CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – I drove past the No Kings Day rally along Rib Mountain Drive on Saturday. It was larger than I expected, and it certainly deserves a response.
The protesters argue that there are three areas where Donald Trump acts like a king: by unilaterally imposing tariffs, by aggressive immigration enforcement by ICE, and by weaponizing the justice department against political enemies. Yet Donald Trump has not acted king-like in any of these areas.
Let’s examine them one by one.
Tariffs: The law states that the President has the power to declare a trade emergency and can enact sanctions on our trading partners without congressional approval. Congress passed the law in 1977. Trade emergencies have been declared since then by presidents Carter, Reagan, Clinton, and both Bushes. It is settled law that presidents have such powers. An incorrect ruling by a federal circuit court judge is almost certain to be corrected by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Immigration enforcement: During the open border Biden era, several states tried to take their own steps to curb illegal immigration. Texas and Arizona were rebuffed by the courts. Immigration and border control is strictly a federal issue. Donald Trump has the full power to deploy ICE to round up those who are in the country illegally. The enforcement priorities are up to the president.
Weaponization of the DOJ: Critics will claim that Donald Trump has targeted his political enemies; Latitia James, James Comey, and John Bolton. What’s forgotten is that all three were indicted by non-partisan grand juries. All would need to be convicted by juries of their peers. And both of those steps are out of Donald Trump’s control.
Donald Trump as king has the same flavor as Donald Trump as racist. These are talking points for his political opponents. But the evidence is thin to non-existent.
Chris Conley
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