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Transcript

Trump's existential test for U.S. democracy is officially in motion

Judges have been batting down Trump's efforts to overstep his executive power. For the first time, he's effectively dared them to do something about it.

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially pushed the toothpaste out of the tube. He has spilt the milk. Scrambled the proverbial egg, if you will.

What I mean is: he’s put something big in motion.

Now, we’re going to see U.S. democracy — and the institutions that uphold it in its current form — face a major test.

The main line of defence against Trump’s efforts to plow through the limits of his presidential powers has been the courts.

But now, he has officially chosen — for the first time — to ignore a court order. That is the rubicon-crossing moment.

Then, it looked like he did it again.

If he’s found in contempt, who will prosecute that criminal contempt case? If one of these cases ends up before the Supreme Court, will the restrain his overreach or enable it?

What if he doesn’t listen?

This is a real, existential test of the state of U.S. democracy. It’ll also inform how much damage Trump will be able to do at home and abroad.

Let’s talk about it.