The thing to put to notice that Trump said which would give a new definition to the concept of checks and balances is Trump realizing and saying, "I can do it just with an executive order.” Not only is this reform to the constitution crazy, but his assertion of power is beginning to reflect that of a dictatorship if he can do such a thing with just an executive order. I do think however this would be a valid cause for immediate impeachment if he attempts to overturn the pillars that our foundations have been set on. Although there are many things that do need reform in our constitution in order to advance with the times, I do believe it is a necessity to see these things out as a whole government with the input of the people rather than to attempt to reform it all because one person feels a certain way, possibly awakening another era of fascism. The analogy between Trump's actions and fascism may seem stretched out, but it's not, because as these actions begin to be accepted by the masses, the slowly allow themselves to be controlled by a dictator.
Illustration by David Horsey
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On October 31, 2018, Ayoub Kajjaj talked about Trump’s aims to end the birthright citizenship with an executive order. In the article, Kajjaj mentioned that Trump announced that the United States of America is the only country that offers citizenship. Kajjaj didn’t point out the following, but I must disagree with Trump’s statement as there is 30 other countries that do offer citizenships such as Canada, South American and European countries. Does the President have legal authority to change this? The majority of legal and constitutional experts would say that he doesn’t have the power to do this. On the other hand, there are few conservatives who have been arguing over the past several years that there is a right that the constitution isn’t being applied correctly. The 14th amendment was meant to apply only to citizens and permanent resident of the US. It doesn’t apply to those who are on temporary visas or unauthorized. As a US citizen who’s parent is a non-citizen and got the chance to have birth in the US, I find this very interesting as the constitution is very explicit. It doesn’t give any caveats in terms of if they’re a citizen, it says that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States.” Kajjaj also mentioned that dictators come to power in democracy if one gives the green light to do so. The question is who else is demanding this? Why is this becoming an issue and why is Trump trying to do this? To “make America great again? Kajjaj described Donald Trump as a “Subtle Fascist” as Trump is trying to implement these new decision into our community. The president should know that he can’t change the 14th amendment and what he’s doing is an attempt to divide people and insight an issue. Also, if his order is signed, there will be legal challenges.
Ayoub Kajjaj wrote in his editorial, "President Donald Trump is a Subtle Fascist." that the United States seems to be falling into a state of dictatorship. His premise is that Donald Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship is an example of our county falling to dictatorship. While I do believe president Donald Trump is ignorant of his role in government, and the powers that the constitution grants him, calling him a fascist is a bit extreme.
I 100% do not agree with his plan to contradict article 1 of the 14th amendment, but before pointing fingers, and calling people fascists, it is important to approach this from all angles. Donald Trump sees illegal immigration as a serious problem, and it is. As someone from a family who worked hard to come here legally, I feel offended that people come here and disrespect my country by coming here illegally. His proposed executive order only targets those who came unlawfully into the United States. It's not just Donald Trump who found illegal immigration a problem, our previous president Barack Obama also found it an issue. While is method is unorthodox, and frankly not in his power, it is definitely inappropriate to call him a fascist.
Lastly, it is unfair to solely point the blame at Trump. Our congress and supreme court are supposed to keep him in check. Congress can stop an executive order with a 2/3rds majority vote and all executive orders are subject to judicial review. In order to fix this broken country, we must look beyond the obvious and fix the root of the problem.
While I disagree with many of his points, Kajjaj's editorial was well written, enjoyable to read and contemplate. He chose an issue that is relevant to many people who reside in the U.S. and included a lot of good information that supported his argument.
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