Trump’s goal is to consolidate power

I think some people are missing the point of Donald Trump's actions as president. I don't think he is trying to shut down programs because he doesn't agree with them or is trying to gut government agencies to save money and reduce the size of government. I think his ultimate goal is to consolidate power in the office of the presidency.

He knows he will be sued to stop many of these actions. But I think his goal is to push these lawsuits to the Supreme Court, where he has a handpicked majority (and old-school government haters in Thomas and Alito). He is hoping/expecting that his majority on the Supreme Court will side with him. This will create a very powerful executive branch and very weakened judicial and legislative branches.

The Republicans in the Senate and the House need to realize what he is trying to do and work to stop him. Some of you will argue that Trump won a mandate, and this is what the people voted for. But is 49.8% to 48.3% in actual votes really a mandate? He didn't even win the majority of the votes that were cast.

The job of the Legislature is not to kneel to the President. Its responsibility is to balance the presidency and curtail the presidency if necessary. We need lawmakers to do their job.

Ken Konz

Cedar Rapids