Dear editor:
The term "blitzkrieg," or "lightning war," evokes images of rapid, coordinated attacks designed to overwhelm and disorient the enemy. First employed by Germany in 1939, this tactic aimed to shatter defenses and secure a swift victory. Today, a different kind of blitzkrieg may be underway, one that threatens the very foundation of our democracy: the rule of law.
By April 1st, President Trump had signed 103 executive orders. This pace is unprecedented in modern U.S. history. The rapid speed and extent of Trump’s signing of executive orders mirrors the German attacks in late 1939.
These executive actions are broad ranging in scope, challenging the birthright citizenship embedded in the Fourteenth Amendment, firing and laying off federal employees, cancelling or curtailing humanitarian aid through the USAID, gutting or shuttering departments, agencies and programs, all of which have been approved by Congress.
Added to above executive actions was President’s order imposing a 10% tariff on all countries around the world, which he relied on the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act that allows for tariffs where “foreign trade and economic practices have created a national emergency . . ..” (from the White House statement, 4/2/25). Under this Act, Congress can block or influence these tariffs. But it is highly doubtful that body will do anything even though the impact of these tariffs on our economy and markets may be far more severe and long-lasting than any perceived “national emergency”.
The rule of law, a cornerstone of our republic, that dictates all individuals and institutions are subject to the law, regardless of their power or status. As John Adams famously stated, “we are a nation of laws, not of men”. This principle ensures that no one, not even the President, is above the law.
Article II of the Constitutional imposes on the President the duty to faithfully execute the laws passed by Congress. The question arises: Do these orders come within the bounds of executive authority, or do they overstep into legislative territory?
Critics argue that some executive actions represent an overreach of power, an assault on the Constitution itself. Legal challenges have been mounted with over one hundred cases already filed in federal courts. The judiciary, in its role as a check on executive power, has issued injunctions preventing the implementation of some of the orders. This did not make Trump and he has blasted these judges for their rulings with his typical rants and name-calling.
But criticizing the judges is not the way our system of government is designed to work. The ultimate arbiter of these disputes is the Supreme Court. Yet, the question remains, will a majority of the justices on this Court uphold the rule of law, or will they defer to this President’s belief that his orders, whether or not authorized by laws passed by Congress, permit these executive actions? Since Trump has appealed several of these adverse rulings to the Supreme Court, it should not be too long before we know the answer. The hope among many is that the rule of law will prevail and prevent Trump from ignoring the rule of law.
The stakes are high. If the executive branch succeeds in expanding its power unchecked, it could lead to an "imperial presidency," and thus fundamentally altering the balance of power among the three branches of government.
Just as the German blitzkrieg ultimately failed in the face of resistance and unforeseen challenges, so too may this modern blitzkrieg falter. However, for this to happen, the courts, Congress, and ultimately the American people must stand as guardians of the rule of law, ensuring that our democracy remains a nation governed by laws, not by the whims of any individual. The future of our republic depends on it.
Sincerely,
Rex Arney, Sheridan
