Life After Trump

[Dans La Lune]

Beyond making peoples' lives better through policy where possible, there needs to be government accountability. Those holes in the rules and systems and norms that Trump was able to exploit? Fix every single one of them, even if it curtails your power. The president should not have the power to pardon, to redirect funds allocated by congress, enact tariffs, take bribes, or to start wars unilaterally. Nor should they be able to break internationally brokered agreements (like the Iran Nuclear Deal). There needs to be a complete overhaul of the campaign finance system.

There should also be some form of accountability for politicians who deliberately lie. Like, if they step into a certain room, their ability to lie egregiously is met with legal consequences. Trump doesn't just lie, he makes a mockery of the idea of a shared reality. This is unacceptable and cannot be the new norm. There can be no democracy or functioning government without an adherence to reality.

There's no point in building and restoring institutions if a fascist gameshow clown can get elected and utterly destroy them while looting the country.

Politician who advocate for going back to the status quo are fully disqualified. Also, the next president is going to inherit a CLUSTER****. The country will be in shambles, if we're lucky. The more likely scenario is something far worse.

 

[Roadvirus]

Deciding what "Presidential Immunity" means.

Congress taking back tariff control, or at least severely limited.

Specifically defined determination as to who gets to cut funding for Federal departments/agencies/panels/boards/whatever.

Specifically defined determination as to who gets to sack department/agency/panel/board/whatever leadership members.

Changes in who can fire inspector generals

A set of mandatory requirements for Cabinet-level nominees to meet before they are granted a confirmation hearing in the Senate.

Obviously some of the requirements would have to be customized to fit a specific Cabinet position (i.e. "not a member or/friends with members of the FSB/CCP" for Homeland Security Sec. or "actually graduated from medical school" for HHS Sec. and no Timothy Leary fan club members for the DEA), but they would also all have standard requirements, such as "Passed a rigorous Federal background check" & has an IQ above the average human body temperature.

Also, all Cabinet-level nominees must be put under oath at their confirmation hearings.

Limits on pardon power (who can and who can't be pardoned) & prohibiting pre-emptive pardoning.

No pardons for:
- Elected officials convicted of any crime
- People convicted of spying of any kind or treason
- People convicted of threatening/committing violence against elected officials, appointed officials like Cabinet/agency heads on any level (local, state, Fed) or judges
- Cop killers
- Members of a President's family

 

[NatMorton]

Beyond making peoples' lives better through policy where possible, there needs to be government accountability. Those holes in the rules and systems and norms that Trump was able to exploit? Fix every single one of them, even if it curtails your power. The president should not have the power to pardon, to redirect funds allocated by congress, enact tariffs, take bribes, or to start wars unilaterally. Nor should they be able to break internationally brokered agreements (like the Iran Nuclear Deal). There needs to be a complete overhaul of the campaign finance system.

There should also be some form of accountability for politicians who deliberately lie. Like, if they step into a certain room, their ability to lie egregiously is met with legal consequences. Trump doesn't just lie, he makes a mockery of the idea of a shared reality. This is unacceptable and cannot be the new norm. There can be no democracy or functioning government without an adherence to reality.

There's no point in building and restoring institutions if a fascist gameshow clown can get elected and utterly destroy them while looting the country.

Politician who advocate for going back to the status quo are fully disqualified. Also, the next president is going to inherit a CLUSTER****. The country will be in shambles, if we're lucky. The more likely scenario is something far worse.

Careful, you're getting dangerously close to arguing that we should limit the centralization of political authority.

 

[Callen]

Up until now the US has survived and prospered becasue the elected men of principals and values who respected the norms and the Constitution. Yes some burps but nothing like this.There is so much reform required.

 

[NatMorton]

Up until now the US has survived and prospered becasue the elected men of principals and values who respected the norms and the Constitution. Yes some burps but nothing like this.There is so much reform required.

Elections have consequences, and generally speaking we get what we vote for. If a consensus builds around what you're arguing for here, that reform will not be needed since that same sentiment will lead to electing people of higher character.

 

[Grand Mal]

Careful, you're getting dangerously close to arguing that we should limit the centralization of political authority.

Doesn't matter. You guys ain't coming back from this nohow anyway.

 

[lwf]

Justice moves slowly in the United States, but it has massive inertia.

 

[NatMorton]

Doesn't matter. You guys ain't coming back from this nohow anyway.

Coming back from what, exactly?

 

[Grand Mal]

Coming back from what, exactly?

The mess your country has become. Obviously. America will never regain the international position it once had, never get back the respect and regard your government has squandered
And as for internal, domestic affairs, well, just look at the threads here, today. Look at the official White House statement about political rivals, look at a family watching it's dog bleed out on the kitchen floor because a squad of border patrol agents came in and shot it.
Look at the party that controls the executive, legislative and judicial branches being unable to govern.
You guys ain't coming back from this.

 

[element94]

Who thought a coup, and theft of the taxpayers money, along with the entire U.S. treasure, would happen in this country with the assistance of the SCOTUS?

