What would happen if Donald Trump, as Commander in Chief, ordered the military to invade Greenland or Panama or gave illegal orders and his own Marines or generals tried to arrest him at gunpoint?
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| Donald Trump |
1. Powers of the Commander in Chief
Donald Trump, or any other US president, serves as the commander-in-chief of the US military under the US Constitution. However, this power is not unlimited. Some presidential orders, especially those that would conflict with the Constitution or international law, can be overturned. get writing
2. Illegal order
If the president gives an illegal order, such as an order to launch an attack that violates international law or the Constitution, the military or other officials are not obligated to carry out that order. Members of the military have a sacred duty not to carry out "unjust" or "illegal" orders. If the president gives an illegal order, members of the military, including Marines and generals, can choose not to carry out the order. get writing
3. Arrest at gunpoint
This would be a very critical situation. Normally, members of the military or the generals of the military are loyal to the president, but they can use their defense mechanisms in the event of an illegal or constitutionally unconstitutional order. If the higher-ups of the military believe that the president has given an illegal order and they take action to stop it, they can make that decision based on legal and constitutional principles. get writing
4. Constitutional system
In such a situation, the military may seek the assistance of other law enforcement agencies (such as the federal judiciary or law enforcement officials) through constitutional channels to arrest the president. In such a situation, without the support of the military, action may be taken against the president through the courts or Congress. get writing
5. Role of Congress
Congress has an important role to play in dealing with such situations. Congress can challenge and take action against the President's decision if it is illegal or against the interests of the state. get writing
In short:
If an illegal order is given and the military does not follow it, the situation could be open. The higher-ups in the Army or Marines could overturn the order, but for them it would be a serious legal and political crisis, in which Congress and the judiciary would play a crucial role.