Checking Trump

Thomas Geoghegan argues that the Constitution and the current state of Congress serve as obstacles to Donald Trump's ability to subvert the electoral system. Writing for Commonweal, Geoghegan disputes claims by Steve Bannon that Congress has become a servile body similar to the Duma.

Geoghegan notes that while Congress passed the Big Beautiful Bill to cut taxes for the wealthy, it remains too ineffective and inert to facilitate an authoritarian takeover. He points to Senate procedural rules, the filibuster, and the necessity of fundraising for elections as factors that prevent the legislative branch from actively participating in such a takeover. While Trump can use executive orders, Geoghegan asserts that he remains bound by upcoming elections because Congress has not granted him the legislative support required for a total subversion of the system.