Jan. 20 marked both Donald Trump's inauguration and Martin Luther King Day, alongside a significant snowstorm in Baton Rouge. While the weather is uncontrollable, voters have a say in choosing their leaders. Trump and his supporters claim a mandate for his policies, but his 2024 election win, receiving only 32% of eligible votes, contradicts this assertion. Kamala Harris garnered 31%, with 37% abstaining from voting, showing widespread disillusionment with both candidates and the political system.
The Democratic Party's decision to stick with Joe Biden, despite concerns about his mental fitness, led to Harris, an unqualified choice for president. Many voters rejected Trump due to his divisive rhetoric, narcissism and role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. His attempts to undermine democracy further damaged his credibility. The Constitution’s checks and balances are meant to prevent the concentration of power in one individual, yet many Republicans who initially condemned Trump later changed their stance.
Trump's early actions, including immature proposals like making Canada the 51st state and pardoning those involved in the Jan. 6 attack, reflect a disregard for diplomacy and the rule of law. His handling of the conflict in Ukraine, claiming Ukraine started the war, further highlights his lack of integrity and credibility. Trump's admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his authoritarian style raise alarms about his potential ambitions to implement a similar system in the U.S.
The health of our democracy requires commitment to integrity, accountability and the rule of law. Congress must protect these values, rather than blindly following a false narrative of a "mandate." Otherwise, we risk descending onto a path that undermines the core principles of our nation.
LINTON NAQUIN JR.
Baton Rouge
