To me it’s clear that this criminal enterprise called the trump administration will ignore court orders when they desire. The question now is, what will the courts do? What enforcement powers are available and will they use them. His DOJ lies, when they actually answer a question. If a judge orders a bench warrant for, say Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, who arrests her? Court Officers? US Marshals who work for Bondi? Krasnov would just pardon her anyway. I think we are about to find out what the limits of the courts are.
I think Marc Elias addressed in Democracy Docket article. Legal scholars say the Courts can appoint someone to enforce civil contempt orders. Civil orders are not subject to federal pardons.
I’ll be interested in hearing more on that.
— Civil contempt is different. The Supreme Court has long held that “a pardon cannot stop” courts from punishing cases of civil contempt. And while the marshals have traditionally enforced civil contempt orders, the courts have the power to deputize others to step in if they refuse to do so. —
And further down in the article
— As expressed by the Supreme Court, “If a party can make himself a judge of the validity of orders which have been issued, and by his own act of disobedience set them aside, then are the courts impotent, and what the Constitution now fittingly calls ‘the judicial power of the United States’ would be a mere mockery.” —
Ann, thank you so much for providing this info. I heard someone refer to this a month or so ago (maybe Michael Popok?) and then couldn't seem to get back to it to learn more. Very encouraging because SOME of our Fed. Dist. Judges are plenty gutsy.
I saw an article that said they answer to the Courts and AG. But they are part of the Dept of Justice.
“The Attorney General began supervising the Marshals in 1861. The Department of Justice was created in 1870 and the Marshals have been under its purview since that time.“
I plan to attend any and every protest in my area that I can. I went to one two weeks ago. There were hundreds there, even in St. Louis, waving signs, ringing cowbells, drumming and chanting to the enthusiastic approval of most who drove by, honking their horns and waving in solidarity. Old and young, rich and poor, we must get off our devices and go out into the streets and, as John Lewis instructed, “make good trouble”. This is our moment. We will never have another chance to make our voices heard if we don’t do it now. Chuck Schumer, whether right or wrong, has now become the face of weakness and capitulation. We need new, fresh, young, and energetic leadership and voices. YES WE CAN.
I could not agree more. Protests are a visible display of the anger and dismay so many talk about feeling, but fear of retaliation keeps them from participating. Fear is our biggest enemy right now, it is the mechanism by which a minority gets to become a majority. Courage can be contagious, and there is safety in numbers. And it also sends a message to the rest of the world that Americans are not passive, and there is a reason to continue to put pressure on Trump. The Civil Rights Movement did indeed provide a blueprint for the "good trouble." It may take time, but we need to keep sending these signals, and turn every election in our favor. I just wish more of the protests were on weekends--weekdays are hard for working people, of whom I am a part. Also, kudos to Senator Chris Murphy who is fighting hard--I just wish he were more charismatic, as this is what unfortunately what matters most today. Intelligence alone does not do it.
Well, I'm not new, fresh, young, energetic or leadership quality, but I spent most of my life
browbeating and cajoling people. So going to a rally and ringing a cowbell sounds right up my alley or maybe barnyard. I certainly CAN be Loud! So, YES WE CAN!!
Democrats are believing we will win back the House and Senate in 2026. This may not be possible. At this rate there will be no elections in 2026. If we have elections, they will mimic Soviet "elections." SERIOUSLY!!
I agree H. C. Most Americans have been thinking (hoping) that these things will never happen here. Well, WAKE UP FOLKS, it is happening. And it may be that no hero is coming to save us, or our Constitution. What is becoming more clear to me every day; it's the intent of these sick people to crash our economy and government. So stop the denial, look in the mirror, and ask yourself "what am I going to do about it? "
I'm asking, "What CAN we do about it?" And, it's quite possible we can't do a thing at this point....politically. It seems the time has passed to stop the machine of evil people running our government...almost at every national level...and a few states. And trump has not yet called out his personal militias who stormed the Capital building ...America's equivalent to Hitler's Storm Troopers. Heck, some are probably our neighbors. I'm remembering Dietrich Bonhoeffer's failed attempts during Hitler's reign.
