My prediction, considering the events of today.

[Grasswire2]

I believe that in the fourteen days until Congress re-convenes with a Democratic House, Vladimir Putin will order Trump to do something(s) so destructive to the Constitution or the Separation of Powers or America's position in the world that some sort of chaos will happen.

I don't know what it will be. It might be series of things.

Just today, Trump took three actions, two of which were dictatorial power grabs.

1. The dropping of sanctions that had been imposed by a vote of Congress.

2. The surprising order to withdraw troops from Syria without any consultation with military officers or state department.

3. The sale of patriot missiles to Turkey after a conversation with Erdogan the other day.

He is doing the bidding of Putin, while doing the opposite of expected policies.

Is this simply Trump's headstrong impulsivity?

Or is a progression of orders coming from Putin in a Kremlin plan to deliver chaos to America?

[safeinOhio]

1. My prediction....

We ain't seen nuttin yet.

This prediction has been coming true everyday for a year now.

[Sherman A1]

5. Yup

It just gets weirder and weirder everyday.

[PatrickforO]

22. And then there's today's Green Acres tweet.

I mean, I was like, "Oh, how funny! The Onion strikes again..."

But wait...it wasn't the Onion. Trump actually tweeted himself singing the theme song from Green Acres to commemorate signing the Farm Bill.

You can't make this stuff up.

Getting to be time for the ol' 25th, eh?

'Cause we've got a real cuckoo in the White Nest - er, I mean White House.

[pangaia]

24. Was that.. REAL ?????????

really??

[mountain grammy]

27. #Emmy He's a madman.

[pazzyanne]

56. I wouldn't necessarily call what he did on Green Acres, singing.

I am amazed he knew the words to the song. He has trouble with song lyrics, like the national anthem for example.

[Richard D]

69. One of the signs of dementia . . .

. . . is remembering old memories, but not new ones.

[tblue37]

75. Be was lipsynching not singing. nt

[mountain grammy]

26. Exactly!

[BigmanPigman]

2. ......

[True Blue American]

3. And this.

[KWR65]

4. There sure are a lot of sooth sayers at DU.

Can you all please cut it out? I feel like this board is turning into a Pentecostal Revival meeting.

[Grasswire2]

9. Nobody's making you read anything here. And welcome to DU.

Some of us here have a lot of respect for other members and value the opinion of those who have contributed since the early days. We have been through a lot together.

And so when someone very seriously spells out his/her prediction of coming events -- especially warnings -- we take it seriously.

Hopefully you'll learn.

[Liberty Belle]

6. Yes, I've worried about this too.

As bad as the GOP Congress and Senate are, it's better than no check or balance at all. I wish they had gone through a procedure to NOT adjourn so that Trump can't do recess appointments, for example.

And if he were to do something far more horrific, like try to launch nukes or order our arsenals destroyed, is there ANY means for Congress to reconvene on an emergency basis or is our country without any Congressional power after recess until the Dems return and are sworn in, in control?

[Buckeyeblue]

7. Remember his general strategy is to create chaos

In the next two weeks he will do and say things to try to create more chaos. It's the perfect timing for it.

[regnaD kciN]

33. An extended government shutdown would sure do that...

...and would also give him the opportunity to declare a state of emergency and invoke martial law to “keep the situation from deteriorating further.” He has that right, under laws originally designed for the aftermath of a nuclear war or series of nationwide megaterror attacks.

Remember, Trump is used to operating as CEO of a family-held business, which is pretty much near-dictatorial control. All of his closest allies among world leaders are dictators. If the choice comes down to resigning and possibly facing criminal charges, or destroying democracy and retaining control as “President for Life,” what do you think Putin would advise him to do? Erdogan? MbS?

