Donald Trump Critics Push Plan to Block Him From Taking Power in DC Protest

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Newsweek

Published Jan 05, 2025 at 12:42 PM EST | Updated Jan 05, 2025 at 2:04 PM EST


Critics of President-elect Donald Trump have taken to the streets of Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to block him from taking power, citing the 14th Amendment. Trump-Vance Transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in an emailed statement to Newsweek on Sunday afternoon that "President Trump will serve ALL Americans, even those who did not vote for him in the election. He will unify the country through success." Newsweek reached out to the political movement "14th Now" via email for comment on Sunday.

Why It Matters

Democrats, and others, have continued to rebuke Trump after he refused to accept the results of President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory and tried to stop him from taking office through failed legal efforts. Trump continues to claim the election was stolen from him via widespread voter fraud, despite there being a lack of evidence to support such claims. Trump's alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results culminated in the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, when a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. in a failed attempt to stop Congress from certifying the election results.

The president-elect faced state and federal charges for his alleged illegal efforts to overturn the 2020 election. However, when he won the 2024 election, the federal case was dismissed without prejudice. A separate Georgia election interference case is currently in limbo as the Prosecuting Attorney's Council of Georgia decides whether to continue litigation. Trump, meanwhile, pleaded not guilty to all charges against him and claimed the cases were politically motivated.

What To Know

An effort is underway to urge Congress through peaceful protest to block Trump from taking office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which states, "No person shall ... hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath ... to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof." A political movement called "14th Now" has been holding protests in Washington, D.C., from Friday to Sunday, gathering at Franklin Park and the Lincoln Memorial. "Donald J. Trump, an adjudicated insurrectionist, remains constitutionally DISQUALIFIED from assuming the presidency under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-protest-14th-now-2009899

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Regardless of what you think of it, Donald's earned it.

Turnabout is fair play.

It's not going anywhere, but whatever illegitimacy can be rubbed into Trump, have at it.

[ColinC]

6. Regardless of what you think of it, the constitution's language, until amended, is clear:

No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

[OMGWTF]

21. TFG saying he wants to free the J6 rioters is giving aid and comfort to the enemy.

They have already been tried, convicted, and jailed for their crimes against our country.

[ColinC]

22. Yep. This aside, he has unquestionably given aid and comfort to the enemy, having likely shared classified info

With Putin, is just one example.

[KS Toronado]

44. I've thought for a long time the FBI knows what TSF has shared with Putin

Just look at all our top secret agents that disappeared in Russia. Anybody who would allow our
top secret agents to be killed for no more than "brownie points" with Putin does not belong in
the Oval Office, more deserving of a firing squad, you reap what you sow.

[Think. Again.]

56. Yes, they know what he kept and did whatever with...

...the classification process catalogues all classified documents. If the archive doesn't have them, he (or any of his co-conspirators) does.

[yorkster]

54. And who got or bought access to all those documents.

Will we ever find out? Astounding and infuriating that he has gotten away with so much. And he gets Round 2. I can't forgive the Trump voters. Just can't..

[kelly1mm]

53. Almost EVERYONE who receives a pardon (except Nixon and Hunter Biden AFAIK) has been tried and

convicted for their crimes against our country, no?

[Unladen Swallow]

26. Is there a conviction for this?

I haven't kept up with all the course cases.

[ColinC]

30. No. Just several indictments. But that's not a necessary prerequisite

As far as trying to overthrow the government or granting aid and comfort tot he enemy.

[Unladen Swallow]

32. Then who, or what body, makes the determination

they he committed the offense and enforces the law?

[ColinC]

33. Congress has that authority.

Several states have also made this determination. US attorneys and the DOJ via their prosecutions, also have.

[Unladen Swallow]

40. So the people will accept this ruling under the Constitution?

Or does SCOTUS get involved and do it formally? I am unaware of the process.

[ColinC]

42. There is no process.

It's either a rule that is enforced by a constitutional body or not. Meaning our constitutional bodies either allow him to become president or they don't. Congress, as the body that certifies results, has this authority.

