Cornell Law professor Michael C. Dorf discusses the actions taken by Donald Trump shortly after his inauguration, focusing on his disregard for democratic norms and the potential legal violations involved, particularly highlighting the removal of security details from political adversaries like Mike Pompeo, John Bolton, and Anthony Fauci. Professor Dorf argues that these decisions reflect Trump’s vengeful and autocratic tendencies, likening his behavior to that of a dictator or crime boss, and warning of the broader implications for democratic governance and personal safety of those perceived as his enemies.
UF Levin College of Law professor Neil H. Buchanan considers the future of federalism when Republicans have forced the United States into a one-party autocracy. Professor Buchanan argues that while conservatives have long claimed to favor states’ rights, they will be unlikely to support states’ rights when Republicans control the federal government and are insulated from competition.
