For years, six justices on the Supreme Court led by John Roberts have been criminal felons engaged in a rebellion against the laws of the United States including the Constitution and have been working with their decisions to illegal assist in the installation of a lawless fascist autocracy with a power unlimited dictator as president who has immunity for official acts - but felony criminal insurrection is not an official act.
Insurrection happened on January 6, 2021, but the violations of (18 U.S. Code § 2383) continued into 2025 and 2026 with Trump, members of his administration, Republicans in Congress, and six justices on the Supreme Court violating federal law (18 U.S. Code § 2383). According to the federal law (18 U.S. Code § 2383), a felony crime is committed by “Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office”.
If Democrats get elected in 2026 and 2028, they MUST enforce the law against insurrection and arrest, prosecute, convict and jail Trump, members of his administration, Republicans in Congress, and six justices on the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court never made a factual determination of whether Trump was guilty of insurrection because it was never asked to rule on a criminal charge of insurrection. Instead, the Court's 9-0 ruling in Trump v. Anderson focused entirely on ballot eligibility under Section 3 of the 14th. If you recall, the Colorado Supreme Crt. found that Trump
violated the Insurrection Clause. Then it was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Crt. ⬇️
The justices unanimously ruled that individual states do not have the constitutional authority to enforce the 14th Amendment's "insurrectionist clause" against federal candidates. Allowing states to make their own decisions would create a chaotic, inconsistent patchwork for national elections.
Need for Congressional Action: A majority of the Court ruled that Section 3 is not "self-executing," meaning Congress must pass specific legislation outlining how the clause should be enforced before anyone can be disqualified. AND ⬇️
Lack of Criminal Conviction: The Court noted that Trump had never been charged with, let alone convicted of, the specific federal crime of insurrection under 18 \text{ U.S.C.} \mathsection 2383.
Congress had acted years before by passing 2383 - the problem is Democrats failing to enforce 2383 when they controlled the DOJ as they did with Biden and AG Garland - and still are clueless about 2383 and the violations
William,well said. The refusal to explore (18 US Code 2383) by Democrats is just another sign of the weakness of the party that has been betrayed those of us who believe in Democracy and equal rights. I don't believe that DEM victories in 26 or 28 guarantee a change. There must be major pushback against these large corp who support the "NAZI" .Pushback against the religious gangsters who wish for an "all white Christian Nation"
I haven't studied it, but there do need to be changes. To prevent the events since Jan 2025 ever happening again. Obama complained once during his last administration " I'm US president and I can't things done." He could but he was frustrated by the system. But that happened because he also took note of, and respected the rule of law. The present incumbent is able to do these awful things because he has no respect for the law at all.
So either the guidelines need to be tighter, or the penalties for ignoring them severer.
Along with a Supreme Court that is non partisan, and that is forced to interpret the law fairly and without bias.
It seems to me, based on my old civics' education, that this SCOTUS ruling is not the end. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Congress could rewrite and pass legislation that better (more clearly) spells out the independence of Commissions and protections from Executive interference. Congress makes and passes laws, and if they are written well, should withstand the actions of a presumed partisan court. To me, the ball is in Congresses' court to address this ruling and not simply accepted as the new way of the world.
You’re right Jim, Congress could pass legislation to do what you outlined. The problem with it is, as always for the last 15 years, getting cooperation from republicans.
Trump will try to use the immunity the Supreme Crt gave him, but it was immunity for “official acts” only. (He doesn’t have tax immunity. The
DOJ can’t agree to not prosecute future tax liability—basic contract law doesn’t allow that.)
Trump was found guilty in a court of law by a jury, for acts he engaged in before he was elected the 1st time. So his immunity doesn’t extend that far, but who knows what the Supreme Court will do? If Trump tries to stay out of prison by going to court, it will take a while to work its way up to the Supremes and he could be dead by then.
You’re right that no one can confiscate the money he stole, it would take a legal process.
But I guarantee that legal process will happen.
Trump may know the chaos that will happen if V.P. Vance takes over and how it will affect the Cabinet, how a new Congress takes awhile to
get it together, etc. But the American people
won’t let it go. There’s no reason democrats can’t hire a special prosecutor to go after Trump or his estate if he dies.