Bonhoeffer's story of his fight against Hitler's rule is a valuable one, especially today . His thoughts and theories on stupidity were spot on. I recently re-read Orwell's, 1984, which was required reading in a college history class several decades ago. The comparisons between then and now about the fight for truth and valuing history are chilling. It must have been required reading for the planners of Project 2025. BTW, I'm not giving up on our country, Press On Regardless! We are in this together.
Yes on Orwell....maybe more pointed is Eric Hoffer's, THE TRUE BELIEVER. My freshman year in college the American History prof stopped his course for a week...we read the book..and he explained his take. T BELIEVER speaks directly to what is happening today...that's why I compare trump's criminal soldiers from Jan 6 to the stormtroopers.
This week will be a critical turning point for our democracy. Let’s hope the courts stand up to Trump and for the rule of law. If Trump defies the courts, we will confront an unambiguous constitutional crisis.
As its excuse for using the Alien Enemies Act to deport undocumented migrants, the Trump administration accused them of “destabilizing democratic nations in the Americas, including the United States.” Who's *really* "destabilizing democratic nations," starting with the U.S.? I'd suggest these people look in the mirror, but I doubt they'd see their reflections. I'd suggest they look up "destabilizing" and "democratic" in a dictionary, but I doubt they know how to use one.
So different repressive governments have spawned large opposition movements that hold big demonstrations. But what repressive European governments have recently been toppled this way? Despite many large public demonstrations, Orban is still in power in Hungary, for example.
Indivisible is organizing a gathering in Washington, D.C., on April 5th (and many others across the country on that day) "to fight back against Trump's unprecedented power grab." Huge crowds can have an impact! See the details here:
Yes 👍— spread the word to attend in every state capital April 5th. This needs to be the largest turnout of citizens so far and the impetus to attract more participants at every protest going forward. Joining others in mass economic boycotting is another positive involvement that is beginning to show our United strength.
"Judge Leo Sorokin suggested his order had been ignored". Suggested? It is past time for suggestions. It is time for Belief the order was ignored. If the Judge has wrong beliefs - take it to the Supreme Court. See who is correct!
My question remains: will protests affect dt? I will join them anyway because I don't know what else to do. It appears that nothing, not even judges' rulings, have any significant effect on this sociopathic president and his cultish followers. I hope I'm wrong, but I think about half the country got what they wanted, and there is no turning back. The authoritarian regime is fully in charge. The coup is almost complete.
However, lying in court hasn’t worked. He must not think he is totally in charge or the WH would be appealing orders from the courts.
As the financial repercussions hit home the base of his support is shrinking and becoming hesitant about how things are being done. Businesses find their markets shrinking. European stocks go up as US investors flee. Farmers are losing gov’t contracts & facing damage (again) from tariffs.
Then there are the deportations hitting families that voted for trump who were trying to follow legal processes. That’s likely because their family members are ‘low hanging fruit.’ People easily tracked because they have all their info.
These things hit state budgets & state voters — which puts pressure on the House & Senate.
Absolutely NOT Kelly! He voted for EIGHT (8) of Trump's worst choices for Cabinet posts. He likes to cry on television about having to sell his belved Tesla and have a TV OP in Ukraine. But when he thinks no one will notice an AYE vote he votes for Trump. Choose Murphy who apologized for voting for Rubio or some of the WOMEN SENATORS who voted NO.
Hear, hear! Most of the leaders seem to be in the House. In the Senate I'm looking to the women (but not the ones who caved with Schumer on the funding bill) and the people of color (esp. Raphael Warnock) for leadership.
Steven — we need masses in the order of 100,000 plus in each major city in each state protesting against the usurpation of our democracy.
But who and how will this happen?
I just posted this:
Hey there, are you out there?
At the demonstration in DC last Friday the veterans were out in force. Other citizens came to protest the attack on our democracy. The crowd might have been 3000. That was great but I ask:
Who is working to bring together fired federal workers — especially Dept of Justice lawyers and FBI — our veterans, retirees (AARP, TIAA?), universities—admin, professors, students, unions, teachers and public school administrators, civil liberty advocates, and other threatened and disadvantaged groups into a coalition of the many in an ORGANIZED and COHERENT MOVEMENT to fight the tyranny of the authoritarian CABAL?
