Shifting Realities: The Political Turmoil of February 2025

In recent days, a shift in the political landscape has become increasingly evident. Scholar Timothy Snyder aptly pointed out on Bluesky that while figures like Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and J.D. Vance continue their push for power, their influence is starting to wane. “They are still breaking things and stealing things,” Snyder notes, but the propaganda surrounding their agenda is fading. As the public grapples with government failures and the repercussions of extreme right-wing actions, there is a growing realization that the motivations behind these moves are rooted solely in the desire for personal wealth and control.

The Intensifying Actions of Trump and MAGA Republicans

Rather than retreating in the face of growing opposition, Trump and the MAGA Republicans seem to be doubling down. The unpopular pardons Trump issued for those convicted in the January 6 Capitol attack, including violent offenders like Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, have sparked widespread outrage. Even among Republicans, 70% oppose these pardons, with only a small fraction in support. Yet, the Trump Justice Department has expanded these pardons to cover more serious charges, like guns and drugs, linked to the attack.

Trump’s latest moves signal that he’s not backing down. On February 21, several pardoned individuals, including Proud Boys members sentenced to decades in prison, staged a press conference at the U.S. Capitol, claiming they would sue the Department of Justice. The spectacle turned violent when Tarrio was arrested for assaulting a protester who filmed him. This moment underscores the increasing boldness and recklessness of those connected to the insurrection.

The Role of Musk and His Influence

Meanwhile, billionaire Elon Musk has become more vocal in his support for Trump’s agenda. Despite increasing public criticism, Musk has been pushing for further cuts to the government, a move which harms American veterans, farmers, and medical research. His recent directive to federal employees — demanding they report their weekly accomplishments — ignited backlash. The optics were clear: a billionaire with too much influence attempting to micromanage the workforce of a government that he has no legitimate control over.

A Constitutional Crisis in the Making

As this unrelenting push for power continues, political theorist John Locke’s ideas from the 17th century offer a grim insight into the current crisis. Locke argued that leaders who exceed their constitutional bounds lose their legitimacy, and the people have the right to resist them. This is where we find ourselves today, with Trump and Musk undermining constitutional principles in their quest for dominance.

Historian Johann Neem, looking to Locke’s philosophy, warns that Trump’s disregard for the Constitution jeopardizes the legitimacy of the entire government. Despite holding office legitimately, Trump, with Musk’s support, has violated the Constitution repeatedly. Neem urges Congress to act to protect the integrity of the republic and reminds us that the people must hold their elected officials accountable.

A Warning from History

This week, Senator Angus King (I-ME) echoed these concerns, recalling how the framers of the Constitution sought to prevent the concentration of power in a single office. King decried Trump’s efforts to sidestep the legislative process, calling it “absolutely straight up unconstitutional” and a grave threat to the republic. He warned that if Congress does not act now, America risks losing its democratic framework entirely.

In the long history of political resistance in America, figures like Senator Margaret Chase Smith and Representative Bill Cohen stood firm in the face of dangerous political currents. Their courage in challenging corruption and unconstitutional acts serves as a model for today’s lawmakers. It is time for those in power to remember their oath to protect the Constitution — before it’s too late.