Trump’s Constitutional Counterpunch Looms Large

Law professor Aziz Huq warns that President Trump’s actions have opened up a constitutional pathway for opponents. In his book “The Rule of Law: A Very Short Introduction,” Huq emphasizes the importance of checks and balances in a democracy.

Trump’s government by spite has created an environment where the Constitution can be used to challenge his decisions. This approach, known as “score-settling,” involves using constitutional remedies to respond to perceived slights or grievances. By leaving himself open to counterattacks, Trump may have inadvertently created a powerful constitutional counterpunch.

As Huq notes, this development highlights the ongoing struggle for democratic norms and institutions in the US. With the rule of law under threat, it is essential to recognize the importance of constitutional checks on power. Only through careful analysis and strategic use of constitutional provisions can opponents effectively challenge Trump’s actions and safeguard the integrity of democracy.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/04/09/trump-cases-constitution-revenge-court-challenge