It appears this is not the Democratic Party… at least the elected officials. A few of them are out there — but while they are making speeches at rallies I’m concerned that there is no follow up, no action plan. Others just send me multiple emails with bait and switch polls or questionnaires that really are solicitations for more money. I want to know what the hell do they do with the answers to these questions— what actions do they lead to? I say, “If you congressional representative X or Senator Y want more of my money tell me which demonstrations are you organizing, speaking at, even attending? What strategy or action planning organizations are you supporting? What are you doing to bring together and cohere the opposition to this tyranny?”
Where are the philanthropists for democracy? Bill Gates—is this you? Where are the celebs for democracy? Where are the former Presidents?
We need to provide the platform and establish the infrastructure that goes beyond political parties that focus on the real problem—Democracy as we know it is being assaulted.
Hopefully I’m not just pissing in the wind here. Hopefully there are those who see this as an existential battle and are willing to commit themselves to it. We need to scale and cohere. We need to engage and activate the resistance.
In addition to my postcard writing on the WI judicial election and other special elections, I attended my first protest against Trump/Musk on Sat. We had a good turnout and responses, despite the cold and rain. What does not fit on protest signs is translating what Musk/Trump are doing in easy-to-answer terms that dramatize hurt to everyday Americans.
I would look forward to contributions from you and your readers in creating an alt version of MAGA that is a pithy phrase or acronym of showing the hurt to and anger of Americans
To me it’s clear that this criminal enterprise called the trump administration will ignore court orders when they desire. The question now is, what will the courts do? What enforcement powers are available and will they use them. His DOJ lies, when they actually answer a question. If a judge orders a bench warrant for, say Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, who arrests her? Court Officers? US Marshals who work for Bondi? Krasnov would just pardon her anyway. I think we are about to find out what the limits of the courts are.
I think Marc Elias addressed in Democracy Docket article. Legal scholars say the Courts can appoint someone to enforce civil contempt orders. Civil orders are not subject to federal pardons.
I’ll be interested in hearing more on that.
— Civil contempt is different. The Supreme Court has long held that “a pardon cannot stop” courts from punishing cases of civil contempt. And while the marshals have traditionally enforced civil contempt orders, the courts have the power to deputize others to step in if they refuse to do so. —
And further down in the article
— As expressed by the Supreme Court, “If a party can make himself a judge of the validity of orders which have been issued, and by his own act of disobedience set them aside, then are the courts impotent, and what the Constitution now fittingly calls ‘the judicial power of the United States’ would be a mere mockery.” —
https://www.democracydocket.com/opinion/if-the-marshals-go-rogue-courts-have-other-ways-to-enforce-their-orders/
Ann, thank you so much for providing this info. I heard someone refer to this a month or so ago (maybe Michael Popok?) and then couldn't seem to get back to it to learn more. Very encouraging because SOME of our Fed. Dist. Judges are plenty gutsy.
Good point!
I think the federal marshals answer to the courts? Is that correct?
I saw an article that said they answer to the Courts and AG. But they are part of the Dept of Justice.
“The Attorney General began supervising the Marshals in 1861. The Department of Justice was created in 1870 and the Marshals have been under its purview since that time.“
https://www.justice.gov/doj/organization-mission-and-functions-manual-united-states-marshals-service
I plan to attend any and every protest in my area that I can. I went to one two weeks ago. There were hundreds there, even in St. Louis, waving signs, ringing cowbells, drumming and chanting to the enthusiastic approval of most who drove by, honking their horns and waving in solidarity. Old and young, rich and poor, we must get off our devices and go out into the streets and, as John Lewis instructed, “make good trouble”. This is our moment. We will never have another chance to make our voices heard if we don’t do it now. Chuck Schumer, whether right or wrong, has now become the face of weakness and capitulation. We need new, fresh, young, and energetic leadership and voices. YES WE CAN.
I could not agree more. Protests are a visible display of the anger and dismay so many talk about feeling, but fear of retaliation keeps them from participating. Fear is our biggest enemy right now, it is the mechanism by which a minority gets to become a majority. Courage can be contagious, and there is safety in numbers. And it also sends a message to the rest of the world that Americans are not passive, and there is a reason to continue to put pressure on Trump. The Civil Rights Movement did indeed provide a blueprint for the "good trouble." It may take time, but we need to keep sending these signals, and turn every election in our favor. I just wish more of the protests were on weekends--weekdays are hard for working people, of whom I am a part. Also, kudos to Senator Chris Murphy who is fighting hard--I just wish he were more charismatic, as this is what unfortunately what matters most today. Intelligence alone does not do it.
