Echoing the sentiments of France’s historical figure, Napoleon Bonaparte, the current U.S. President, Donald Trump, made a striking announcement on social media over the weekend. Trump emphasized his firm stance against any constraints on his executive powers amidst facing numerous legal challenges. “He who saves his country does not violate any law,” Trump boldly proclaimed on his new Truth Social network. Despite requests for further clarification, the White House remained silent.
This particular phrase, credited to the renowned French military leader who established the Napoleonic Code of civil law in 1804 prior to declaring himself emperor, quickly drew criticism from Democratic leaders. Senator Adam Schiff, a vocal opponent of Trump from California, did not hold back in his response, asserting, “Spoken like a true dictator.” Trump, who assumed office on January 20, has consistently pushed the boundaries of executive authority, setting the stage for potential legal battles in the U.S. Supreme Court. Several lawsuits have accused Trump of overstepping Congress’s constitutional powers.
While Trump claims to respect court decisions, his advisors have openly criticized judges on social media and even called for their removal from office. Vice President JD Vance recently declared that judges should not have the authority to restrict the executive branch’s legitimate powers. Notable Washington lawyer Norm Eisen, who was involved in Trump’s previous impeachment trials alongside Schiff, highlighted the recurring argument put forth by Trump’s legal team – that any action taken by the president cannot be deemed illegal.
Eisen dismissed Trump’s invocation of Napoleon’s quote as an endorsement of unlawful behavior. He described Trump’s statement as a deliberate test and act of provocation. In another development, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of U.S. support for his country’s survival and speculated that Russian President Putin fears Trump.
Trump, known for his enduring slogan “Make America Great Again,” attributed his survival from an assassination attempt in July to divine intervention. Following his election victory, Trump expressed the belief that his spared life was intended for the purpose of salvaging the nation and restoring America’s greatness.
(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Additional reporting by Ismail Shakil; Editing by Michelle Nichols and Daniel Wallis) This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Trump: If it saves the country, it’s not illegal.
