Dear Editor:
Everything that our laws state that are grounds for impeachment, namely, abuse of power, conduct incompatible with the function of the office, and misuse of office for improper or personal gain – President Trump has/is continuing to violate every single day.
Below are only some of the actions that point to corruption, attempts to subvert the constitution, or point to abuses of power –
The use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEAPA) is clearly suspect. Using fentanyl as his scapegoat justification is arbitrary and should only be used to cover one or two countries (if at all); and should not justify imposition of tariffs worldwide. Additionally, the IEEAPA only authorizes specific emergency actions such as sanctions or freezing of assets. Congress never authorized Trump the power to levy tariffs.
The use of the Alien Enemies Act (1798) to expeditie deportations is questionable. This act was applied to countries we are at war with. We are not at war. Additionally, the deportations have been enforced without regard to proof and judicial due process of individuals.
His contriving the excuse of “Antisemitism” within campuses across the nation is also questionable, there is a war in Gaza and many people who are not antisemitic are protesting war and genocide. Universities allow the free speech of students. That does not justify the president to take away funds, tell them to change who they hire, what they teach, etc.
Declaring an energy emergency. There is no energy emergency! We are in a climate emergency! The existential threat that we should all be concerned with is not being addressed. By withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord, withdrawing EPA standards and attacking renewable energy, the president is not interested in the protection of the health of the people, nor the environment he should be protecting. To him it is more important to rape and loot the Earth and sell it abroad than to think about the needs of generations and what they may or may not have for their needs.
Violation of the Emoluments Clause. I hope that someone has kept an accounting of the numerous violations that occur with every golf outing in which he abused this clause for personal gain. Other instances of grift are latently visible by the people and administration that he has created.
The president has attacked judges and is defiant of court rulings. The president recognizes no limits on his power, no law he must obey, no right he must protect. The president as well as Congress, swore to preserve, protect and defend the constitution.
It is now time that Congress step up and do what is necessary to protect and defend the people, the laws, and democracy. If Congress does not call out, identify, and begin articles of impeachment, then they too are not living up to their oath: and they too are complicit in perpetuating this constitutional crisis. Time to impeach.
Carson Vicenti