Well, I'm not new, fresh, young, energetic or leadership quality, but I spent most of my life
browbeating and cajoling people. So going to a rally and ringing a cowbell sounds right up my alley or maybe barnyard. I certainly CAN be Loud! So, YES WE CAN!!
It's time for us, the People, to take to the streets in numbers that will force change.
The Indivisible movement (https://indivisible.org/) and 50501 (https://www.fiftyfifty.one/ - fifty protests, fifty states, one movement) have designated Saturday, April 5th as the day on which huge, coordinated protests are to be held across the country (https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/diverse-groups-opposing-trump-musk-agenda-coalesce-around-date-for-nationwide-protest-234497605740).
While the main protest will be taking place in Washington DC, protests will be held across the nation - in cities, towns and rural areas.
Travel to DC if you can, or make sure to join local protests wherever you are. We need a minimum of 12 million people to take to the streets and to do so on a sustained basis in order to effect social change (https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190513-it-only-takes-35-of-people-to-change-the-world).
Robert's Supreme Court may have given Trump total immunity, but we, the People, will hold him accountable and bring this regime down.
Please pass the word on.
Chief Justice Roberts called Justice Sotomayor's dissent "hysterical," which is what a man in the wrong always says about a woman who is right.
Democrats are believing we will win back the House and Senate in 2026. This may not be possible. At this rate there will be no elections in 2026. If we have elections, they will mimic Soviet "elections." SERIOUSLY!!
I agree H. C. Most Americans have been thinking (hoping) that these things will never happen here. Well, WAKE UP FOLKS, it is happening. And it may be that no hero is coming to save us, or our Constitution. What is becoming more clear to me every day; it's the intent of these sick people to crash our economy and government. So stop the denial, look in the mirror, and ask yourself "what am I going to do about it? "
I'm asking, "What CAN we do about it?" And, it's quite possible we can't do a thing at this point....politically. It seems the time has passed to stop the machine of evil people running our government...almost at every national level...and a few states. And trump has not yet called out his personal militias who stormed the Capital building ...America's equivalent to Hitler's Storm Troopers. Heck, some are probably our neighbors. I'm remembering Dietrich Bonhoeffer's failed attempts during Hitler's reign.
Bonhoeffer's story of his fight against Hitler's rule is a valuable one, especially today . His thoughts and theories on stupidity were spot on. I recently re-read Orwell's, 1984, which was required reading in a college history class several decades ago. The comparisons between then and now about the fight for truth and valuing history are chilling. It must have been required reading for the planners of Project 2025. BTW, I'm not giving up on our country, Press On Regardless! We are in this together.
Yes on Orwell....maybe more pointed is Eric Hoffer's, THE TRUE BELIEVER. My freshman year in college the American History prof stopped his course for a week...we read the book..and he explained his take. T BELIEVER speaks directly to what is happening today...that's why I compare trump's criminal soldiers from Jan 6 to the stormtroopers.
This week will be a critical turning point for our democracy. Let’s hope the courts stand up to Trump and for the rule of law. If Trump defies the courts, we will confront an unambiguous constitutional crisis.
And of course, like all bad acts, this all transpired on a Friday … all broadcast, no response.
As its excuse for using the Alien Enemies Act to deport undocumented migrants, the Trump administration accused them of “destabilizing democratic nations in the Americas, including the United States.” Who's *really* "destabilizing democratic nations," starting with the U.S.? I'd suggest these people look in the mirror, but I doubt they'd see their reflections. I'd suggest they look up "destabilizing" and "democratic" in a dictionary, but I doubt they know how to use one.
So different repressive governments have spawned large opposition movements that hold big demonstrations. But what repressive European governments have recently been toppled this way? Despite many large public demonstrations, Orban is still in power in Hungary, for example.
Indivisible is organizing a gathering in Washington, D.C., on April 5th (and many others across the country on that day) "to fight back against Trump's unprecedented power grab." Huge crowds can have an impact! See the details here:
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/3/14/2310338/-BREAKING-APRIL-5TH-Nationwide-protests-HUGE
and
https://handsoff2025.com/?SQF_SOURCE=indivisible
Yes 👍— spread the word to attend in every state capital April 5th. This needs to be the largest turnout of citizens so far and the impetus to attract more participants at every protest going forward. Joining others in mass economic boycotting is another positive involvement that is beginning to show our United strength.
