Will Trump Use the Constitution as a Wedge Against Democracy?

Donald Trump plans to return to power as "an elected king who has power over everything but can be prosecuted for nothing," writes Brynn Tannehill of The New Republic.

Dismiss the idea not too quickly.

He's coming with a vengeance. He fell from power, and he's not going to let it happen again.

Tannehill suggests the next Trump presidency will reach to justify their actions with what is called the "unitary executive theory." You've heard of that, I guess. No? Well neither have I. But, I read it takes its roots in the Constitution. "The executive Power shall be vested in a President," says the Constitution. "The President shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed," says the same Constitution.

Sounds fair, sounds right, sounds wise and makes sense, right? Who would question the Constitution?

But, is Trump planning to use the words of the Constitution as a wedge to break apart America as we know it?

"In practice," writes Tannehill, "this could mean, for example, the president personally instructing the Department of Justice and the IRS to investigate and prosecute anyone he directs them to. According to people who study how democracies die, this would serve as a big, flashing neon light that says the democracy is either dead or dying. But the American public doesn't seem to notice, or care."

Trump could fire any military officer standing in the way of his using the military for his personal ambitions. He could fire anyone under the roof of the Executive Branch and exert his influence to overthrow the Judicial Branch, as well. The Legislative Branch? It is within range that Republican majorities could be achieved in both cameras, and be loyal to Trump.

Confessedly so, there is speculation in all this. One of the writers on this topic has said, "This is not just speculation," but it is. Or, is it? It is based on Trump advisors saying they plan to draw on the power of the unitary executive theory. That Trump will actually use it to fire everyone and bring in his minions and henchmen is yet to be seen.

Drain the swamp, Trump promised long ago. Tannehill notes that, "In the run-up to the 2020 election, Trump repeatedly talked about a third and fourth term." He will not willingly relinquish power ever again, Tannehill writes.

Where there's smoke, there's fire, it has been said.