Trump invokes "Alien Enemies" Act | Planet America | ABC NEWS

Planet America Summary

Key Concepts:

• Alien Enemies Act
• Due Process
• Executive Orders
• Judicial Review
• Separation of Powers
• Voice of America (VOA)
• Open Technology Fund (OTF)
• Continuing Resolution (CR)
• Government Shutdown
• SNAP Benefits

1. Trump's Actions and Legal Challenges

• Alien Enemies Act Invocation: Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act against members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TDA), claiming they are conducting irregular warfare and are aligned with the Venezuelan government.
• Deportation Attempts and Court Intervention: A US District Court Judge temporarily blocked the deportations, but two planeloads of Venezuelans were already in the air. The White House claimed it did not defy the court order, stating the flights were already over international waters when the order was issued.
• Deportation to El Salvador: Trump deported alleged gang members to a mega-prison in El Salvador, a move questioned for its legality, as Trump himself had previously expressed doubts about its legality.
• Due Process Concerns: Concerns were raised about the lack of due process for the deportees, with lawyers claiming some were asylum seekers misidentified as gang members. Examples include an LGBTQ Venezuelan asylum seeker and a Syrian-born Columbia University graduate.
• Legal Arguments: Trump argues that whether an invasion exists is a "non-justiciable political question," meaning it's the President's decision, not the court's. However, the Alien Enemies Act suggests courts can weigh in on whether a deportee is actually an enemy alien.

2. Attacks on the Judiciary

• Attack on Judge James Boasberg: Trump attacked Judge James Boasberg, who tried to stop the deportations, calling him a "radical left lunatic" and suggesting impeachment.
• Rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts: Chief Justice John Roberts issued a statement rebuking Trump, stating that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision and that the normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.
• Executive Orders Targeting Law Firms: Trump issued executive orders targeting law firms that represented opponents, including those involved with Special Counsel Jack Smith and the Steele dossier.
• Restrictions on Law Firms: These orders withdrew security clearances, limited access to federal buildings, and restricted government contracts for firms associated with Trump's adversaries.
• Judicial Injunction: A judge placed an injunction on one executive order, finding it potentially unconstitutional. Trump responded by issuing a third executive order targeting another law firm.

3. Voice of America (VOA) Shutdown

• Historical Context: The VOA was established during World War II to broadcast news and information to Nazi Germany and later served as a crucial source of information during the Cold War.
• Executive Order and Staff Layoffs: Trump issued an executive order eliminating non-statutory functions and reducing statutory functions of "unnecessary government entities," including the US Agency for Global Media, which runs the VOA. 1300 staff were put on leave, and services like Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty were silenced.
• Criticism of the Shutdown: Critics argue that silencing the VOA undermines democracy and deprives people in oppressive regimes of a vital source of free information.
• Open Technology Fund (OTF): The Open Technology Fund, which supports methods to combat censorship, was also effectively eliminated by these cuts.
• Russian Perspective: Russian TV celebrated the demise of the VOA.

4. Kennedy Center Controversy

• Hostile Reception for J.D. Vance: Vice President J.D. Vance received a hostile reception at the Kennedy Center due to Trump's appointment of loyalists to the board, leading to resignations and protests.
• Trump's Involvement: Trump attended his first Kennedy Center board meeting and expressed his desire to see more "big Broadway hits" and criticized "Hamilton."

5. SNAP Benefits and Junk Food

• Debate over SNAP Restrictions: The debate over whether to restrict the use of SNAP benefits for junk food is ongoing, with support from health advocates and Robert Kennedy Jr.
• Arguments for and Against Restrictions: Proponents argue that allowing SNAP benefits to be used on junk food amounts to a subsidy for the junk food industry. Opponents question whether it's fair to police what people eat and the practicality of defining "junk food."
• Data on SNAP Purchases: A USDA study found that soft drinks are a top purchase for SNAP households, but also a significant purchase for non-SNAP households.

6. Government Shutdown Averted

• House Republicans' Continuing Resolution (CR): House Republicans passed a CR bill with cuts to domestic programs and increased funding for defense and border control.
• Senate Democrats' Opposition: Senate Democrats initially opposed the CR, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer ultimately allowed it to pass to avoid a government shutdown.
• Schumer's Rationale: Schumer argued that a shutdown would play into Trump's hands and allow him to consolidate power.
• Criticism of Schumer: Schumer faced criticism from within his own party for capitulating to Republicans.
• Republican Strategy: Republicans are considering using the same strategy again, passing a funding bill through the House and waiting for Senate Democrats to cave.

7. Conclusion

The episode highlights a series of controversial actions by President Trump, including the invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, attacks on the judiciary, and the shutdown of the Voice of America. These actions have faced legal challenges, criticism from both sides of the aisle, and raised concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the separation of powers. The averted government shutdown exposed divisions within the Democratic party and raised questions about its leadership and strategy.