[friend of m and j]

45. Most people underestimate Trump

I think he will do ANYTHING to stay in power (preferably in his view as a dictator) That thought first came to me when he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Price and he said he appreciated it but what he wanted was to achieve world peace. Then came his comments after the President of China was elected President for life, Trump said "I like that idea, maybe we will have to try it someday". Then he developed his close ties to Putin, Kim in North korea ("I love him&quot , and some of the Middle East dictators. Then recently he )said if he is impeached "there will be violence in the streets". (that was planting the seed in the minds of his base) . He effectively severed our close ties to our peace loving allies in Europe.

His most recent actions causing all the current chaos and a almost certain gov. shut down could lead to a civil war. If he is impeached and convicted by the Senate and ordered to remove himself as President he will say it is not a legitimate order because the new Congress is not a legitimate body because it was elected through election fraud and the evidence used to convict him was based on an illegal investigation. He would likely refuse to leave the WH.

What could we do? Send Marshals to forcibly remove him? Even though he is not very smart he will have made preparations for that. He could probably find enough military commanders in his right wing base to have a sizable military force surrounding the WH to block any law enforcement from entering. He would appeal to the military by claiming that the Dems and Liberals were trying to stage a coup.

He would declare military law. The current chaos he has created may just be the first steps in his plan to become an autocratic dictator.
The above scenario is pretty far fetched but you can bet that he has a plan in the likely event that he is impeached or even if he is convicted in a criminal court for some of his crimes. He will do anything to retain power and he doesn't believe the laws apply to him.

[Buckeyeblue]

54. At this point nothing would surprise me

He has certainly been a test to our national character. One that has been difficult for us (individually and collectively). He doesn't know from one second to the next what he wants to do. Our current members of Congress (both Republicans and Democrats) don't know how to deal with him.

Just look at the way things have changed with the continuing resolution. The back and forth has been crazy. Who knows what will happen today.

I do agree that he would like to be dictator. I don't see the military supporting him though. If he refused to leave the white house, a new president would be sworn in and 45 would have no power to do anything.

Today will be interesting. The only way this passes is if the Senate changes the rules. Otherwise, the House has a CR that they can vote for.

What did 45 promises Ryan? What did he promise him that caused him to run over the WH as a lap dog and introduce the wall bill? An ambassadorship? VP?

[Delphinus]

55. Cogent thoughts here -

thank you for sharing.

And welcome to DU!

[trev]

70. Shades of Nixon.

[link:https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/daily/military-history/nixons-bizarre-last-year/]

[RussBLib]

8. Can Trump end the Russian sanctions by himself?

I thought that would take an act of Congress

[Grasswire2]

10. I haven't seen any pushback.

Considering that the Senate majority likely cancels out any pushback.

[lunatica]

13. My understanding is that everyone has to be in DC to counter what the President does

It gets very convoluted when there is a recess because Congress has to be in session in order to do anything as a group. They’re all back home for Christmas.

[Chemisse]

11. I think Putin sees that Trump's reign of power is nearing its end,

And there is nothing to lose by going full throttle and see how much his puppet can get done before he is stopped.

It could get very bad, very fast. I hope we're all just being paranoid.

[Quemado]

32. +1

Putin knows the reign of King Donald, whose touch turns everything to criminal offenses, is coming to an end.

[azureblue]

12. Don will do what he has done the past six times

In every one of his past six bankrupt business ventures, DOn has a pattern:
sell a bunch of rubes a load of BS to get them to invest
start up the venture
right away, pull as much money as he can from the venture. Side deals. Contracts to do business with another Trump owned business, etc.
Pile on the BS to keep the rubes fooled
When things go south, distract and blame everybody for the failure
Walk away and leave the rubes holding the bag and the debt.

And this is how he will end his presidency. He will resign and blame everybody for stopping him from doing what he wanted to do (even though all he wanted to do was to steal more money)

[lunatica]

14. Good points

[uponit7771]

19. +1

[Cha]

46. Thank you for your analysis..

I don't see him "resigning" though.

Hopefully you're right.

