US constitutional crisis fears: Over half of Americans concerned
The results of a survey conducted by the international research firm YouGov are concerning. On 6th February, 1,106 residents of the United States were asked about the political situation. As many as 54% of Americans believe their country is experiencing a constitutional crisis, while 27% consider this assessment exaggerated.
The United States may be heading towards a "constitutional crisis" or "systemic breakdown." Legal and constitutional experts warned about this on Sunday after Vice President JD Vance suggested that judges do not have jurisdiction over the "lawful power" of President Donald Trump.
"If a judge tried to tell a general how to conduct a military operation, it would be illegal. If a judge tried to dictate to the attorney general how to exercise her discretion as a prosecutor, that would be illegal as well," Vance wrote on X, adding that judges cannot control lawful executive power.
Constitutional crisis in the US: 54% of Americans think so
According to NBC News, it was not clear which judge or court order Vance was referring to. Some of Trump's executive orders have already been challenged in court in over two dozen lawsuits, and judges have temporarily halted many of them.
On Saturday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump Government Efficiency Department and tech billionaire Elon Musk from accessing sensitive Treasury Department payment systems and personal data. This was in response to 19 attorneys general suing the administration.
Jamal Greene, a professor at Columbia Law School, pointed out in a conversation with NBC News that the tweet does not have legal force. "He did not promise unlawful behaviour," the professor said.
"A corrupt judge protects corruption," Musk wrote. "He must be impeached NOW!" NBC News notes that the courts would have limited ways to punish the president for violating their rulings, but Congress has the ability to intervene.
This turmoil at the top of power in Washington is affecting public opinion. This is indicated by the YouGov survey, in which as many as 54% of respondents indicated that a constitutional crisis has occurred in the US. 27% disagree with this assessment, and 19% have no opinion on the matter.
Source: NBCNews.com/X
