The Republicans in government could still save themselves from complete ignominy by invoking the 25th, or impeachment. That's if they haven't painted themselves so far into a corner that there's no way out for them.
Lady Emsworth, your second sentence overrules your first. They've used multiple paintbrushes and painted themselves into a very small, inescapable corner.
One of those paintbrushes is the Epstein tranche. Likely, the Republicans who agitated for the release know they aren't mentioned. Those who've remained silent know they are. All of them know that some or all of their deep-pocketed election sponsors are most likely receivers of Epstein's "services."
GOP legislators have made the appearance of acceding to their base's demands, and they are happy to let the subject fall behind the diorama of distracting paper cutouts that Donald has conveniently provided to amuse and distract the American public.
As I have written elsewhere, U.S. legislators have rewritten their job descriptions. They are not in Congress to legislate protections and benefits for the electorate and oversee government agencies. They are there to remain in Congress by whatever means necessary. Period.
Daily duties include:
1. Spending as much time as possible on fundraising, including
2. Genuflecting and fawning over major donors
3. Silently obeying Donald's commands, either willingly or under threat of bodily harm
4. Attending theatrical performances in the halls of Congress
Congress can do impeachment if it had the guts, but it has no power to invoke the 25th Amendment. That can be invoked only by a combination of the VP and a majority of cabinet members. Congress never passed any law allowing a third option.
Even if VP/Cabinet invoked the 25th, trump has a right to object and (after some back and forth of declarations) the issue has to be decided by a 2/3 majority of BOTH houses of Congress.
Clearly the drafters of the 25th were contemplating a PHYSICAL impediment to the president being unable to do his job. No one contemplated an administration that was corrupt in all its leadership. It IS Congress's fault for approving those cabinet members, but there is no way of its changing that now short of impeachment of a relevant majority of them and the VP, so that a sane group can invoke the 25th.
The 2/3 problem is the biggest issue, right? Because it effectively blocks either solution.
Trump will have to somehow go beyond what he's already done. I don't know how someone can make it more obvious that he's off his rocker than he has, but if he keeps deteriorating at his current pace, he probably will do something soonish where that 2/3 won't have a choice but act. The only avenue I see is impeachment, because his cabinet officers are mostly as nutso as he is.
As you noted, the framers anticipated a physical incapacitation, so maybe he goes into a coma somehow, but in my experience with people with dementia, which, sadly, is more than I wish it was, that doesn't happen until end of life. As bad off as he is mentally, he seems a few years away from that from a pure "dead brain" standpoint.
It's very frustrating that the Senate gave him carte blanche on his cabinet. A normal group of people would have him in a straight jacket on his way home from Davos.
the problem is that use of the Amendment can’t even get STARTED without the VP AND majority of cabinet. Doesn’t get to Congress until president objects and VP/cabinet double down.
And that is the ONLY potential constraint they have on Trump using military power against Greenland. He would be well within the War Powers Act to put boots on the ice without any legal requirement to consult or even inform Congress before the fact.
Not true. He does not have legs authority to wage offensive war against ANY country, much less an ally. CONGRESS has the authority to declare war, and any offensive action by the trump administration without such authorization would be illegal. That’s not to say he wouldn’t get away with it, but that doesn’t make it legal
The War Powers Resolution allows the President to put troops anywhere in the world without consulting Congress beforehand. Yes, the text requires certain conditions but they have been widely ignored by Presidents ever since passage. As they were in Venezuela.
Congress can say all they want that the US hasn’t declared war, but unauthorized US boots on the ice in Greenland will almost certainly result in an Article 5 invocation which puts all of the rest of NATO in a de facto war with the US.
They could. This Congress won’t. And even if they did, it wouldn’t be in place quickly enough. And even if it were, Trump would ignore it, as he did with Venezuela.
They are too cowardly to go against Trump, and too afraid of the MAGA mo steer they themselves made to take a stand. The only thing that might make them wake up would be if their constituents start polling negatively and they might lose their cushy jobs.
impeach the actual presidents, sure; miller and vought. but let's not replace the dark noise machine in the oval office with j.d., who would be far worse.