 

[NatMorton]

The mess your country has become. Obviously. America will never regain the international position it once had, never get back the respect and regard your government has squandered

Rubbish. Just this year we've reasserted the will to use military force when its in our interest (Iran) and just this week help finalize a peace deal (Gaza) while most of the rest of the world watched. The US still matters, even with Trump at the helm.

And as for internal, domestic affairs, well, just look at the threads here, today. Look at the official White House statement about political rivals, look at a family watching it's dog bleed out on the kitchen floor because a squad of border patrol agents came in and shot it.

Illegal immigration is down, so what's not to like on that front?

Look at the party that controls the executive, legislative and judicial branches being unable to govern.
You guys ain't coming back from this.

The GOP is in control now, and they'll do some good things and some bad things. The bad things will catch up to them, and the Democrats will get their turn. It could be 2026, it probably will be 2028, and it will be no later than 2032.

What you don't seem to understand is our world standing and your good opinion are two entirely different things.

 

[Grand Mal]

Rubbish. Just this year we've reasserted the will to use military force when its in our interest (Iran) and just this week help finalize a peace deal (Gaza) while most of the rest of the world watched.

Yeah, how's that working out? Last I heard Trump was threatening to go to Gaza and 'kill them'.

The US still matters, even with Trump at the helm.

Barely. And less and less as time passes.

Illegal immigration is down, so what's not to like on that front?

Says who? We know what happens to bureaucrats in this administration who report numbers that Trump doesn't like.

The GOP is in control now, and they'll do some good things and some bad things. The bad things will catch up to them, and the Democrats will get their turn. It could be 2026, it probably will be 2028, and it will be no later than 2032.

What's the GOP in control of? There's no functioning government.

What you don't seem to understand is our world standing and your good opinion are two entirely different things.

You don't seem to understand that what you say here doesn't change the worlds opinion.
For example, do you think any other country puts any value on a treaty or agreement with the USA? Oh, some might sign on dotted lines, 'agree' to terms that sound better than nothing at all, but the world has seen, again and again, how the US puts no value at all on signed agreements and the world will put the same value on them.

 

[NatMorton]

Yeah, how's that working out? Last I heard Trump was threatening to go to Gaza and 'kill them'.

Barely. And less and less as time passes.

Says who? We know what happens to bureaucrats in this administration who report numbers that Trump doesn't like.

What's the GOP in control of? There's no functioning government.

You don't seem to understand that what you say here doesn't change the worlds opinion.
For example, do you think any other country puts any value on a treaty or agreement with the USA? Oh, some might sign on dotted lines, 'agree' to terms that sound better than nothing at all, but the world has seen, again and again, how the US puts no value at all on signed agreements and the world will put the same value on them.

I think we remain the world's leading superpower and, consequently, the US remains the most important nation on Earth.

 

[Grand Mal]

I think we remain the world's leading superpower and, consequently, the US remains the most important nation on Earth.

They don't make superpowers like they used to though, do they. The world's leading superpower didn't do so good against two of the poorest, most backward countries in the world, Vietnam and Afghanistan. Villagers in black pajamas and tribesmen in long beards and robes.
And your President said he would encourage Russia to do whatever they want to NATO countries that don't spend enough on defense, this making America irrelevant to NATO.
See what your super power buys you going forward.

 

[NatMorton]

They don't make superpowers like they used to though, do they. The world's leading superpower didn't do so good against two of the poorest, most backward countries in the world, Vietnam and Afghanistan. Villagers in black pajamas and tribesmen in long beards and robes.
And your President said he would encourage Russia to do whatever they want to NATO countries that don't spend enough on defense, this making America irrelevant to NATO.
See what your super power buys you going forward.

When a peace deal is needed because civilians are being slaughtered in the crossfire of urban warfare, or when a rogue state is on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons and a bunker-busting strike is needed, or when the leader of a terrorist organization has to be taken down, or when a global pandemic strikes in a new vaccine is needed to save millions of lives, do you know what words are never spoken? They are these "Quick, somebody call the Canadians!"

You have a nice day.

 

[trixare4kids]

The mess your country has become. Obviously. America will never regain the international position it once had, never get back the respect and regard your government has squanderence

Code for your country needs ours more than we need yours.

And as for internal, domestic affairs, well, just look at the threads here, today. Look at the official White House statement about political rivals, look at a family watching it's dog bleed out on the kitchen floor because a squad of border patrol agents came in and shot it.
Look at the party that controls the executive, legislative and judicial branches being unable to govern.
You guys ain't coming back from this.

It isn't our country that is a mess.
Need a mirror for Canada?

 

[BirdinHand]

I think we remain the world's leading superpower and, consequently, the US remains the most important nation on Earth.

Well, that’s not likely.

China will have that role. Trump is assuring it.

 

[CaughtInThe]

Life after Stephen Miller

 

[Grand Mal]

When a peace deal is needed because civilians are being slaughtered in the crossfire of urban warfare, or when a rogue state is on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons and a bunker-busting strike is needed, or when the leader of a terrorist organization has to be taken down, or when a global pandemic strikes in a new vaccine is needed to save millions of lives, do you know what words are never spoken? They are these "Quick, somebody call the Canadians!"

You have a nice day.

