Republican Congress: Trump's Puppets or Principled Patriots?

2025-06-16 12:00:46.36

Republican members of the US Congress are acting like obedient soldiers following Donald Trump's commands, disregarding their own principles and the balance of powers enshrined in the Constitution. They've reversed their stances on key issues like deficits, relations with Russia and Ukraine, and cabinet appointments to please Trump. This behavior is reminiscent of a parliamentary system, where the prime minister dictates policy, rather than the checks and balances intended by the Founding Fathers. Trump himself has openly stated he doesn't know if he must abide by the Constitution, viewing Congress as a mere rubber stamp for his decisions. This is exemplified by the rushed passage of a 1,037-page bill, leaving many Republican representatives unaware of its contents, including provisions that undermine court orders and state regulation of AI. Some, like Mike Flood and Marjorie Taylor Greene, have admitted their ignorance and regret. The author questions why these representatives tolerate such treatment and don't speak out or resign. While some, like Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, have faced consequences for speaking truth to power, most remain silent due to fear of political repercussions. The author argues that the lawmakers' justification for staying in office—creature comforts and the intangible perk of obeisance—is insufficient, and history will judge them harshly for prioritizing ambition over principle and paving the way to autocracy.