Trump never liked NATO. So Greenland was just his excuse for wrecking it which he could not have done directly. Is Trump Putin’s stooge? Is the Pope catholic?
The word that Mark Carney used in his speech was “rupture.” What that rupture genuinely means is not completely clear yet, but a great deal of what was retrievable for the United States at the beginning of the week now no longer is. Our country has suffered a serious wound in allowing Donald Trump to make its decisions, and we have a lot of bleeding out ahead of us as a consequence.
During his first term, I found myself hearing that "this" or "that" action was the worst thing he had done (to date). Each time, I disagreed. To me, the single worst thing he did then, and has continued now, was forcing our allies to face the fact that we are ALWAYS one election, just 4 years, away from a radical, unforgivable change in our government. Yes, they all knew it - intellectually - before that, but they allowed themselves to be lulled into a false sense of security. Our "mad king" president has forced them to face facts squarely, and learn to adapt.
At the beginning of Trump's second term, I tried to get some of the financial sector entities where I have connections to take a stand on the rule of law. They declined. My argument at the time was that US Treasuries, as the gold standard of the global financial markets, depend on the value of the "full faith and credit of the United States," and that, in turn, depends on the strength of the rule of law in the United States. The consequences of a global determination that the full faith and credit of the United States is not what it used to be will go well beyond difficulty in selling new Treasury bonds. US Treasuries also underpin banking liquidity in the US and beyond--the belief that it will always be possible to sell US Treasuries in a liquid market is critical to banks' ability to ensure that they have sufficient funds on hand at all times to meet their obligations to depositors, borrowers under revolving credit facilities and others. I'm assuming that risk managers at the more sophisticated financial institutions have planned for this, at least to some degree, but I think that the impacts of the loss of sanctity of US Treasury bonds have likely not been fully considered. Treasuries have always benefited from a flight to quality, and last year when investors pulled away from Treasuries in a volatile market it spooked Trump and his advisors--but it didn't spook them enough.
Agree, Ellen. The current Occupant and his criminal crew haven't extrapolated the consequences of their current actions. OR they simply don't care. But surely the uber-wealthy handlers have a solid understanding of the EU's financial options? At the very least, there's what Robert Reich calls the "trade bazooka," that Jay refers to here. Or refusing to further invest in Treasuries, as you mention. The EU could wreck this country without firing a shot. Why are Rump & Co. not taking that into account?
Just a quick comment to let folks know the Burnsville MN city council passed its resolution and ordinance last night restricting ICE use of city property. YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/live/9M00XUJlHuw?si=lMhqee3u6bTZPqPb. The testimony from residents is really compelling. Sets out the impacts of ICE tactics starkly, on people of color, on children, on schools, on businesses. Also highlights some truly brave and admirable Minnesotans.
I lived and wored in Minnesota for years, I have friends there. I’m so proud of some of the towns and cities who have taken action to counter the terrible outrage of what ICE is doing. Burnsville is a place I know well. Good for them!
I hate to tell you this, but I'm certain the the EU has more troops in Greenland than they are advertising. As a Navy veteran I'm still in contact with people I served with, including some that are sill "plugged in" to sources of information they had while on active duty. Just because trump is stupid enough to brag about troop movements; the rest of the world is not.
If he were to land troops on Greenland it's much more likely to go like this: The US Marines land only to find that there way more EU troops there in strategic areas of Island. Those EU troops are protecting areas like the Nuuk Airport, which would be objectives for the US Marines to secure. The EU troops would already be in defensible positions around the inhabited areas of the island.
So, It would be much more likely that WE would have to fire on EU troops to secure these areas; not the other way around.
The end of the Bretton Woods 'rules based system' , taking Greenland will mean a free for all land and resource grab. The US will be setting the example that borders are no longer to be respected. China will grab Taiwan and have control of world-wide chipmaking which is an incalculable security nightmare.
Here is a lesson Trump never bothered to learn:
Never tear down a fence until you know why it was put up in the first place.
I hate to break it to you, but Canada is not interested. We don't trust you, and you don't deserve us. We are strengthening alliances across the rest of the world, and actively making plans for a future without you.
