The democracy’s grand illusion is the belief that every individual, including a president is subject, to the law. The recent decision by the Supreme Court in Trump v. United States serves as a reminder of how our republics foundation balances power and accountability favoring those with influence over the public.
Donald Trump, a product of our media spectacle now faces accusations of committing offenses against the nation in his attempt to retain power post 2020 election. While the Courts ruling on immunity shields certain official actions it does not absolve Trump from accountability for his actions during and after January 6th. Special counsel Jack Smiths indictment vividly portrays a man who confronted with defeat tried to undermine the process through spreading misinformation influencing state officials and inciting a mob. All done openly.
This information has been known for some time. The January 6th Committees thorough investigation laid out the facts, with clarity.
The group, consisting of Democrats and a few Republicans who briefly showed their courage laid out months of evidence revealing Trumps attempts to undermine the election. They demonstrated how Trump pressured state officials to overturn results how he incited a mob to storm the Capitol and how he pushed his vice president, Mike Pence to reject the vote certification.
Lets also remember the details shared by the group; such, as the recorded phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, where Trump asked him to "find" enough votes to secure a win. The speech on January 6th where Trump urged a crowd to march towards the Capitol and warned that not fighting fiercely would jeopardize their country. Additionally witnessing the scenes of violence as the mob smashed windows attacked law enforcement officers. Hunted down elected officials—all while echoing Trumps words in their minds.
While the Supreme Courts ruling may be frustrating due to its interpretation of immunity it does not shield Trump from potential prosecution for his personal involvement, in these events.
Chief Justice Roberts in an balancing act emphasized that immunity only shields official presidential duties. No shield exists for pressuring state officials to disregard election outcomes or inciting a mob. These are not actions befitting a president fulfilling his responsibilities; rather they reflect the maneuvers of a demagogue striving to cling to power through any means
Trumps communications, with state officials his efforts to influence the Justice Department and his coordination of the January 6th rally all lie beyond the scope of duties. The court allows Judge Tanya Chutkan the space to pursue action against Trump for these deeds. The committee has presented us with evidence. Now it falls upon the counsel and courts to ensure justice prevails.
Yet what about Mike Pence? Here the court treads into territory. There is reluctance to waive Trumps immunity regarding his discussions with Pence due to the vice presidents role in certifying the election blurring lines, between executive functions. However this matter is somewhat secondary. The January 6th Committee has already unveiled information revealing that Trumps attempts to subvert the election were extensive and intricate.
Whether or not Trumps interactions, with Pence were considered "official" is not a factor in the picture. The overwhelming evidence suggests that Trump actively worked against our democracy and the special counsel can make a case without relying on those discussions.
The key issue here is that we are facing a juncture. The January 6th Committee uncovered Trumps wrongdoings for all to see yet his continued viability as a political candidate highlights the truth that truth itself seems malleable in our society easily shaped by the influential and the misguided.
The likelihood of Trump facing prosecution before the election seems slim. Our nation has a history of giving its leaders leniency pardoning their severe transgressions for conveniences sake. The appointment of a counsel, by the attorney general took two years. Court proceedings are expected to prolong any potential resolution. This narrative reflects Americas essence. Justice served selectively while others receive leniency.
What unfolds next follows a sorrowful pattern. The legal system will move slowly possibly without reaching closure before the election.
The man who tried to undermine our democracy might escape punishment again despite his repeated actions. However, it's important to note that his actions are well documented thanks, in part to the January 6th Committee. Trumps legacy isn't about leading or serving but rather about causing chaos inciting insurrection and trying to assert himself as a ruler in a nation built for freedom loving people. Regardless of how history judges him we must always remember that the battle, for democracy is a struggle.
