Treason of Our Time

Originally written 6/16/2025

(began writing on 6/13/2025, one day before NO KINGS)

The †®*mp Regime's Assault on American Democracy

Since †®*mp returned to office on January 20, 2025, we have seen a number of developments that have deeply concerned many of us, even across political lines. Some individuals have gone so far as to use the word "treason" to describe what is happening, though that is considered a very specific and serious charge. The Constitution defines it as imposing war against the country or giving aid to our enemies, but there is also a broader, more civic way to look at it: as a betrayal of the public trust, of our democratic values, and of the institutions we depend on. I want to walk through what has been happening and why many people are raising the alarm.

Presidential Immunity and the Power Shift

Last summer, in July 2024, the Supreme Court issued a major ruling that expanded presidential immunity. It stated that a sitting president cannot be criminally prosecuted for actions taken as part of their “official” duties (Supreme Court of the United States, July 1, 2024). Although that may sound straightforward, it has raised significant questions about accountability. In practice, it has made it much harder to challenge certain executive actions.

Since that decision, †®*mp has taken steps that many feel go beyond the spirit of our Constitution, such as sending troops into U.S. cities, restructuring parts of the government, and launching investigations into critics. The concern is not only about the legality of each action, but about the growing power of the executive branch and the diminishing ability of Congress and the courts to provide meaningful checks.

Military in the Streets

This month, more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines were sent to Los Angeles during protests against immigration raids (Reuters, June 12, 2025). This was done without the state's request, and it caused an uproar. Legal experts raised concerns about whether this kind of deployment violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in domestic law enforcement. (Definition of Posse Comitatus Act)

The demonstrations were mostly peaceful, yet there were reports of force being used to break them up. One especially troubling moment was the arrest of Senator Alex Padilla, who was reportedly detained despite identifying himself (The Guardian, June 12, 2025). Moments like these raise questions about how dissent is being handled. (Video of Senator Padilla's arrest)

Writer Evan Stern reflected on all of this in his article, “The President is Guilty of Treason and Must Be Impeached.” He expressed frustration that public conversation has become so focused on optics and strategy that we have lost sight of basic accountability. Whether or not we agree with his tone, he reminds us that we need to be honest about what is at stake. (Stern's article)

The DOJ and Political Influence

We also saw major changes inside the Department of Justice. Early in the year, several longtime prosecutors resigned rather than follow what they saw as politically driven orders. These were the so-called “Valentine’s Day Seven.” Their departures brought attention to concerns about the independence of our justice system (NPR, February 14, 2025). There have also been investigations into former officials and political opponents that many worry more about retaliation than law enforcement. That is a dangerous road for any democracy.

Immigration Actions and Rights Concerns

This year, IÇE deported over 139,000 people, including some with legal protections. There were even reports of U.S. citizens being mistakenly detained (TIME, June 10, 2025). Do we even have to mention the American child who was deported while undergoing cancer treatment, having been sent away without access to his medications or medical records?! A truly heartbreaking example that exhibits the human cost of these policies.... The regime’s push to end protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans and other immigrants has faced legal challenges and prompted serious debate — not only about policy, but about values.

Political Targeting and Government Tools

Several executive orders targeted law firms and individuals perceived to be political opponents. In March 2025, the †®*mp regime reportedly revoked federal contracts and security clearances for legal teams connected to New York Attorney General Letitia James, following her office’s role in prosecuting civil and criminal cases against the †®*mp Organization. Perkins Coie — one of the firms involved in previous election litigation and Democratic legal defense — was subjected to an IRS audit and lost a major federal contract within weeks of the announcement. No public explanation was given beyond vague accusations of “partisan corruption.” Legal scholars noted the lack of precedent for such coordinated punitive action against private firms aligned with political opposition. Firms like Perkins Coie and WilmerHale have been investigated or penalized, and some believe this was driven by politics (Washington Post, April 2025). When government tools are used in this way, it can send a chilling message. (Who are Perkins Coie & WilmerHale?)

Reshaping the Civil Service

Tens of thousands of federal employees were reassigned or removed this year, often based on perceived loyalty. This includes key agencies like the EPA and State Department. In February 2025, over 3,000 career professionals at the Environmental Protection Agency were reassigned or removed following internal loyalty reviews. According to leaked memos, employees were asked about their political affiliations, support for prior climate policies, and views on the president. Entire teams working on climate regulation and enforcement were disbanded, with insiders stating that the reshuffling prioritized political loyalty over professional qualifications. Similar patterns were reported at the State Department and USAID. These mass changes raise concerns about how we maintain a professional, nonpartisan public workforce.

A Wave of Executive Orders

†®ump has issued over 160 executive orders since January, covering a wide range of topics, including environmental rollbacks and civil rights policy (Ballotpedia, 2025). While this is within a president’s authority, the speed and scope of these orders have prompted renewed concern about executive overreach. (A list of the executive orders thus far)

Where Do We Go From Here?

All of this brings us to the important question we have likely been asking for weeks already: What do we, as everyday people, do about it? Aaron Flynn’s piece from June 12, “No One’s Coming to Save Us — But 3.5% of Us Can Save Everything,” offers one perspective. He points out that history shows nonviolent movements can be successful if even a small percentage of people – about 3.5% of the population — actively engage (Independent AF, June 12, 2025). That is around 11 million people in the United States. (Aaron Flynn's article)

Flynn reminds us that outside forces are not going to intervene to save American democracy. If change is going to happen, it must come from within--through protest, organizing, conversations, and civic participation. As he puts it, “If we do not save ourselves, America falls.” It is not about panic or despair. It is about focus, consistency, and collective action. We have seen moments like this before in our history, and we have come through them stronger. But, only when people showed up.

The Response

What we are facing right now is not only about one person or one 'administration.' It is about how power is used, and how we as citizens choose to respond. As already said, some of the decisions being made today may not meet the strict legal definition of treason, but they do raise real questions about how our democracy functions, and for whom.The institutions designed to check that power are under immense strain. That means it is up to us, the people, to stay informed, stay involved, and stay committed to the values we believe in.

Honestly said, Information and awareness alone are not enough. To truly safeguard our democracy, we need civic involvement on a national scale, driven by purpose, clarity, and urgency. As Flynn reminded us, it only takes about 3.5% of the population—approximately 11 million people—to drive meaningful, nonviolent change. History shows us this is not just hopeful thinking; it is a proven formula for transformative movements.

At this point in our nation's story, we must bring that energy toward one unified goal: the impeachment and removal of a president whose actions have continuously undermined the Constitution, retaliated against opponents, disregarded judicial authority, and placed personal power above the public good.

Impeachment is not merely a legal mechanism. It is our last constitutional line of defense, and it must be powered by a mass movement of citizens who refuse to let democracy die in silence. (To Impeach †®ump Again)

If even 3.5% of us rise together and demand accountability, we can reignite the light of democracy, not just for ourselves, but for the generations who follow, and for the world that still might look to us as that beacon of hope.

        That moment is now. And it begins with us.

**To read about "The '3.5% Rule': How a small minority can change the world", please do feel free to click the highlighted title for the link.**