I hear that. True for sure under this president. Our next two or three are going to have to work overtime to rebuild our legitimacy as an ally-- if they can.
You have your work cut out for you, fixing the mess he is making and fixing legislation so someone like him will never again have the powers he has claimed. I do not envy you. It is all such an ugly tangle.
That does not mean we, in the US should not support such efforts. Further, I will be advocating that, when we have a less fascist government, promote a more multilateral organization of international governance, as the US has proven itself inadequate to the task of just leadership.
My original comment is addressed to US citizens, primarily.
Best wishes in strengthening your independence from the US meddling.
So scary. So sad. And while I'm not into vengeance, this government must be punished for destroying not just America, but the world peace that was so long fought for - and trump did it all in ONE YEAR.
If there was a Nobel Vicious Idiot award, he'd be the uncontested winner.
It was treason after he lost the last election. You had the option to convict him for the insurrection then, but you re-elected him instead. You reap what you sow.
I, personally, never voted for him. I’m a lifelong dem. But yes, that he was ever elected, let alone twice, is the fault of fox, ignorance, poorly educated people and algorithms, among many other things.
It’s been demoralizing to be me (and I’m not alone) for years and years now. 2015, specifically, when trump’s outrageous words and actions didn’t affect his popularity, was when the real surreality began.
I need a screw in my jaw from it dropping so often.
I don't blame most Americans for Trump's 'election' win in 2024 because I firmly believe it was rigged by Musk. Lulu Friesdat's January 22 substack column lists numerous instances where votes have been miscounted in referenda and senate elections in various states.
I have always believed that if one side were to have the money and wherewithal to rig a national election, it’d be the republicans. With musk in the mix, and his control over so much tech, we didn’t stand a chance, you’re right. But I still blame many Americans. Many, many voted for him and even if someone has dropped out of gradeschool and can’t read, they either have empathy and kindness for others or they don’t. Trump embodies the basest, cruelest, most selfish, entitled and heinously bigoted/misogynistic dregs of humanity, and he is (and was) open about it - so, voting for him, to me, says a lot about person. It highlights how many of us Americans are stunted souls.
I don't know why you assume I am addressing you directly. When I say "you", I mean the US. Not the people commenting here. I expect any maga who showed up here would be torn to shreds.
At this moment, post-Davos trump speech — received in utter silence, in vivid contrast to PM Carney's standing O — the appeasers such as Nato SecGen Mark "trump is our daddy" Rutter are working hard to mollify trump, and trying to rally Euro leaders to "negotiate" with the criminal, despite a shit-ton of evidence that yesterday's signed agreements mean jack shit tomorrow.
One way or another — short of military invasion, not favored by the Pentagon — trump will earn some sort of "Art of The Deal" win, bidness "leaders" will be overjoyed, markets will settle down, and we sit around and wait for the next trump-induced crisis. Same as it ever was.
The Republicans in government could still save themselves from complete ignominy by invoking the 25th, or impeachment. That's if they haven't painted themselves so far into a corner that there's no way out for them.
I’m not holding my breath!
Lady Emsworth, your second sentence overrules your first. They've used multiple paintbrushes and painted themselves into a very small, inescapable corner.
One of those paintbrushes is the Epstein tranche. Likely, the Republicans who agitated for the release know they aren't mentioned. Those who've remained silent know they are. All of them know that some or all of their deep-pocketed election sponsors are most likely receivers of Epstein's "services."
GOP legislators have made the appearance of acceding to their base's demands, and they are happy to let the subject fall behind the diorama of distracting paper cutouts that Donald has conveniently provided to amuse and distract the American public.
As I have written elsewhere, U.S. legislators have rewritten their job descriptions. They are not in Congress to legislate protections and benefits for the electorate and oversee government agencies. They are there to remain in Congress by whatever means necessary. Period.
Daily duties include:
1. Spending as much time as possible on fundraising, including
2. Genuflecting and fawning over major donors
3. Silently obeying Donald's commands, either willingly or under threat of bodily harm
4. Attending theatrical performances in the halls of Congress
I think they like their little corner. They chose this and continue to live there every damn day.
I can, and do, call my GOP senators, but they truly DGAF what everyday people want. They only serve oligarchs and FedSoc ideology.
