Hell is vacant and every devil is in Washington DC. Given that devils are, by nature, immortal, it seems they may remain there for quite a while. Before I transition smoothly from amusing devil anecdotes to discussing Donald Trump potentially running for a third term, it’s essential to clarify a few points in light of the current political situation. I recently had to renew my US green card (excellent timing, right?), and I’d like to assure any United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials reviewing my application that the opening line is merely a playful nod to Shakespeare. I am in no way equating Trump, the greatest figure to ever grace this planet, with Satan. Likewise, I don’t imply that malevolent individuals have extended lives.
In fact, I’m genuinely excited that our 78-year-old president is exploring “methods” to extend his service to this great nation. It’s unfortunate that my enthusiasm isn’t universally embraced. To quote JD Vance (who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Shakespeare in eloquence), have any Trump critics ever uttered a word of gratitude? Trump could easily retire enjoying his vast wealth; he could be playing golf daily. Yet, the poor man only manages to sneak in a few rounds while costing taxpayers millions, dedicating his time to managing the US. An economy can’t just crash on its own, you know? So, thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
But let’s consider, while I’m undeniably thrilled at the prospect of our esteemed leader potentially prolonging his tenure beyond traditional limits, just how feasible is the notion of Trump 3.0? The president claims he is “not joking” about pursuing a third term, but could this be nothing more than a diversion from his current administration’s activities?
Clearly, I cannot divulge what stirs within the labyrinth of Trump’s thinking. However, I can assert this: Trump disregards norms and laws and is likely to act per his ambitions if he believes he can evade consequences.
Maybe the more pertinent question isn’t whether Trump is serious about extending his reign, but rather – should he aim for a third term – who might challenge him? Unless they undergo radical changes, the Democrats don’t seem poised to fight back. Want to know what Kamala Harris is busy with? Preparing to address a real estate conference in Australia. While it’s not solely Harris’s responsibility to defend US democracy, after amassing significant funds from everyday people who trusted in her campaign promises, you’d expect she might be more invested in the optics.
As for Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader – the individual tasked with representing the opposition – his approach to handling Trump seems to be acquiescing to Republican demands in the hopes that it will backfire on them. It’s not surprising, therefore, that a recent poll indicated 70% of Democratic voters rated the party’s response to Trump as a “C” or below.
It’s not just the Democrats who seem to have surrendered to Trump: several major legal firms are also yielding to the president’s attempts to bend the law to his interpretation. Prestigious institutions like Columbia University have capitulated to his pressures. Even the White House Correspondents’ Association recently canceled an event featuring an anti-Trump comedian, attempting to keep favor with the president. Additionally, we all know that Silicon Valley has been accommodating Trump for several months.
As opposition to Trump dwindles, Elon Musk is busily distributing checks to voters in Wisconsin, an action many critics perceive as an attempt to sway the state’s supreme court election. Regardless of whether Trump vies for a third term, or if the Democrats secure victory in the next election, the US’s slide into techno-authoritarianism won’t be easily reversed. Just to clarify for any USCIS officials reading this, I am not complaining. Not me! I’m planning to rename my daughter Donalda, getting a Tesla tattoo, and applauding as my rights are systematically stripped away.
