I hear a lot of people saying, "it's going to be hard over the next 4 years," as if Trump will be limited to only 4 years. Earlier this week there was an article in Vox arguing that the 22nd amendment limits Trump from a 3rd term, and there's articles all over the news about how various blue states are preparing legal arguments to "protect their states" from Trump.

In discussing negative impacts he might have on the economy, some are arguing that he might be restrained by other republicans, or "voices of reason," or what's political popular/unpopular.

Cut the hopium - there are NO restraints on Trump whatsoever. The Supreme Court has already given him total authority to do whatever he wants with his executive power. The DOJ transition has already stated that the president has total authority about who to prosecute and why. These things have already happened and Trump is not even sworn in as president! These policies have already broken whatever constitutional restraints were intended to rein in executive abuse. These policies already go beyond a worst-case-scenario of breaking constitutional norms and practices. If anyone stands up against him, even to talk sense into him, they can be prosecuted by Trump for any reason with no repercussions for the president. Anyone in congress who refuses to support his policies could be prosecuted. Anyone who tries to bring him to court could be prosecuted. Any judge who doesn't decide his way could be imprisoned. The clearer this becomes, and the more people are afraid, the worse the pandering will become from our leaders and institutions.

And would people rise up against him in outrage? No, Trump showing total disregard for restraints and norms is consistently celebrated by his supporters, who are now a majority of the US. On top of that, most would be afraid to protest. Would traditional, small-government republicans distance themselves in protest? No, they have shown they already seek to ingratiate themselves deeper with Trump himself and his agenda.

People need to face what's happening. Accept it and protect yourselves.