ASIMOV'S THREE LAWS OF REPUBLICANISM
1st, a Republican may not harm a corporation, nor through inaction allow a corporation to come to harm.
2nd, a Republican must obey any orders from a corporation, except where this would violate the 1st Law
3rd, a Republican must act to preserve his political existence, except where this would violate the 1st or 2nd Law
And may every one of the corrupt politicians and traitors suffer in hell.
Congress can do impeachment if it had the guts, but it has no power to invoke the 25th Amendment. That can be invoked only by a combination of the VP and a majority of cabinet members. Congress never passed any law allowing a third option.
Even if VP/Cabinet invoked the 25th, trump has a right to object and (after some back and forth of declarations) the issue has to be decided by a 2/3 majority of BOTH houses of Congress.
Clearly the drafters of the 25th were contemplating a PHYSICAL impediment to the president being unable to do his job. No one contemplated an administration that was corrupt in all its leadership. It IS Congress's fault for approving those cabinet members, but there is no way of its changing that now short of impeachment of a relevant majority of them and the VP, so that a sane group can invoke the 25th.
The 2/3 problem is the biggest issue, right? Because it effectively blocks either solution.
Trump will have to somehow go beyond what he's already done. I don't know how someone can make it more obvious that he's off his rocker than he has, but if he keeps deteriorating at his current pace, he probably will do something soonish where that 2/3 won't have a choice but act. The only avenue I see is impeachment, because his cabinet officers are mostly as nutso as he is.
As you noted, the framers anticipated a physical incapacitation, so maybe he goes into a coma somehow, but in my experience with people with dementia, which, sadly, is more than I wish it was, that doesn't happen until end of life. As bad off as he is mentally, he seems a few years away from that from a pure "dead brain" standpoint.
It's very frustrating that the Senate gave him carte blanche on his cabinet. A normal group of people would have him in a straight jacket on his way home from Davos.
the problem is that use of the Amendment can’t even get STARTED without the VP AND majority of cabinet. Doesn’t get to Congress until president objects and VP/cabinet double down.
I agree. I'm just pointing out that 2/3 is currently an impossible barrier given the makeup of Congress.
yeah.. Impeachment is actually easier. Just one need for the 2/3 vote
We have to make it beyond midterms to see a new majority seated. Lord knows what shenanigans lapdog Mike Johnson will pull.
And that is the ONLY potential constraint they have on Trump using military power against Greenland. He would be well within the War Powers Act to put boots on the ice without any legal requirement to consult or even inform Congress before the fact.
Not true. He does not have legs authority to wage offensive war against ANY country, much less an ally. CONGRESS has the authority to declare war, and any offensive action by the trump administration without such authorization would be illegal. That’s not to say he wouldn’t get away with it, but that doesn’t make it legal
The War Powers Resolution allows the President to put troops anywhere in the world without consulting Congress beforehand. Yes, the text requires certain conditions but they have been widely ignored by Presidents ever since passage. As they were in Venezuela.
Congress can say all they want that the US hasn’t declared war, but unauthorized US boots on the ice in Greenland will almost certainly result in an Article 5 invocation which puts all of the rest of NATO in a de facto war with the US.
Congress could revoke or rework the War Powers act if it wanted to. It's not set in stone. Circumstances change and so could the law.
They could. This Congress won’t. And even if they did, it wouldn’t be in place quickly enough. And even if it were, Trump would ignore it, as he did with Venezuela.
He’s playing Calvinball.
They are too cowardly to go against Trump, and too afraid of the MAGA mo steer they themselves made to take a stand. The only thing that might make them wake up would be if their constituents start polling negatively and they might lose their cushy jobs.
impeach the actual presidents, sure; miller and vought. but let's not replace the dark noise machine in the oval office with j.d., who would be far worse.
Trump never liked NATO. So Greenland was just his excuse for wrecking it which he could not have done directly. Is Trump Putin’s stooge? Is the Pope catholic?