[calimary]

76. Good post. That's the pattern.

Basically talk a big game to rope in the suckers, shake ‘em down, then take their money and run.

[paulkienitz]

15. missiles to Erdogan doesn't strike me as something Putin would want

So some of this may just be native-grown Trumpian chaos.

[debsy]

16. I'm with you... It is definitely coming from Putin (IMO).

The guy in the Oval Office is a Russian agent doing the bidding of the Kremlin. Always has been.

Remember this?

[link:https://gizmodo.com/trump-reportedly-shared-highly-classified-info-with-rus-1795236079|]

I've never seen dumpster look happier than when he's with the Russians.

[samnsara]

17. im just hoping the voices inside his head tell him to...

….run about the WH nekked….in front of the press....

[uponit7771]

18. K&R, Clinton warned of this and Mattis was one of the safeguards

[Adrahil]

20. Putin will make a move on Ukraine.

Sometime before the end of Jan. That’s my guess.

[maryellen99]

37. End of January? I think it's going to be way soon than that nt

[eShirl]

50. "before" n/t

[maryellen99]

51. did not see that.. Thank You Mattis leaving has me scared nt

[WhiteHat]

21. "The surprising order to withdraw troops from Syria without any consultation with military officers"

Overturning 50 years of American policy, even 20+ years of Republican policy, in favor of conceding Syria to Iran and Russia, leaves you with some doubt about Trump's intentions?

How about his sudden decision to remove sanctions against Russians involved in their ongoing attacks on America? How about his "consideration" of removing an Erdogan enemy from America? How about his Chinese deal for a Trump-branded property in Singapore? How about his daughter's involvement in continuous human rights abuses in China, or her (expedited) awards of trademarks in China?

Dude, my grandfather retired as an Eisenhower Republican truck driver with 3 homes, 2 college-educated children, and 11 grandchildren. If you can't promise better than that for Americans, then fuck you.

[Grasswire2]

65. How about Ivanka's trademake on Chinese-made VOTING MACHINES?? nt

[Nitram]

23. I'm sorry to be a wet blanket, but vainglorious predictions like this are just attempts to

get attention and a gamble to establish a reputation as a political expert. Another approach would be to just make the predictions without the dramatic announcement at the beginning. Anyway, If any of these predictions prove true within the next two weeks, I will give you credit for a prescient and intelligent analysis.

[Grasswire2]

35. Oh, I don't consider you a wet blanket at all.

Considering how off the mark you are.....

This is a message board.

People comment.

And discuss.

And make predictions based on their information and experience.

And announce their intentions in subject lines from time to time.

What is your idea of the "proper" subject line for a post of personal observations of current events?

"Establish a reputation as a political expert" had me laughing heartily.

Maybe you meant to be funny?

[pangaia]

25. How do you think is Putin communicating with trump?

[HipChick]

28. On his unsecured iPhone?

[pangaia]

30. isn't there some way those calls can be intercepted by.... the 'good guys?'

[HipChick]

31. Apparently, a few folks have been listening in..

I expect the "good guys" have some good digital tracks stored somewhere...

[pangaia]

34. I sure wish they would use the info sooner rather than later.

Later may be too late..

[MFM008]

29. Hes trying to do it all

Before January 3.

[Grasswire2]

36. yes, of course.

Shock and awe.

[Fragment]

38. Do You Remember

Do you remember when Russians visited Trump at the White House in May 2017 and no Americans were allowed in? Maybe they gave Trump a cell phone with Putin’s direct line, and he has been taking direct orders from Putin ever since. It’s really the only explanation for all that has transpired up to now.

And as for why the republicans have been acting so insanely and so contrary to their (and our country’s best interests)? Putin knows every one of their sins and pulls the strings. Just as he is doing to Trump.

Check.

[Loge23]

57. At the very least...

...they planted listening devices in the Oval Office. Standard KGB procedure.