You’re absolutely right. Trump is a tool used by
the people who took over the republican party.
I think he exceeded their wildest dreams, and yes, they will still be there after Trump is long gone. So the fight will continue. Neither democrats or the public can afford to ignore it.
Personally, I think Trump will stay in office as
long as he possibly can. I will be shocked if he
decides to leave because it would be totally out of character for him.
Perhaps, but I choose long-term; post-Trump, and a Congress we Americans demand start working for our (and not their) best interests. I think Trump will quit/resign following the mid-terms should the Dems take Congress. This stuff will all come into play.
Jim, Trump will never resign. He’s 1. stealing millions of dollars almost daily and 2. will very likely go to prison for the crimes he was found guilty of committing in Judge Merchan’s court a couple of years ago. Do you really believe he’ll give up the money voluntarily and agree to go to prison?
He will not go to prison. I really think Trump will use his immunity SCOTUS gifted him, and perhaps the tax immunity. No one can simply take away the proceeds of his grift and Insider trading. His pardoning of family and friends will delay any immediate actions while his family continues to profit. Trump knows he is sick (physically and perhaps mentally) but he also knows that his life in Mar-A-Lago will be somewhat protected (via his personal lawyer Blanche) until his death. He well knows that the chaos caused by Vance entering the oval office, the fracturing of the Cabinet (Rubio will never work for Vance), the new Congress trying to get its act together, stabilizing and reconstituting the DOJ/FBI DNI/etc. will consume much of our time and resources. Not to mention the Iran War and diminished foreign relations debacle. We first have to root out Trumpian's in leadership positions, find capable replacements, reestablish order, and stem the hemorrhaging of government agencies. We simply don't have the resources to do all that and go after Trump right away. It will take years, and we first have to go through all the lower-level folks, you know, like Miller and Voght, and on and on. Trump will be dead by then. I have always asserted that Trump is ultimately just a useful tool. MAGA will still be there when he leaves. And I'm not hearing much of a plan from the Dems other than let's get rid of Trump - then we'll figure it out.
Bring out the guillotine! These creeps will not respond unless physically threatened. Ain’t it? Be honest, if reality is still in your grasp. I know what James Comey would be sayin’, but hey! James Comey was wrongly fired by the rhesus monkey in the Oval Office. Now what?
See? This is where people shrink and take up their knitting.
Oh, Dr. Reich, I have believed in the Constitution since grade school. I spent 32 years working for State and County government in Minnesota - which only strengthened my faith. The people I worked for and with shared that belief and together we accomplished amazing things: especially, safe housing and services for children, youth, solo adults, families and disabled persons (things Trump is killing, probably to provide more for-profit hedge funds who gamble with institutions). I feel like a religious person who just discovered God was a hedge fund CEO. It shatters my soul.
By the way in case you don’t know what the CAA is it says that we’re supposed to have one representative in Congress for every 50,000 people. It was ratified in 1790 by a vote by Connecticut being the state of ratify it and then we’re told in 1900 that I didn’t ratify and that they’re going to ignore it and then in 1929 they locked the house of 435 representatives which was illegal and that shouldn’t have happened, but you know what we have a corrupt Congress and nobody said they’re gonna take it to the Supreme Court until about 2016 when 4 guys took it to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court said that they don’t have standing not that they’re wrong. See Boldtruth.com for more information because now a congressman from Connecticut has filed a bill to destroy that amendment the last amendment from the Bill of Rights. These guys are so fricking corrupt.
Unfortunately, it's more complicated than that, although one could blame a lot on the existence of the absurdly un-representative senate. The problem is that what the citizens of the US want is now virtually irrelevant to what congress actually does. The lethal fallout from the Citizens United decision continues to blight the country.
Those are just more reasons why we need separation from a country with a Supreme Court that favors a unitary presidency supported by a billionaire oligarchy that perverts elections. With the absurdly anti-democratic system for amending the constitution, Citizens United will remain as will the electoral college and ridiculous Senate.