The word that Mark Carney used in his speech was “rupture.” What that rupture genuinely means is not completely clear yet, but a great deal of what was retrievable for the United States at the beginning of the week now no longer is. Our country has suffered a serious wound in allowing Donald Trump to make its decisions, and we have a lot of bleeding out ahead of us as a consequence.
During his first term, I found myself hearing that "this" or "that" action was the worst thing he had done (to date). Each time, I disagreed. To me, the single worst thing he did then, and has continued now, was forcing our allies to face the fact that we are ALWAYS one election, just 4 years, away from a radical, unforgivable change in our government. Yes, they all knew it - intellectually - before that, but they allowed themselves to be lulled into a false sense of security. Our "mad king" president has forced them to face facts squarely, and learn to adapt.
Thank heavens, for Canada, that they have Carney.
At the beginning of Trump's second term, I tried to get some of the financial sector entities where I have connections to take a stand on the rule of law. They declined. My argument at the time was that US Treasuries, as the gold standard of the global financial markets, depend on the value of the "full faith and credit of the United States," and that, in turn, depends on the strength of the rule of law in the United States. The consequences of a global determination that the full faith and credit of the United States is not what it used to be will go well beyond difficulty in selling new Treasury bonds. US Treasuries also underpin banking liquidity in the US and beyond--the belief that it will always be possible to sell US Treasuries in a liquid market is critical to banks' ability to ensure that they have sufficient funds on hand at all times to meet their obligations to depositors, borrowers under revolving credit facilities and others. I'm assuming that risk managers at the more sophisticated financial institutions have planned for this, at least to some degree, but I think that the impacts of the loss of sanctity of US Treasury bonds have likely not been fully considered. Treasuries have always benefited from a flight to quality, and last year when investors pulled away from Treasuries in a volatile market it spooked Trump and his advisors--but it didn't spook them enough.
Agree, Ellen. The current Occupant and his criminal crew haven't extrapolated the consequences of their current actions. OR they simply don't care. But surely the uber-wealthy handlers have a solid understanding of the EU's financial options? At the very least, there's what Robert Reich calls the "trade bazooka," that Jay refers to here. Or refusing to further invest in Treasuries, as you mention. The EU could wreck this country without firing a shot. Why are Rump & Co. not taking that into account?
Just a quick comment to let folks know the Burnsville MN city council passed its resolution and ordinance last night restricting ICE use of city property. YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/live/9M00XUJlHuw?si=lMhqee3u6bTZPqPb. The testimony from residents is really compelling. Sets out the impacts of ICE tactics starkly, on people of color, on children, on schools, on businesses. Also highlights some truly brave and admirable Minnesotans.
I lived and wored in Minnesota for years, I have friends there. I’m so proud of some of the towns and cities who have taken action to counter the terrible outrage of what ICE is doing. Burnsville is a place I know well. Good for them!
And the Supreme Court still hasn’t issued a ruling on the legality of Trump’s tariffs.
Trump also called Greenland Iceland several times during his speech. Didn't anyone notice?
Mental.
I hate to tell you this, but I'm certain the the EU has more troops in Greenland than they are advertising. As a Navy veteran I'm still in contact with people I served with, including some that are sill "plugged in" to sources of information they had while on active duty. Just because trump is stupid enough to brag about troop movements; the rest of the world is not.
If he were to land troops on Greenland it's much more likely to go like this: The US Marines land only to find that there way more EU troops there in strategic areas of Island. Those EU troops are protecting areas like the Nuuk Airport, which would be objectives for the US Marines to secure. The EU troops would already be in defensible positions around the inhabited areas of the island.
So, It would be much more likely that WE would have to fire on EU troops to secure these areas; not the other way around.
The end of the Bretton Woods 'rules based system' , taking Greenland will mean a free for all land and resource grab. The US will be setting the example that borders are no longer to be respected. China will grab Taiwan and have control of world-wide chipmaking which is an incalculable security nightmare.
Here is a lesson Trump never bothered to learn:
Never tear down a fence until you know why it was put up in the first place.
Trump is a fence Grim Reaper...
The chances of all that happening went up a lot in the last year, indeed.
Our goal should not be to return to the old system, but to work with worthy countries such as Canada to establish a multi-polar world order.