"Judge Leo Sorokin suggested his order had been ignored". Suggested? It is past time for suggestions. It is time for Belief the order was ignored. If the Judge has wrong beliefs - take it to the Supreme Court. See who is correct!
My question remains: will protests affect dt? I will join them anyway because I don't know what else to do. It appears that nothing, not even judges' rulings, have any significant effect on this sociopathic president and his cultish followers. I hope I'm wrong, but I think about half the country got what they wanted, and there is no turning back. The authoritarian regime is fully in charge. The coup is almost complete.
If he is fully in charge the coup is complete.
However, lying in court hasn’t worked. He must not think he is totally in charge or the WH would be appealing orders from the courts.
As the financial repercussions hit home the base of his support is shrinking and becoming hesitant about how things are being done. Businesses find their markets shrinking. European stocks go up as US investors flee. Farmers are losing gov’t contracts & facing damage (again) from tariffs.
Then there are the deportations hitting families that voted for trump who were trying to follow legal processes. That’s likely because their family members are ‘low hanging fruit.’ People easily tracked because they have all their info.
These things hit state budgets & state voters — which puts pressure on the House & Senate.
Is Mark Kelly ‘the guy’ to lead the opposition? It is certainly not Schumer.
Absolutely NOT Kelly! He voted for EIGHT (8) of Trump's worst choices for Cabinet posts. He likes to cry on television about having to sell his belved Tesla and have a TV OP in Ukraine. But when he thinks no one will notice an AYE vote he votes for Trump. Choose Murphy who apologized for voting for Rubio or some of the WOMEN SENATORS who voted NO.
Hear, hear! Most of the leaders seem to be in the House. In the Senate I'm looking to the women (but not the ones who caved with Schumer on the funding bill) and the people of color (esp. Raphael Warnock) for leadership.
Steven — we need masses in the order of 100,000 plus in each major city in each state protesting against the usurpation of our democracy.
But who and how will this happen?
I just posted this:
Hey there, are you out there?
At the demonstration in DC last Friday the veterans were out in force. Other citizens came to protest the attack on our democracy. The crowd might have been 3000. That was great but I ask:
Who is working to bring together fired federal workers — especially Dept of Justice lawyers and FBI — our veterans, retirees (AARP, TIAA?), universities—admin, professors, students, unions, teachers and public school administrators, civil liberty advocates, and other threatened and disadvantaged groups into a coalition of the many in an ORGANIZED and COHERENT MOVEMENT to fight the tyranny of the authoritarian CABAL?
It appears this is not the Democratic Party… at least the elected officials. A few of them are out there — but while they are making speeches at rallies I’m concerned that there is no follow up, no action plan. Others just send me multiple emails with bait and switch polls or questionnaires that really are solicitations for more money. I want to know what the hell do they do with the answers to these questions— what actions do they lead to? I say, “If you congressional representative X or Senator Y want more of my money tell me which demonstrations are you organizing, speaking at, even attending? What strategy or action planning organizations are you supporting? What are you doing to bring together and cohere the opposition to this tyranny?”
Where are the philanthropists for democracy? Bill Gates—is this you? Where are the celebs for democracy? Where are the former Presidents?
We need to provide the platform and establish the infrastructure that goes beyond political parties that focus on the real problem—Democracy as we know it is being assaulted.
Hopefully I’m not just pissing in the wind here. Hopefully there are those who see this as an existential battle and are willing to commit themselves to it. We need to scale and cohere. We need to engage and activate the resistance.
Hey there. Are you out there? Can you hear me?
In addition to my postcard writing on the WI judicial election and other special elections, I attended my first protest against Trump/Musk on Sat. We had a good turnout and responses, despite the cold and rain. What does not fit on protest signs is translating what Musk/Trump are doing in easy-to-answer terms that dramatize hurt to everyday Americans.
I would look forward to contributions from you and your readers in creating an alt version of MAGA that is a pithy phrase or acronym of showing the hurt to and anger of Americans
My contribution as a rallying cry in opposition of MAGA:
AVOW - American Voices Of Wisdom
I hear taps being played for us in the background.