The billionaire oligarchy is the problem. Typically these don't go away absent catastrophic economic breakdown or foreign invasion. Neither option is in any way good. I think even the ancient Greeks recognized the issue. Mancur Olson wrote some good books on the structural issues.
They threaten to leave California if we pass the billionaire tax. They will not completely leave, even if they move their headquarters and homes because they need to operate there. As a separate country, California could tax their businesses at an appropriate rate.
These are supposed to be Constitutional scholars????? Congress is the first branch mentioned in the Constitution and was provided the most powerful powers including the power of the purse. The Framers wanted exactly the opposite. The Executive branch is supposed to carry out laws.
Good old Umpire Roberts. It's darn hard calling balls and strikes when so many pitchers can throw really fast pitches and amazing curves, especially in the World Series.
So what's to be done? Easy! Decide which league you like better or which more clearly aligns with your personal point of view and always give them an edge. Problem solved. And always have that sweet smile on your face. Just like Mikie Johnson.
Trump has planned his kingship for many years. He padded the Supreme Court with yes men, toured campaign trails spouting fabrications and false promises to get his tools elected. Recall what he said about his second inauguration, “I will be a dictator only on day one.” That lie was meant to reassure us. Professor Reich, now that we are out of the frying pan and into the fire, is there any action sane people can take? That is not a rhetorical question; your thoughts , please.
Don't think T is totally responsible. Right wing extremists have been using him for their purposes. Don't believe he could have done this all on his own. Maybe the tidal wave of endless grift is his contribution, but even economically the stage had already been set and Act 1 (or maybe even Act 2) was already well under way when T showed up on stage. So much crime and collusion... it all needs to be investigated and corrected and justice done. These characters must be voted out!
Trump is the plutocrats Frankenstein monster. They're too clever by half though. The orgy of corruption and chaos stemming from this decision will take everyone down.
Ridiculous that the SCOTUS majority came up with that idea to change an almost 100-year rule. Sorry but NOT sorry—those bozos give no reasoning behind that vacuous interpretation.
It's not at all clear how to stop the current stupidity, but it needs to stop. The US was glaringly obviously founded on the principle of having a highly constrained executive branch. They already had a king, they didn't want another one. Furthermore, from a practical standpoint, how long does the court figure the US is going to last when every new president that gets in can fire all the people that really matter heading the agencies congress has created? The MAGA horde voted to keep Latin Americans out, instead, they got a Latin American government. Winning!
THIS should be another nail in the coffin for the Roberts 6 to use against them to RID America of ALL of the Roberts 6! IMPEACH - REMOVE - JAIL........
I agree Bob. I studied the Constitution in an
undergraduate class and again in law school.
The Framers of the Constitution were most concerned with limiting the powers of a president. The “unitary executive” nonsense
is completely made up and is the exact opposite of what our very carefully crafted Constitution says about presidential power.
For years, six justices on the Supreme Court led by John Roberts have been criminal felons engaged in a rebellion against the laws of the United States including the Constitution and have been working with their decisions to illegal assist in the installation of a lawless fascist autocracy with a power unlimited dictator as president who has immunity for official acts - but felony criminal insurrection is not an official act.
Insurrection happened on January 6, 2021, but the violations of (18 U.S. Code § 2383) continued into 2025 and 2026 with Trump, members of his administration, Republicans in Congress, and six justices on the Supreme Court violating federal law (18 U.S. Code § 2383). According to the federal law (18 U.S. Code § 2383), a felony crime is committed by “Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office”.
If Democrats get elected in 2026 and 2028, they MUST enforce the law against insurrection and arrest, prosecute, convict and jail Trump, members of his administration, Republicans in Congress, and six justices on the Supreme Court.
Guys, there’s more to it than that:
The Supreme Court never made a factual determination of whether Trump was guilty of insurrection because it was never asked to rule on a criminal charge of insurrection. Instead, the Court's 9-0 ruling in Trump v. Anderson focused entirely on ballot eligibility under Section 3 of the 14th. If you recall, the Colorado Supreme Crt. found that Trump
violated the Insurrection Clause. Then it was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Crt. ⬇️
The justices unanimously ruled that individual states do not have the constitutional authority to enforce the 14th Amendment's "insurrectionist clause" against federal candidates. Allowing states to make their own decisions would create a chaotic, inconsistent patchwork for national elections.