I don’t think we have a choice but to act with humility in the future if and when we get past this
I hate to break it to you, but Canada is not interested. We don't trust you, and you don't deserve us. We are strengthening alliances across the rest of the world, and actively making plans for a future without you.
I hear that. True for sure under this president. Our next two or three are going to have to work overtime to rebuild our legitimacy as an ally-- if they can.
You have your work cut out for you, fixing the mess he is making and fixing legislation so someone like him will never again have the powers he has claimed. I do not envy you. It is all such an ugly tangle.
As well you should.
That does not mean we, in the US should not support such efforts. Further, I will be advocating that, when we have a less fascist government, promote a more multilateral organization of international governance, as the US has proven itself inadequate to the task of just leadership.
My original comment is addressed to US citizens, primarily.
Best wishes in strengthening your independence from the US meddling.
So scary. So sad. And while I'm not into vengeance, this government must be punished for destroying not just America, but the world peace that was so long fought for - and trump did it all in ONE YEAR.
If there was a Nobel Vicious Idiot award, he'd be the uncontested winner.
What Trump is doing is TREASON.
In the dictionary under treason, it says, “See Trump, Donald J.”
It was treason after he lost the last election. You had the option to convict him for the insurrection then, but you re-elected him instead. You reap what you sow.
I, personally, never voted for him. I’m a lifelong dem. But yes, that he was ever elected, let alone twice, is the fault of fox, ignorance, poorly educated people and algorithms, among many other things.
It’s been demoralizing to be me (and I’m not alone) for years and years now. 2015, specifically, when trump’s outrageous words and actions didn’t affect his popularity, was when the real surreality began.
I need a screw in my jaw from it dropping so often.
I don't blame most Americans for Trump's 'election' win in 2024 because I firmly believe it was rigged by Musk. Lulu Friesdat's January 22 substack column lists numerous instances where votes have been miscounted in referenda and senate elections in various states.
I have always believed that if one side were to have the money and wherewithal to rig a national election, it’d be the republicans. With musk in the mix, and his control over so much tech, we didn’t stand a chance, you’re right. But I still blame many Americans. Many, many voted for him and even if someone has dropped out of gradeschool and can’t read, they either have empathy and kindness for others or they don’t. Trump embodies the basest, cruelest, most selfish, entitled and heinously bigoted/misogynistic dregs of humanity, and he is (and was) open about it - so, voting for him, to me, says a lot about person. It highlights how many of us Americans are stunted souls.
You jumped to the wrong conclusion. I have voted against Trump and his lies consistently.
I don't know why you assume I am addressing you directly. When I say "you", I mean the US. Not the people commenting here. I expect any maga who showed up here would be torn to shreds.
At this moment, post-Davos trump speech — received in utter silence, in vivid contrast to PM Carney's standing O — the appeasers such as Nato SecGen Mark "trump is our daddy" Rutter are working hard to mollify trump, and trying to rally Euro leaders to "negotiate" with the criminal, despite a shit-ton of evidence that yesterday's signed agreements mean jack shit tomorrow.
One way or another — short of military invasion, not favored by the Pentagon — trump will earn some sort of "Art of The Deal" win, bidness "leaders" will be overjoyed, markets will settle down, and we sit around and wait for the next trump-induced crisis. Same as it ever was.
I GIVE HIGH ODDS AGAINST THAT HAPPENING.
Trump has destroyed our alliance with Europe. America will not be trusted any more.
Under Trump, we will soon be going it alone.
By this time Putin has probably knocked doen a whole bottle of vodka in celebration.
Now that Rump has TACO'd again, I rescind my original comment. You called it, Lance.
I don't think our country's relationship with Europe can be fixed, though, and there will be financial consequences for us.
Hope you're not staking any money on that outcome....
Never saw three assholes plant a flag before.
The wonders of AI.
I especially loved the amended meme, with three polar bears dragging the three idiots and their flag off to be eaten.
'The U.S. is forever one election and 40,000 voters in three swing states away from electing another madman"
(That's assuming we will have an election - a real one).
Now MAGA will say you "hate America" and usefully idiotic bothsiders will shake their heads.
I think the EU will indeed fight back if Trump uses force.