As we commemorate the anniversary of our country’s independence, it is fitting to reflect on the reasons behind our decision to separate from England and the grievances that led to this historic split. In the weeks leading up to July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was crafted, and its authors sought to justify the case for separation from Great Britain by citing specific examples of the King’s abuses of power.
The Declaration of Independence lists 27 grievances against the King and his regime, many of which are eerily relevant to the presidency of Donald Trump. Two hundred and forty-nine years later, it is striking to see how many of these grievances apply to Trump’s actions and policies.
Let us examine a few examples. The King was accused of refusing to assent to laws that were wholesome and necessary for the public good. Similarly, Trump has shown disregard for Congress by ignoring existing laws and using his executive power to unilaterally impose his will. For instance, he launched a military attack on Iran without consulting Congress, and he has impounded funds approved by Congress.
The King was also accused of forbidding his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance unless they were suspended until he gave his assent. Trump has attempted to do something similar by introducing a provision in his tax and spending bill that would ban states from enacting measures to regulate artificial intelligence and withhold federal funds from states that do not comply with his policies.
Furthermore, the King was accused of refusing to pass laws that would accommodate large districts of people unless they relinquished their right to representation in the legislature. Trump has threatened to deny disaster relief to California unless it abandons its legislative independence and changes its water policies to his liking. He has also threatened to cut off federal funding to New York City if it enacts laws or policies that he opposes.
The King was also accused of calling together legislative bodies at unusual and distant locations to fatigue them into compliance with his measures. Trump’s administration has moved to relocate federal agencies and repurpose their office buildings, making life uncomfortable for employees and officials.
In addition, the King was accused of dissolving representative houses repeatedly for opposing his invasions on the rights of the people. Trump’s Department of Homeland Security has sent Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles, allegedly to “liberate” the city from its elected representatives.
The King was also accused of endeavoring to prevent the population of the states by obstructing laws for naturalization and refusing to pass laws to encourage migration. Trump has revealed a plan to denaturalize certain American citizens, imposed a ban on migration from many nations, and undone the immigration status of hundreds of thousands of people living in the United States. He has also taken steps to block foreign students from attending American colleges and universities.
The King was accused of obstructing the administration of justice by refusing to establish judiciary powers. Trump has been accused of obstructing justice during the Russia investigation, and his administration has faced contempt proceedings for not abiding by court orders.
Moreover, the King was accused of keeping standing armies in times of peace without the consent of the legislature. Trump ordered Marines and National Guard troops into Los Angeles without the consent of the state legislature or the governor, and over the objection of local officials.
The King was also accused of cutting off trade with all parts of the world. Trump has proposed draconian global tariffs that would bring trade to a halt, claiming that trade deficits with countries such as Lesotho are a national emergency.
Finally, the King was accused of depriving citizens of the benefits of trial by jury. The Trump administration has rounded up Venezuelan migrants and sent them to an infamous Salvadoran prison without affording them due process or court hearings.
As we reflect on the grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence, it is striking to see how many of them are relevant to the presidency of Donald Trump. It is a sobering reminder of the importance of holding our leaders accountable and protecting the rights and freedoms that our founding fathers fought so hard to establish.
Blue Press Journal 
Leave a comment