When is a Lame Duck President truly a lame duck president?

[no_hypocrisy]

If Trump were to order the military to attack another country 3 hours before the inauguration of Joe Biden, would those orders be carried out?

[woodsprite]

1. Probably by someone. If not our military,

Than Putin’s or Princes goons.

And the answer is “when that President is a Democrat.”

[JHB]

2. Three hours? Probably "delayed" long enough to be rescinded.

Also, it wouldn't come as a surprise, since a lot of preparations would be needed, and those wouldn't be kept secret even if he ordered secrecy.

But... let's not forget that Poppy Bush ordered troops into Somalia a month after losing the election and ~6 weeks before leaving office.

[FBaggins]

3. "Lame duck" isn't a constitutional term

He’s President right up until the new president is inaugurated.

A military attack would probably run into procedural challenges (it takes well over three hours to attack another country)... but if he signed a pardon teen seconds before walking out the door it would be valid.

[JI7]

4. Lame Duck just means they lose political influence since they are expected to be gone soon

[beachbumbob]

5. depends on the situation. But he is commander and chief until Jan 2021