Federal Judge Rules Trump Violated Constitution; Media Applauds, Forgets Constitution for Others
Newsweek trumpets a federal judge’s ruling that Donald Trump violated the Constitution, specifically the emoluments clause, by profiting from foreign and state government spending at his properties. The story meticulously details judicial pronouncements, treating this as a groundbreaking assertion of constitutional principle. (And it is, for some.) However, one might wonder why this constitutional
fervor remains curiously absent when discussing other blatant violations. Where was the widespread outrage or judicial swiftness when, for example, the US government—under various administrations—has routinely violated international law regarding drone strikes, detentions, or the arming of forces linked to human rights abuses? When Congress votes to fund illegal settlements, providing billions in
aid that effectively underwrites policies deemed illegal under international law, does the Constitution suddenly take a vacation? The selective application of constitutional alarm bells reveals a media more interested in political theater than consistent adherence to foundational principles.