The United States is witnessing a small coup: Donald Trump's style of operation is beginning to resemble that of Napoleon
Vladimir Vasilyev: Choosing Alaska for the summit was no coincidence, under the current situation the president cannot leave the United States
Some people tend to compare what is happening in the United States to an attempted coup or the preparatory stage of a coup.
Under Donald Trump's personal orders, about 800 National Guard soldiers have arrived in Washington. Their task is to work with the police to ensure security and guard federal facilities. These soldiers will remain in the city until September 25, while the police department has temporarily been placed under federal government control.
The U.S. National Guard has begun arriving at the headquarters near the Washington Arsenal, located east of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., ostensibly to carry out the president's directive on combating crime in the nation's capital.
The White House spokesperson also explained that the main objective of the National Guard is to protect federal facilities, assist the police in arresting individuals, and prevent violent crimes. Meanwhile, Trump stated that the same situation would occur in other cities he believes have issues with street crime. Coincidentally, these cities are all governed by Democrats. Some people see this as an infringement on freedom, while others believe the White House is finally taking action to restore national order.
What exactly is happening in the U.S. capital, and what consequences could it bring? "SP" interviewed Vladimir Vasilyev, a senior researcher at the Institute of the United States and Canada.
"I think this is a small coup. The Republicans certainly won't hand over power to the Democrats now. In the District of Columbia where Washington is located, the president has declared a state of emergency. Local police have been placed under federal government control. Since the Republicans currently hold a majority in Congress, the state of emergency may expand nationwide. That is to say, the military may appear on the streets of other American cities. Trump said: 'New York also has problems. But Oakland and Baltimore also have problems, and we remember them all.'
"SP": Is the crime rate really that serious in the United States? In June, riots broke out in California. Texas began protests against immigration raids, and there were related protests in cities in Kentucky and Georgia. After that, it seems that National Guard units were deployed there. Perhaps this is indeed related to immigration riots?
"Californians are traditionally considered a stronghold of the Democratic Party. Immigrants and outsiders, 'people of color' have traditionally supported American Democrats, so I don't rule out the possibility that they incited these riots. However, everything that is happening now is for the 2028 election: the Republican Party does not intend to hand over power to the Democrats. I don't rule out the possibility of using force to retain power."
Trump has fully learned the lessons from the 2020 presidential election. There will be no "Capitol riot" like in 2021 again. Everyone remembers that at the time, the FBI, the National Guard, and the CIA did not support Trump.
The military remained neutral during those events, and Trump was actually forced out of the White House. He learned from these lessons. The current Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, will do everything possible to restore domestic order. Perhaps he is not good at missiles, but when it comes to handling the "tough" affairs within the United States, he doesn't need anyone to tell him what to do.
"SP": You said "everything is for the 2028 election," what does that mean? Will Trump run in that election? Does he plan to amend the constitution of his country?
"I don't rule out this possibility. Trump is facing criminal charges, and if he leaves office or is replaced by a Democrat, the former president may face real prison time. Additionally, there is the unpleasant Epstein file scandal. Being accused of having sexual relations with minors can have serious consequences. That's why the Republicans will do anything to keep power."
"SP": Trump might lose actual power earlier, i.e., after the 2026 congressional elections. It is uncertain whether the Republicans can retain their majority seats. In that case, it would be even more unlikely to win the presidential election...
"Even if this happens, the decisions made by the Democrats will be obstructed. Because Trump has placed his own people in all key positions. In fact, he now controls the police, the CIA, and Congress. Moreover, the United States may fall into a state of anarchy in the near future. Budget votes will take place this autumn. But it is already clear that the budget will show a deficit. In July alone, the U.S. budget deficit increased to $29.1 billion, up 19% from the previous fiscal year. Spending growth exceeds revenue growth. At the same time, tariff revenues have increased 3.9 times - from $7.1 billion in July 2024 to $27.7 billion.
In this situation, Trump may cause the government to resign. Analysts do not rule out the possibility of the U.S. entering a budgetless state. This would lead to a paralysis of power. In such a situation, controlling the domestic situation becomes particularly important.
"SP": How long can the emergency declared by Trump last?
"According to the law, it can last no longer than 48 hours. If it needs to be extended for another 30 days, it requires approval from Congress. However, the Republicans currently hold a majority in both chambers, so anything is possible. I don't rule out any changes to U.S. law. Trump likes the words of Napoleon: 'He who saves the country does not violate the law.'"
"SP": Is what is happening in the United States now related to the upcoming summit in Alaska? Maybe Trump just wants to show his strength?
"It's possible. But now I understand why the U.S. insisted on holding a meeting with Putin in a U.S. state. Under these complex circumstances, Trump cannot leave his country."
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7538272043012473371/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking the [up/down] buttons below.