The briefing memo underscores Trump’s reliance on the judiciary to advance his objectives. Michaelis notes that the U.S. Supreme Court docket’s current choices to increase presidential powers might allow Trump to bypass conventional checks and balances.
Nonetheless, the ambassador affords a glimmer of reassurance, stating that “even the most important critics assume that [the Supreme Court] will forestall the worst from occurring.”
The doc additional raises issues about Trump’s potential to take advantage of authorized loopholes for political ends. These embrace probably utilizing the navy domestically in instances of “riot” or “invasion,” an act that might take a look at the boundaries of the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which typically bars navy involvement in regulation enforcement.
Michaelis additionally highlights Trump’s obvious alignment with tech billionaire Elon Musk as a possible threat to media independence. Trump has employed ways like “lawsuits, threatening prison prosecution, and license revocation” towards critics, in accordance with the report.
In the meantime, Musk is accused of manipulating algorithms and blocking accounts crucial of his platform. The ambassador warns of a “redefinition of the First Modification,” suggesting a troubling merger of political and technological affect.
Musk’s habits has already brought about unease in Berlin. His public endorsements of the far-right Different for Germany get together forward of Germany’s election subsequent month have raised fears of international interference. Whereas particular person businesses — just like the ministry of protection — have left Musk’s platform, the German authorities stays energetic on X.