When a war is not going well and allies are fading away, or when a nation is being invaded by an expansionist neighbour or when a group is resisting ethnic cleansing and needs modern weapons and training, know what words are never spoken? "Where are the Canadians?"
Canada is the best ally any country ever had. WW1 was four years long for Canada and in France the last hundred days of that war are called, "Canada's Hundred Days". WW2 was six years long for Canada and by the end of it Canada had the third largest navy in the world. Canada was in Afghanistan because America had been attacked. Canadian special forces trained Kurds and engaged ISIS with them, they trained Ukrainians and might well still be there, engaging Russians with them.
Canadians have fought and died all over the world for causes that were never Canada's.
America, on the other hand, acts only in its own perceived best interest and quite often fails.

Have a nice day yourself.

 

[NatMorton]

Well, that’s not likely.

China will have that role. Trump is assuring it.

If we are overtaken in our lifetimes, yes, China is the odds on favorite, but I've been hearing how they're going to over take us for at least 25 years now. I think China, like all repressive regimes, is brittle. Sooner or later, they'll crack, just as the USSR did. And if I had to guess on the reason why, it will be from within. Their own people will, one day, begin to resist the control placed on them by The State.

 

[trixare4kids]

I think we remain the world's leading superpower and, consequently, the US remains the most important nation on Earth.

Absolutely!
The data, especially coming toward the end of '25, actually backs this up too.
From trade deals to crisis response we remain atop the list of superpowers.
The US GDP is projected at around $30.5 trillion for 2025 surpassing China's by over ten trillion.

On the military front, the US ranks #1 globally in the 2025 Global Firepower Index.

Top 10 Powerful Countries In the World By Military Strength

Discover the Top 10 most powerful militaries in 2025, ranked by the Global Firepower Index based on strength, tech, budgets, and global strategic influence.

vajiramandravi.com

 

[The AntiDonald]

Rubbish. Just this year we've reasserted the will to use military force when its in our interest (Iran) and just this week help finalize a peace deal (Gaza) while most of the rest of the world watched. The US still matters, even with Trump at the helm.


Illegal immigration is down, so what's not to like on that front?


The GOP is in control now, and they'll do some good things and some bad things. The bad things will catch up to them, and the Democrats will get their turn. It could be 2026, it probably will be 2028, and it will be no later than 2032.

What you don't seem to understand is our world standing and your good opinion are two entirely different things.

This is how the rest of the world see's Trump's new America.

Allies and partners

• Overall negative sentiment: A June 2025 Pew Research Center survey of 24 nations showed a significant drop in favorable ratings for the U.S. in 15 countries since 2024. Majorities in countries such as Canada, Mexico, Australia, Germany, and France now hold a negative opinion of the U.S.
• Low confidence in leadership: A majority in 19 of the 24 countries surveyed by Pew reported lacking confidence in President Trump's leadership on world affairs. This lack of confidence is especially high in many allied nations, contrasting with the more favorable views held toward the previous administration.
  • Strain on transatlantic relations:
    • European allies are concerned about the future of the U.S. commitment to NATO, a fear amplified by President Trump's rhetoric.
    • Europeans feel the U.S. has sidelined them in key negotiations and are frustrated by demands to increase defense spending and align with U.S. policy on China.
    • An October 2025 analysis noted that the erosion of transatlantic trust might be permanent, with many Europeans now viewing the U.S. as a "necessary partner" rather than a trusted ally.

 

[BirdinHand]

If we are overtaken in our lifetimes, yes, China is the odds on favorite, but I've been hearing how they're going to over take us for at least 25 years now. I think China, like all repressive regimes, is brittle. Sooner or later, they'll crack, just as the USSR did. And if I had to guess on the reason why, it will be from within. Their own people will, one day, begin to resist the control placed on them by The State.

China has the single longest lasting civilization on the face of the globe.

They’re not going anywhere.

We might

 

[NatMorton]

This is how the rest of the world see's Trump's new America.

Allies and partners

• Overall negative sentiment: A June 2025 Pew Research Center survey of 24 nations showed a significant drop in favorable ratings for the U.S. in 15 countries since 2024. Majorities in countries such as Canada, Mexico, Australia, Germany, and France now hold a negative opinion of the U.S.
• Low confidence in leadership:A majority in 19 of the 24 countries surveyed by Pew reported lacking confidence in President Trump's leadership on world affairs. This lack of confidence is especially high in many allied nations, contrasting with the more favorable views held toward the previous administration.
  • Strain on transatlantic relations:
    • European allies are concerned about the future of the U.S. commitment to NATO, a fear amplified by President Trump's rhetoric.
    • Europeans feel the U.S. has sidelined them in key negotiations and are frustrated by demands to increase defense spending and align with U.S. policy on China.
    • An October 2025 analysis noted that the erosion of transatlantic trust might be permanent, with many Europeans now viewing the U.S. as a "necessary partner" rather than a trusted ally.

Like people, nations generally act in their own self-interest, and for most nations, it's good to be on the good side of the US.

 

[NatMorton]

China has the single longest lasting civilization on the face of the globe.

They’re not going anywhere.

We might

Why do American liberals have so little faith in America?