[bucolic_frolic]

65. Exactly correct. 14A was a Reconstruction Era gift to future generations

to prevent the ascension of traitors to political power. The rules were broad but clear, and enforceable by Congress by 2/3 vote. SCOTUS thinks they scuttled the mechanism, but the language is plain as day. Getting anyone to listen to it is another matter. It's almost like a mini, lightning impeachment for insurrectionists. That's why Republicans are trying to whitewash it all so fast.

[cadoman]

70. they use the term "adjudicated" -- I think from the Colorado Supreme Court ruling

So there's something there. Didn't Raskin seem to think it was pursuable?

[speak easy]

2. "An effort is underway to urge Congress ..."

Political masturbation.

[yankee87]

39. Unfortunitly true

Democrats should make this an issue, but no one in party wants to play in the mud. We need to stop bringing a water gun to a bazooka fight.

[speak easy]

59. The Picketts Charge theory of politics

[Think. Again.]

57. Any effort to resist installing a nazi administration is worthwhile.

[magicarpet]

3. That is what the US Constitution says,...

... see no reason why trDUMP should be an exception.

[magicarpet]

4. .... recording the displeasure of the citizenry,...

.... is an important entry for the history books. Not all thought trDUMP 2.0 was a good idea because of the damage djt would inflict on America.

[Magoo48]

14. Yes, protests must be strong, courageous, and often.

Respect to everyone involved. I will be involved when it’s our time here in geezerville, SoCal.
Resist in every peaceful way possible, and demand our Congress Critters do the same with volume and enthusiasm.

[OMGWTF]

23. I'm in Palm Springs which is geezerville now that the snowbirds are here (including me).

[Magoo48]

64. Yup

[William Seger]

5. I'm so happy to hear this is happening

What the MFer did must never be normalized -- we need to hit them with this at every opportunity, before and after the coronation. Every time His Magasty the Burger King fucks people over, we need to remind them that he shouldn't be in that office in the first place.

[Callie1979]

7. Such a load of nonsense. He hasnt been CONVICTED of any of those charges. Period.

These people are just going to look like a less violent form of the Jan 6th rioters.
Plus, the SCOTUS already ruled on this back during the ballot removal cases.
He's taking office. Now we focus on stopping his stupid agenda & winning the House in '26

[bucolic_frolic]

10. The Constitution doesn't require a conviction.

In fact, during the Reconstruction era, it was common for the Army of Occupation Administrators for various political districts to exclude candidates from the ballot and for the US Senate, the US House to either prevent candidates from taking their seats, or lumping them together in an up or down vote. This occurred until about 1905.

Clearly 14A gave clear sailing to prevent insurrectionists and those in rebellion against the USA to be excluded by whatever means a succeeding generation created within the Amendment. SCOTUS trying to toss 14A Section 3 is crazy.

[Callie1979]

11. Well, we USED to do a lot of things differently.Yes, the SCOTUS is full of it but thats what we've got.

Our standard today is that you need to be convicted of something, None of this will stop it.
We had 2 years to charge & convict this moron & didnt do it. He's taking office. And all the carnival antics will look at dumb as it did in 2017

[bucolic_frolic]

13. No, it's quite credible.There is legitimacy behind the protests because everyone saw him do it.

Can't unsee, even if SCOTUS wears blinders.

[cadoman]

72. nearly half the voters saw it and voted for him though

Are the circumstances such that we should go to the extreme of overturning an election result?

If we play this card, we have to anticipate how the other team will play it in the future. It could get very un-democratic...

Biden & Harris are signaling peaceful transfer. Raskin & Schiff are signaling to use any legal means possible to block him. The voters have signaled that at best they're split on the matter.

[William Seger]

15. The SC didn't rule that TFG was eligible or that the 14th doesn't apply

They ruled that a state (Colorado) doesn't have the authority to exclude him from a ballot -- that the U.S. Congress needed to enforce the 14th. And that's exactly what these protesters are asking for.

[Callie1979]

16. Thats not going to happen either.

[William Seger]

24. True, but the point of the protests is that he could and should be disqualified

... lest anyone forget that.

[NYC Liberal]

34. Congress already found that he engaged in an insurrection

during his second impeachment. The charge was inciting insurrection and a majority of both houses found that he did so.

SCOTUS says Congress needs to vote onit. Well, they already have. Too bad SCOTUS is nakedly partisan.

