Pressing question facing the nation is whether Donald Trump’s political career is nearing its end. With multiple charges against him, many believe his actions justify his removal from the political arena. However, recent developments indicate that ending Trump’s career might be more complex than anticipated.
Legal Battles and Delays
This week, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida indefinitely postponed Trump’s trial. Meanwhile, a case in the District of Columbia is stalled due to Supreme Court malfeasance, as reported by Daily Kos on May 21, 2024. In Fulton County, Georgia, the trial is on hold while an appeals court decides if District Attorney Fani Willis should be removed from the case.
Potential Outcomes and Challenges
Despite the numerous charges, it is uncertain whether Trump will face immediate consequences. Unless swiftly convicted in New York and incarcerated—a highly improbable scenario due to expected appeals—Trump could remain free on bond through Inauguration Day 2025. This ongoing situation poses significant risks for both the country and the world, highlighting the need for a focused solution.
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The Role of Congress
Democratic Party officials, especially members of Congress, have the tools to end Trump’s political career. Under the Fourteenth Amendment, Trump is deemed ineligible to be President due to his involvement in an insurrection and providing aid to insurrectionists. This is a constitutional fact, but the challenge lies in enforcing this provision.
Supreme Court Ruling and Congressional Action
In the case of Donald J. Trump v. Norma Anderson (Case No. 23-719), the U.S. Supreme Court noted that while the Colorado Supreme Court had ruled Trump ineligible for the presidency, barring his name from the primary ballot, the Supreme Court reversed this decision. The ruling indicated that Congress, not the states, is responsible for enforcing Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment against federal officeholders and candidates. This implies that Congress must take action.
Legislative Measures
Congress should reaffirm the court’s findings regarding Trump’s ineligibility and enforce Section 3. Specifically, legislation should be enacted to ensure that Trump cannot take office, regardless of an Electoral College victory, unless Congress restores his eligibility. Trump’s disability can only be removed if he is fully acquitted of all charges in both federal cases in D.C. and Florida by juries. If acquitted, he could petition Congress to restore his eligibility, subject to debate and a vote in each chamber.
Potential Support from Speaker Mike Johnson
Interestingly, Speaker Mike Johnson may unintentionally support this approach. Johnson has argued that ongoing court cases against Trump are attempts to keep him off the campaign trail and should be stopped to preserve faith in the justice system. However, the true threat to the system is the lack of a verdict. Therefore, Congress should address this by voting on Trump’s eligibility to serve as President. A resolution should be introduced in the House, stating that the House will immediately vote on this matter.
Conclusion
A proactive approach by Congress is essential to ensure that the question of Trump’s eligibility is settled decisively, as mandated by the Supreme Court. This move would provide clarity and uphold the integrity of the U.S. political system.
