Thursday, January 19, 2017

Could Trump Refuse To Leave Office Like Gambia's Ex-President?

I am fascinated by the political situation in Gambia.


In December, the country's longtime President Yahya Jammeh, who assumed power in a 1994 military coup, lost a bid for re-election to a newcomer named Adama Barrow. Jammeh initially conceded, but a week later refused to recognize the election results and remains in office. Barrow has been sworn into office, but his inauguration took place in neighboring Senegal.


I realize the United States is far removed from West Africa geographically, historically and politically. But I cannot help but wonder if something like this couldn't happen here given Trump's mercurial personality. After all, this is a man who openly bragged he would defy international law and order our soldiers to kill the families of terrorists.


There are a couple of possible scenarios.


First, as with Jammeh, Trump could be defeated at the polls in 2020 and after conceding the election do an about face and refuse to leave the White House.


Second, let's suppose Trump is re-elected in 2020. I could see a scenario in which Democrats gain control of both Houses of Congress in the 2022 mid-terms. Upon taking over Congress, the Democrats impeach Trump and he refuses to leave office.


Could you imagine Trump's successor being inaugurated in Canada or even Mexico?


I realize both scenarios are far-fetched but so was the idea of Donald Trump being sworn in as the 45th President of the United States.

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