People believe he will abuse his power.
Donald Trump’s rhetoric is causing unease among Pentagon insiders who fear he might transform the nonpartisan U.S. military into a tool for his political agenda. His comments about dictatorship and a disregard for the checks and balances of the nation’s democracy have raised concerns about the military’s role.
During his previous term, a group of appointees independent of Trump’s political circle guided him away from ideas that could have stretched the limits of presidential power. However, many of them departed by the end of his term. The worry now is that, in a new term, Trump might surround himself with loyalists who won’t challenge his decisions.
Trump’s recent legal theory suggesting that a president could act with near impunity, including assassinating political rivals, has added to these concerns. As the possibility of Trump’s return looms, public interest groups and lawmakers are quietly strategizing to counter any attempts to expand presidential power, including influencing the military for political purposes.
Those involved in this effort are examining Trump’s past actions and 2024 policy positions to be prepared if he wins in November. They are considering legal action and sending letters to Trump appointees outlining consequences if they undermine constitutional norms.
Mary McCord, executive director of the Institution for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown Law, stated, “We’re already starting to put together a team to think through the most damaging types of things that he [Trump] might do so that we’re ready to bring lawsuits if we have to.”
The goal is to identify like-minded organizations and form a coalition to challenge Trump from the outset. Participants are reviewing policy papers for a potential conservative administration and monitoring interviews with Trump allies for insights into his potential actions.
Groups such as Democracy Forward and Protect Democracy, known for challenging the Trump administration, are part of this initiative. Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward, emphasized the importance of using every available tool to protect American democracy.
Concerns also revolve around the expansive powers a president holds, including the less-understood Insurrection Act, which allows the deployment of military forces in response to domestic uprisings. Lawmakers, particularly Democrats, are wary of Trump’s potential use of such powers and are working on legislation to clarify and limit them.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is crafting a bill to provide Congress and the courts with a say in the use of the Insurrection Act. However, its passage is uncertain given Republican control.
As Trump’s rhetoric raises apprehensions about potential misuse of presidential powers, critics remain skeptical of his assurances. William Cohen, former Republican senator and defense secretary, labeled Trump as a “clear and present danger to our democracy,” emphasizing the risk of living under a dictatorship.