[Polybius]

35. An argument can be made that it has to fit the definition of a conviction in the Senate

Which is 67 votes.

[William Seger]

55. An argument can be made that the amendment means only what it says

... and if the intent was that a conviction of any kind was required, it could have said exactly that with very few words.

[Polybius]

76. The problem with the 14th and many other Amendments is that the wording stinks

It should have said those convicted of sedition.

[MichMan]

46. That was a previous congress.

Not sure that it carries over to this congress

[Unladen Swallow]

27. There will be instigators in their midst

who will try to get it to go violent. And they may very well succeed.

[Think. Again.]

58. Yep, that's to be expected with every Left action.

[MichMan]

62. If it was to succeed there would be a civil war anyway

[Unladen Swallow]

63. That is a very sobering

and frightening thought.

[Clouds Passing]

8. Garland, Roberts, Thomas, Alito, Kavanaugh, Gorsuch, Barrett

[Callie1979]

12. Yep; there's the problem. For a LOT of issues.

[multigraincracker]

9. Biggest weather event in the history of DC on

Jan 20.


I can dream.

[The Madcap]

19. how about -50F or an F6 twister?

I'd settle for a cold rain with wind. Of course, T**** would just make them do the inauguration indoors since he doesn't want to get his makeup wet.

[Callie1979]

25. I wish Taylor Swift would hold a concert down the street.

How fucking embarrassing THAT would be for trump when she outdrew him by 10s of THOUSANDS

[IzzaNuDay]

17. Protesting now is a little bit too late

The protesting opportunity was the November 5, 2024 general election. And that failed, so here we are.

I think at this point going to the streets is too late. Best to try influencing Congress to push back on the felon’s bullcrap actions. We also need to turn Congress around in 2026, that is, if we are allowed to vote again!

[ColinC]

18. Not really. The constitution is clear. We either honor it, or take another step towards the constitution not mattering

No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

[Polybius]

36. After tomorrow is definitely too late though

Tomorrow is January 6th, when Congress certifies the election.

[ColinC]

51. Yeah. And i mean... The constitution just needs to be followed.

Trump is inarguably an insurrectionist. Either they do not certify him, or they remove the disability by a 2/3rds vote per the constitution. Not following the constitution will just create more ways in which Trump and others can skirt it in the future.

[Dem4life1970]

47. It is self executing...

...it's too bad that SCROTUS ruled against Colorado, then 5 of them (Barrett disagreed/or voted and then wrote a dissent, if I remember right) turned around and pulled out of thin air the congressional requirement to enforce the 14th Amendment, Section 3.

If anything, they should've highlighted that they did NOT disagree with the Colorado Supreme Court's finding and the lower courts finding that he did engage in insurrection. They should've said he can be on the ballot, but he would not be allowed to take office according to the 14th amendment.

However, it is better for Democrats and the country if T**** is sworn in as the lamest of lame ducks, instead of Vance who could run again in 2028. I hope by 2026 the GOP is polling just above a plugged toilet in time for the midterms.

It is hard for a VP to run and win after a President's term. Only George HW Bush (and Biden-although he put a 4 year gap in there) have done so over the last 100 years or so.

[ColinC]

48. At the very least congress should override the requirement by a 2/3rds vote.

And if they cannot pass that threshold, he cannot be president.

[MichMan]

52. This was a most unusual election in many ways

"It is hard for a VP to run and win after a President's term. Only George HW Bush (and Biden-although he put a 4 year gap in there) have done so over the last 100 years or so."

The odds were against Harris winning based on historical precedent.

Only once previously (Grover Cleveland) has a former president been defeated after their first term and then run again four years later.

I believe that the only two incumbent presidents that have declined to run again for a second term were LBJ and Biden. In both cases, their sitting VP lost.

[Polybius]

75. I heard as lawyer who think's Trump should be disqualified say that he agrees with the CO decision

Why? Because the 14th says nothing about being on state ballots, only that he can't take office. Maybe that's why that part of the ruling was 9-0.

[Jarqui]

20. If they attack the Capitol, maybe Trump will pardon them ...

This whole situation with Trump is bonkers

[Evolve Dammit]

28. Free speech and non-violent protest is what this country is all about. Petitioning of grievances is important always. nt

[The Grand Illuminist]

43. If it goes on deaf ears

There will be extreme desperate actions.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

29. "Critics of President-elect Donald Trump have taken to the streets of Washington, D.C. ..."