Need for Congressional Action: A majority of the Court ruled that Section 3 is not "self-executing," meaning Congress must pass specific legislation outlining how the clause should be enforced before anyone can be disqualified. AND ⬇️
Lack of Criminal Conviction: The Court noted that Trump had never been charged with, let alone convicted of, the specific federal crime of insurrection under 18 \text{ U.S.C.} \mathsection 2383.
The Court didn’t cite 2383 and falsely said Congress must create a law against insurrection which ignored 2383.
That’s because they were reviewing the case on appeal. When the U.S. Supreme Court takes
an appeal, they review only what happened in the lower court. The Court held unanimously
that Sec. 3, the Insurrection clause, is not self-executing. Therefore, Congress had to act
before it could take effect. Since it was a unanimous decision, I give credence to that
ruling. Believe me—I wish it had a different outcome, but it is what it is.
Congress had acted years before by passing 2383 - the problem is Democrats failing to enforce 2383 when they controlled the DOJ as they did with Biden and AG Garland - and still are clueless about 2383 and the violations
William,well said. The refusal to explore (18 US Code 2383) by Democrats is just another sign of the weakness of the party that has been betrayed those of us who believe in Democracy and equal rights. I don't believe that DEM victories in 26 or 28 guarantee a change. There must be major pushback against these large corp who support the "NAZI" .Pushback against the religious gangsters who wish for an "all white Christian Nation"
I haven't studied it, but there do need to be changes. To prevent the events since Jan 2025 ever happening again. Obama complained once during his last administration " I'm US president and I can't things done." He could but he was frustrated by the system. But that happened because he also took note of, and respected the rule of law. The present incumbent is able to do these awful things because he has no respect for the law at all.
So either the guidelines need to be tighter, or the penalties for ignoring them severer.
Along with a Supreme Court that is non partisan, and that is forced to interpret the law fairly and without bias.
It seems to me, based on my old civics' education, that this SCOTUS ruling is not the end. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Congress could rewrite and pass legislation that better (more clearly) spells out the independence of Commissions and protections from Executive interference. Congress makes and passes laws, and if they are written well, should withstand the actions of a presumed partisan court. To me, the ball is in Congresses' court to address this ruling and not simply accepted as the new way of the world.
You’re right Jim, Congress could pass legislation to do what you outlined. The problem with it is, as always for the last 15 years, getting cooperation from republicans.
They will generally not defy Trump.
Trump will try to use the immunity the Supreme Crt gave him, but it was immunity for “official acts” only. (He doesn’t have tax immunity. The
DOJ can’t agree to not prosecute future tax liability—basic contract law doesn’t allow that.)
Trump was found guilty in a court of law by a jury, for acts he engaged in before he was elected the 1st time. So his immunity doesn’t extend that far, but who knows what the Supreme Court will do? If Trump tries to stay out of prison by going to court, it will take a while to work its way up to the Supremes and he could be dead by then.
You’re right that no one can confiscate the money he stole, it would take a legal process.
But I guarantee that legal process will happen.
Trump may know the chaos that will happen if V.P. Vance takes over and how it will affect the Cabinet, how a new Congress takes awhile to
get it together, etc. But the American people
won’t let it go. There’s no reason democrats can’t hire a special prosecutor to go after Trump or his estate if he dies.
You’re absolutely right. Trump is a tool used by
the people who took over the republican party.
I think he exceeded their wildest dreams, and yes, they will still be there after Trump is long gone. So the fight will continue. Neither democrats or the public can afford to ignore it.
Personally, I think Trump will stay in office as
long as he possibly can. I will be shocked if he
decides to leave because it would be totally out of character for him.
Perhaps, but I choose long-term; post-Trump, and a Congress we Americans demand start working for our (and not their) best interests. I think Trump will quit/resign following the mid-terms should the Dems take Congress. This stuff will all come into play.
