Longacre: When the only rational response is to gag

Recently, I have been having gag responses to all things Donald Trump. I think the concept of “gag order” should apply not just to statements made to intimidate the judges, jurors, witnesses and others connected to his various trials but also to any such statements made by him and his supporters meant to fire up his followers and intimidate everyone else. Two such examples come to mind: First, comments he has made at recent rallies, most notably March 4, 2023, and Nov. 11, 2023. And second, comments made by his attorney and Justice Samuel Alito at oral arguments in the Supreme Court’s “immunity case” April 25.

First, Trump’s comments March 4: “In 2016, I declared, ‘I am your voice.’ Today, I add, I am your warrior. I am your justice. And, for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution.” On Nov. 11, he said, “We pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country (and) that lie and steal and cheat on elections.”

Now, to the Supreme Court oral arguments. Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked Trump’s attorney, John Sauer, if a presidential order to assassinate a political rival could be considered an “official act” and thus be immune from prosecution. Sauer’s answer was an unequivocal affirmative. Then, as if to put icing on the cake, Justice Alito declared that immunity from such acts would be good because a president would then be less likely to want to stay in power to avoid prosecution.

There are many other gag-worthy examples where these came from, all pointing to the fact that Trump cannot be allowed back into the Oval Office.

Frederick Longacre

Hockessin

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