Day 915: Trump falsely claims Constitution allows him ‘right to do whatever I want’
After 30 months in office, it’s abundantly clear that Donald Trump really doesn’t understand how the federal government operates or how the powers and protections in the Constitution work.
That ignorance was on full and terrifying display again Tuesday, as Trump spoke to right wing organization Turning Point USA. Trump beamed, “I have the right to do whatever I want as president” under Article II of the Constitution.
No, no, no. Not even close. As much as he would like it to be so, he doesn’t get to be an authoritarian and make up the laws as he goes along. He doesn’t get to change the words of the Founding Fathers or interpretations from the Supreme Court. He doesn’t get to play king.
Article II outlines most of a president’s responsibilities, but it is far from providing blanket authority.
- Section 1 discusses term length, election procedures, requirements to hold the office, procedures upon leaving office early, compensation and giving an oath.
- Section 2 discusses powers, including acting as commander-in-chief, issuing pardons, forming treaties and making nominations.
- Section 3 discusses informing Congress about national issues, making recommendations, receiving public officials and commissioning officers.
- Section 4 discusses impeachment.
“Do whatever I want” power is not granted anywhere in Article II or elsewhere in the Constitution. Section 4 outlines what can happen when a president oversteps their authority.
Trump’s claim is not only rebutted by the checks-and-balances system that the U.S. was built on, but is antithetical to the idea of democracy in general.
915 days in, 547 to go
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