Jim, Trump will never resign. He’s 1. stealing millions of dollars almost daily and 2. will very likely go to prison for the crimes he was found guilty of committing in Judge Merchan’s court a couple of years ago. Do you really believe he’ll give up the money voluntarily and agree to go to prison?
He will be gone some day, but our best hope
right now is to elect a majority of democrats
in the midterms to be a check on his power.
He will not go to prison. I really think Trump will use his immunity SCOTUS gifted him, and perhaps the tax immunity. No one can simply take away the proceeds of his grift and Insider trading. His pardoning of family and friends will delay any immediate actions while his family continues to profit. Trump knows he is sick (physically and perhaps mentally) but he also knows that his life in Mar-A-Lago will be somewhat protected (via his personal lawyer Blanche) until his death. He well knows that the chaos caused by Vance entering the oval office, the fracturing of the Cabinet (Rubio will never work for Vance), the new Congress trying to get its act together, stabilizing and reconstituting the DOJ/FBI DNI/etc. will consume much of our time and resources. Not to mention the Iran War and diminished foreign relations debacle. We first have to root out Trumpian's in leadership positions, find capable replacements, reestablish order, and stem the hemorrhaging of government agencies. We simply don't have the resources to do all that and go after Trump right away. It will take years, and we first have to go through all the lower-level folks, you know, like Miller and Voght, and on and on. Trump will be dead by then. I have always asserted that Trump is ultimately just a useful tool. MAGA will still be there when he leaves. And I'm not hearing much of a plan from the Dems other than let's get rid of Trump - then we'll figure it out.
Disheartening that the people at the very top of the legal system are so easily manipulated.
I, of course, could be wrong Judy, but I figure
the people at the top are getting a cut of the
take.
Unfortunately, that is probably what's happening. They have some kind of incentive. Doesn't pass the smell test.
Bring out the guillotine! These creeps will not respond unless physically threatened. Ain’t it? Be honest, if reality is still in your grasp. I know what James Comey would be sayin’, but hey! James Comey was wrongly fired by the rhesus monkey in the Oval Office. Now what?
See? This is where people shrink and take up their knitting.
Someone needs to sue the Supreme Court! If only......
IMPEACH
Oh, Dr. Reich, I have believed in the Constitution since grade school. I spent 32 years working for State and County government in Minnesota - which only strengthened my faith. The people I worked for and with shared that belief and together we accomplished amazing things: especially, safe housing and services for children, youth, solo adults, families and disabled persons (things Trump is killing, probably to provide more for-profit hedge funds who gamble with institutions). I feel like a religious person who just discovered God was a hedge fund CEO. It shatters my soul.
Keep on helping people. Just because our government is disgustingly greedy, we need to be the complete opposite.
If we followed the Congressional Apportionment Amendment None of this would’ve happened.
By the way in case you don’t know what the CAA is it says that we’re supposed to have one representative in Congress for every 50,000 people. It was ratified in 1790 by a vote by Connecticut being the state of ratify it and then we’re told in 1900 that I didn’t ratify and that they’re going to ignore it and then in 1929 they locked the house of 435 representatives which was illegal and that shouldn’t have happened, but you know what we have a corrupt Congress and nobody said they’re gonna take it to the Supreme Court until about 2016 when 4 guys took it to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court said that they don’t have standing not that they’re wrong. See Boldtruth.com for more information because now a congressman from Connecticut has filed a bill to destroy that amendment the last amendment from the Bill of Rights. These guys are so fricking corrupt.
I’m sorry guys one last thing I am an expert on this amendment not many people are.
The blue states need a national divorce from the fascist states that support having a king.
Unfortunately, it's more complicated than that, although one could blame a lot on the existence of the absurdly un-representative senate. The problem is that what the citizens of the US want is now virtually irrelevant to what congress actually does. The lethal fallout from the Citizens United decision continues to blight the country.
Those are just more reasons why we need separation from a country with a Supreme Court that favors a unitary presidency supported by a billionaire oligarchy that perverts elections. With the absurdly anti-democratic system for amending the constitution, Citizens United will remain as will the electoral college and ridiculous Senate.