Which ones, Newsweek?

https://wtop.com/local/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/

https://www.popville.com/

[BumRushDaShow]

31. There was a little group out there at the Lincoln Memorial

[LeftInTX]

84. Isn't that pretty much an everyday occurance?

[BumRushDaShow]

86. Sure

although that group was explicitly protesting 45 and the need to use the 14th Amendment Sect. 3.

We know invoking that Amendment/section actually worked for booting good old Couy Griffin in NM (at least for the state) and the SCOTUS actually upheld it. But it seems it would be an impossible hurdle to apply to 45 because of a bunch of nonsensical insistence that the President wasn't "an officer of the government" or some other such assertion.

[Jose Garcia]

37. President Vance?

[ZonkerHarris]

41. I'll take it. Because he won't be able to win over the Trumpers. Republicans in disarray

[ColinC]

49. As explained, it would be Harris

All valid votes would be counted. Votes for an insurrectionist are not valid per the 14th amendment.

[Jose Garcia]

66. She only received 226 electoral votes

That is not enough to be elected.

[ColinC]

68. It is if all or most of Trumps votes are not certified.

Congress has the authority to not certify his electoral votes.

[Jose Garcia]

69. If neither candidate receives a majority of electoral votes,

it goes to the House of Representatives, where each state is given one vote.

[Polybius]

38. So if he's disqualified, who gets to be President on the 20th?

Vance or Harris? That's a whole new argument.

[MichMan]

45. Harris

They are saying that Congress must, per the Constitution, follow the 14th amendment and refuse to count any of the electors votes for Trump, thus leaving Harris as the next president

[ColinC]

50. The exception being holding a 2/3rds vote to make an exception.

Which is totally a viable thing but would require Republicans to admit Trump is an insurrectionist...

[Polybius]

74. They may admit it if Vance becomes President as a result of Trump's disqualification

No way would any if Harris becomes President.

[Polybius]

73. That would be a double punch for who the majority of voters elected

So not only take away their choice, but give it to who they voted against? I think the there would be unprecedented mass riots over that, and it would legit cause the government to collapse and install Trump anyway to the new country.

[Aussie105]

60. I can see the Constitution being locked away into a time vault

with a 4 year lock on it, and a note 'not valid until opened' attached to the door.

If due process was followed, if there was a real drive and motivation to do so, Trump would be in jail right now.

The go slow and hummin' and hawwin' is just so Trump can move into the White House and slam that time vault shut.

Sorry. Don't get your hopes up. Dark ages coming up.
Don't expect the world to make sense for the next 4 years.

[MichMan]

61. The 14th also applies to Congress

After Congress disqualifies Trump, they can then disqualify any member of Congress that doesn't vote to disqualify Trump, as also being part of an insurrection. Wipe both the House and Senate of all Republicans in one fell swoop, other than the few that go along with it to save their own jobs.

[jvill]

67. According to the Constitution, Trump is a traitor: He should be hanged until he is dead, dead, dead.

...

[The Grand Illuminist]

71. It will take unquestionably devoted courageous people

To force true principle over the lawless populous. People of sacrifice and unbridled support for the greater good.

[totodeinhere]

77. Well it's over. The plan to block him did not work. The election was just certified.

Damn it

[LeftInTX]

79. What plan?

[totodeinhere]

81. The plan that is the subject of this thread. n/t

[LeftInTX]

83. Yeah.. More like a thought .

[BumRushDaShow]

80. The 2022 Electoral Count Reform Act, which amended the previous Act(s)

made it much more difficult to "object" to a certification.

[totodeinhere]

82. Yes. Of course Trump's attempted coup was the catalyst behind that law. n/t

[Polybius]

85. We screw ourselves a lot by passing laws that we think will help us

This and the 22nd come to mind.

[LeftInTX]

87. Objections, in this case are usually formalities,

worthwhile to hear and make "good theater".

I support the new law. It now requires objections be written in advance, then receive a 20% approval before being brought to the floor. This assures that the agenda does not get derailed by everyone airing a greivance.
I think this is fair.

[LeftInTX]

78. This aged well!!