right wings, with the latter exhibiting frankly fascist tendencies. This internal division and the influence of extremist elements have made it difficult for the party to uphold democratic principles and the Constitution.
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Trump's dismissal of the Constitution
In 2022, former US President Donald Trump faced criticism for his dismissal of the US Constitution. Trump had called for the "termination" of parts of the Constitution due to his false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. This prompted a response from the White House, with spokesman Andrew Bates stating, "You cannot only love America when you win."
Trump's comments were also condemned by some Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, who said he "vehemently disagrees" with the former president's remarks. Rep.-elect Mike Lawler, R-New York, also objected, stating that the Constitution is in place "to protect the rights of every American."
Despite these objections, many Republicans have remained silent or have defended Trump's comments. When asked about Trump's dismissal of the Constitution, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) stated, "I think the president knows he needs to uphold the Constitution." However, Trump has taken numerous actions that appear to contradict this, including his refusal to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man deported without due process, back from El Salvador, despite a Supreme Court ruling ordering his return.
Trump has also targeted unauthorized immigrants without criminal records, ramping up arrests and removals to conflict-ridden countries like South Sudan. His administration's push to end birthright citizenship was ruled unconstitutional by federal courts, with judges stating that Trump "cannot redefine what it means to be American with the stroke of a pen."
Overall, Trump's dismissal of the Constitution and his willingness to ignore or circumvent it to achieve his political goals have sparked concerns among some Republicans and criticism from others. However, many in the party have avoided addressing the issue directly, highlighting the internal divisions and challenges within the Republican Party regarding Trump's controversial statements and actions.
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Republicans care about placating Trump
The Republican Party's lack of resistance to Trump's refusal to commit to upholding the Constitution is indicative of their priority to placate Trump over defending the Constitution. This silence is particularly notable given the party's historical stance on constitutional issues.
Trump's response to a question regarding his administration's refusal to abide by the Supreme Court's ruling and facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man deported without due process, was "I don't know." This response, along with his statement that he wouldn't "100 percent" agree that the United States should be ruled by laws, not men, and his musings about being "king," demonstrate a disregard for the Constitution.
Despite this, Republicans have largely avoided addressing the issue. This can be attributed to a fear of losing power and the support of Trump's base, as well as being in agreement with Trump's agenda. Some Republicans have expressed concern about Trump's comments, but the majority remain silent, indicating that their priority is to placate Trump rather than defend the Constitution.
Additionally, Trump's popularity among Republicans and his control over the party cannot be overlooked. Republicans are aware that Trump's supporters are loyal and will continue to back him, which further discourages any opposition from within the party. This dynamic has resulted in a situation where Republicans are more concerned with maintaining their political power and pleasing Trump than upholding the values enshrined in the Constitution.
Furthermore, the Republican Party's actions during the Obama administration provide context for their current behaviour. Mitch McConnell, a Republican, pledged to obstruct President Obama's agenda, demonstrating a willingness to hold the country hostage for political gain. This precedent, combined with Trump's popularity and the party's alignment with his agenda, creates an environment where Republicans are more concerned with placating Trump than upholding democratic values.
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Republicans' refusal to bring back an individual deported without due process
The refusal of Republicans to bring back an individual deported without due process is a clear example of their failure to uphold the Constitution. This incident involves Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was deported to El Salvador without due process. Despite the Supreme Court ruling 9-0 that the administration must facilitate his return, Republicans have remained silent on this issue, refusing to hold the administration accountable.
The Constitution guarantees due process for any "person" within the state's jurisdiction, and this right extends to non-citizens facing deportation. However, current policies have made it increasingly difficult for individuals to receive a fair hearing. Republicans have not only turned a blind eye to these injustices but have actively supported policies that expedite deportations and limit access to legal representation.
For instance, Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee have passed sweeping immigration measures that increase detention and deportation of immigrants while remaining silent on amendments requiring due process for immigrants. They have also failed to speak out against policies that deny non-citizens any process before expulsion and put asylum seekers through expedited deportation processes, further limiting their due process rights.
The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia is just one example of Republicans' refusal to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of individuals facing deportation. Their silence and support for unjust policies undermine the fundamental principles of due process and the rule of law. It is essential that Republicans hold the administration accountable and work to ensure fair and just immigration processes, rather than prioritizing political goals over the rights and well-being of those affected by these decisions.
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Frequently asked questions
Republicans have largely avoided the issue of Trump's dismissal of the Constitution. When asked about it, they have defended him, saying they believe he knows he needs to uphold the Constitution. However, Trump has taken many unconstitutional actions, such as deporting hundreds of immigrants without due process, and has expressed desires to stay in office beyond his constitutionally mandated term limit.
The Republicans' silence on this issue indicates that they care more about placating Trump than upholding the Constitution. Their inaction also reinforces Trump's belief that he can get away with disregarding the Constitution to achieve his political goals.
Trump has repeatedly taken actions that violate the Constitution, such as deporting immigrants without due process and refusing to abide by Supreme Court rulings. He has also expressed desires to be king and stay in office beyond his constitutionally mandated term limit.
The Republican Party is generally on board with Trump's agenda, which includes imperial expansion, trade wars, Christian dominance, extreme wealth accumulation, privatization, authoritarianism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and more. They have not stood up against his unconstitutional actions and have instead defended him.