The billionaire oligarchy is the problem. Typically these don't go away absent catastrophic economic breakdown or foreign invasion. Neither option is in any way good. I think even the ancient Greeks recognized the issue. Mancur Olson wrote some good books on the structural issues.
They threaten to leave California if we pass the billionaire tax. They will not completely leave, even if they move their headquarters and homes because they need to operate there. As a separate country, California could tax their businesses at an appropriate rate.
Fuhrer.... most kings are humane.
Vermont used to have a movement to succeed from the union. Maybe it's time to bring it back?
These are supposed to be Constitutional scholars????? Congress is the first branch mentioned in the Constitution and was provided the most powerful powers including the power of the purse. The Framers wanted exactly the opposite. The Executive branch is supposed to carry out laws.
Yes, but had you read Project 2025 you have known that these plutocrats intend to discard the Constitution.
I wish I could stuff that document into every single hypocrite's mouth.
Oh, I know. I say what I say because it's true, not because they're freaking far right liars.
Good old Umpire Roberts. It's darn hard calling balls and strikes when so many pitchers can throw really fast pitches and amazing curves, especially in the World Series.
So what's to be done? Easy! Decide which league you like better or which more clearly aligns with your personal point of view and always give them an edge. Problem solved. And always have that sweet smile on your face. Just like Mikie Johnson.
Roberts is expert on law. Committing fraud. Fabrication. Disregarding. Self dealing. Corruption.
the 6 are only good at licking the ass of Trump.
All the more reason to elect a Blue Wave and override all of these pernicious decisions.
Too bad Anita Hill wasn't believed... We would probably not be in this mess now.
The SCOTUS majority are fascist at heart...
Paul,100% and should be repeated,not only as FaSCIST BUT AS "NAZIS".
Pack the court and have term limits as soon as the next Democrat President is sworn in. The first week in office… no matter what. Priority one!
and impeach Thomas for taking bribes. Impeach all of them for lying under oath during their confirmation hearings.
Roberts, Alito and Thomas- I would prefer prison. Impeach the other three liars.
Use their robes as shrouds!
Well, with all due respect, you’re half right.
IMPEACH
Trump has planned his kingship for many years. He padded the Supreme Court with yes men, toured campaign trails spouting fabrications and false promises to get his tools elected. Recall what he said about his second inauguration, “I will be a dictator only on day one.” That lie was meant to reassure us. Professor Reich, now that we are out of the frying pan and into the fire, is there any action sane people can take? That is not a rhetorical question; your thoughts , please.
Well… Mitch McConnell had a heavy hand in this along with the 2025 playbook folks.
Don't think T is totally responsible. Right wing extremists have been using him for their purposes. Don't believe he could have done this all on his own. Maybe the tidal wave of endless grift is his contribution, but even economically the stage had already been set and Act 1 (or maybe even Act 2) was already well under way when T showed up on stage. So much crime and collusion... it all needs to be investigated and corrected and justice done. These characters must be voted out!
Trump is the plutocrats Frankenstein monster. They're too clever by half though. The orgy of corruption and chaos stemming from this decision will take everyone down.
Unitary executive = tyrant king
Ridiculous that the SCOTUS majority came up with that idea to change an almost 100-year rule. Sorry but NOT sorry—those bozos give no reasoning behind that vacuous interpretation.
It's not at all clear how to stop the current stupidity, but it needs to stop. The US was glaringly obviously founded on the principle of having a highly constrained executive branch. They already had a king, they didn't want another one. Furthermore, from a practical standpoint, how long does the court figure the US is going to last when every new president that gets in can fire all the people that really matter heading the agencies congress has created? The MAGA horde voted to keep Latin Americans out, instead, they got a Latin American government. Winning!
We take back what belongs to US the people. And watch them hang themselves from the tallest gallows.
They're not going to hang themselves; they're going to require assistance.
I'm right here!
So many "worthies" , so few lampposts.
Bunch of traitors who make up shit.
THIS should be another nail in the coffin for the Roberts 6 to use against them to RID America of ALL of the Roberts 6! IMPEACH - REMOVE - JAIL........
Plastic trash bags save money!