King George III 1776 & Trump 2025
The Parallels are striking. What to do about them is uncertain, that they exist and demand an answer to history and the "..course of human events..“ is daily discussion now.
The Parallels of Two Kings
Commentators and legal scholars have drawn parallels between certain aspects of Donald Trump's agenda and the grievances listed against King George III in the Declaration of Independence. These comparisons often highlight concerns about executive power, the rule of law, immigration, and economic policies.
Here are six areas where these parallels are drawn:
* Obstruction of Justice and Undermining the Judiciary:
* Declaration Grievance: "He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers." and "He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries."
* Alleged Parallel: Critics point to Trump's attacks on judges, the Department of Justice, and the FBI, as well as his reported attempts to influence legal proceedings and investigations, as undermining the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. Some argue that his actions demonstrate a desire to make justice dependent on his will.
* Excessive Executive Power and Disregard for Legislative Authority:
* Declaration Grievance: "He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good." and "He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures."
* Alleged Parallel: Concerns have been raised about Trump's extensive use of executive orders, his attempts to bypass Congress on certain issues (like tariffs or border wall funding), and the deployment of federal agents without clear consent or oversight from local authorities, which some interpret as a move towards a "unitary executive" with unchecked power, reminiscent of a monarch.
* Obstructing Immigration and Population Growth:
* Declaration Grievance: "He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands."
* Alleged Parallel: Trump's policies on immigration, including travel bans, increased restrictions on legal immigration, and efforts to deport long-term residents, are seen by some as directly comparable to the King's efforts to restrict the growth and population of the colonies.
* Imposing Taxes Without Consent (Tariffs):
* Declaration Grievance: "For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent."
* Alleged Parallel: Trump's use of tariffs on imported goods, often unilaterally imposed under claims of national security, is argued to be a form of taxation without the explicit consent of the legislature (Congress) in the same way the King imposed taxes on the colonies.
* Militarization and Use of Force Against Citizens:
* Declaration Grievance: "He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures." and "He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power."
* Alleged Parallel: The deployment of federal law enforcement, sometimes unidentified, during protests, and the use of military or militarized forces without the consent of local or state authorities, has been likened to the King's use of standing armies to control the colonists.
* Depriving of Trial by Jury and Due Process:
* Declaration Grievance: "For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury."
* Alleged Parallel: Critics have pointed to certain immigration policies, such as the expedited removal of individuals without full due process or access to legal counsel, as echoing the King's denial of fundamental legal rights.
It's important to note that these are interpretations and comparisons made by various commentators and scholars. The Declaration of Independence served as a list of grievances justifying a revolution against a monarch, while the U.S. Constitution established a system of checks and balances designed to prevent such abuses of power. Debates over whether contemporary actions violate the spirit or letter of these founding documents are ongoing.