[maryellen99]

39. I think we are headed for a Nuclear War

Trump is going to make sure that Mattis’ replacement will not disobey orders to launch Nuclear Weapons.

[Tumbulu]

40. Sorry to say that I think you are correct

And I really have no faith that any grown ups can stop this fast moving disaster.

[maryellen99]

41. Me neither nt

[Fragment]

42. Rule #1: Never Trust Grown Ups

I have believed, for quite a while now, that our problems are too big for the grown-ups. We need to honestly present our predicaments, environmental and political to the children. Only they can see clearly to what needs to be done. They are the only ones I trust.

[True Blue American]

60. Where are the grown ups

In the Republican Party? I have yet to see one in the last 8 years!

[greyl]

44. By "think", do you mostly mean "fear" or "predict"? nt

[maryellen99]

53. a combination of boty...I hope to god I'm wrong nt

[DENVERPOPS]

58. I would worry alot

A psychopathic Narcissist doesn't go down easy without an "I'll Show You" demonstration or act aimed at getting even with everyone for challenging him and his empire. Personally, I would lock up the launch codes and tell the Military to ignore ALL orders coming from him, his kids, or any of his cabinet or cronies..........

[maryellen99]

59. They had to do that with Nixon towards the end nt

[Talitha]

43. The Dumpster took an oath to protect us...

You're fired, donnie!!

[Grasswire2]

66. No.

He took an oath to protect and defend THE CONSTITUTION.

Against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

[Dopers_Greed]

47. My prediction...

Is that the 25th amendment is going to be invoked soon.

[LovingA2andMI]

48. Hence...

Why the Words "Intervention" is being threw around in the media spin. There is no other Constitutionally based "Intervention" for the Executive Branch outside of the 25th Amendment:

25th Amendment, Section 4:

Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.

[roamer65]

49. Just wait until the tax bills hit in April in states like CA, NY, NJ and New England.

Don’t underestimate the power of taxation without representation in fomenting rebellion. The SALT deduction is a big thing in these states.

[lapfog_1]

52. Putin and the Saudis are worried that Trump will be forced to resign or be impeached

so they are forcing Trump to give them everything they want... including a sop to Turkey to keep them from making public the tapes of the Kashoggi killing.

Dictators all over the world are cheering the crap that happened in the last 48 hours.

[red dog 1]

61. K&R

[Catch2.2]

62. The question is....

will the rethugs do anything when Traitor Trump does something more extreme?

[allgood33]

63. It's the total destruction of our government and institutions that he and his base dreamed about.

[Grasswire2]

64. we think it's haphazard and impetuous

But it isn't.

Not at all.

Total destruction.

Frog, pot, now boiling.

[Meowmee]

67. I hope you are wrong

But I have similar concerns.

[Scully]

68. Likewise; however I am going down a similar path

I think the chaos is the precursor to a domestic attack- one that gives Trump the collective outrage and public mandate to counter- and declare martial law in the the aftermath.

[Meowmee]

71. I hope

Not. Wonder who will stand up to that if it happens😳

[Honeycombe8]

72. This is just criminal, that they're letting Trump work for Russia and against America this way.

I don't mean legally criminal. It may or may not be. But it's criminal in its effect.

Once again, Congress is out to lunch.

They...just...don't...care...about...America. It's all about money, and only money.

[BadGimp]

73. regarding your 2 possible scenarios ...

re: "Is this simply Trump's headstrong impulsivity? Or is a progression of orders coming from Putin in a Kremlin plan to deliver chaos to America?"

my answer is... YES!

[flyingfysh]

74. Trump might be following a Putin order right now?

Maybe Putin told Trump to maintain the shutdown as long as possible, to further damage the United States?

[Honeycombe8]

77. Yes. Our country has been infiltrated by Russia at the highest levels.

I'm not sure if there's a way out of that. We don't know exactly who, for how long, and how to get rid of them legally. It's possible they're here to stay, and we will be fighting the battle with Russia in our own country from here on out.