Make no mistake, Trump’s fake emergency is an illegal, anti-democratic power grab rooted in racism. By going around constitutional separations of power and declaring a fake emergency, he is abusing his power. It is a misuse of authorities that are intended for actual emergencies and sets a dangerous precedent that could further erode our democratic institutions and norms. And, it puts the communities most under attack by the president at even greater risk.
For too long, Congress has abdicated its responsibility to check presidential power grabs. Over and over, presidents have cited “national security” rationale to erode democracy and threaten rights and liberties. Remember the internment of Japanese Americans, post-9/11 torture, and more. Trump’s fake emergency declaration is illegal and will be immediately challenged in court. But Congress also has an important role; it must push back!
Those who value our democracy must urge our members of Congress to do two things: the National Emergencies Act expressly provides a procedure for Congress to terminate a state of emergency by passing a resolution. Congress has never used this procedure, but they should now. Additionally, with new oversight powers, Democrats must proceed with hearings and investigations into this illegal power grab.
Stephen Gehlert,
Cuyahoga Falls