Did Trump Just Commit TREASON?

[Mr.Bee]

from Thom Hartmann,

Trump actually said yesterday, "Russia fought for that land in Ukraine and lost a lot of men doing it, so they should just keep it." And our defense secretary backed him up!

Trump is telling the world that territorial acquisition by force is acceptable again. He even blamed Ukraine for "going to war," as if this was their fault. He spoke well of Putin—a murderous thug—and then quoted Putin’s lie that Zelensky isn’t polling well in his own country. Right, like Gallup is over there doing reasonable polls. Give me a break.

Trump wouldn’t even call Ukraine a partner with the U.S. in negotiations. This is going to be entirely between him and Putin. And now, Trump says he’s going to Russia—or maybe Saudi Arabia—to meet Putin in person. So he can kiss his ass in person.

This is treason—both against the United States and against democracies across the world. It’s a complete repudiation of the world order established after World War II, which was specifically designed to prevent the kind of territorial seizure that could lead to another world war.

[Ocelot II]

1. What church does the Pope go to? Where do bears relieve themselves?

[MineralMan]

2. Treason is defined in the Constitution.

Very specifically defined. By that definition, what Trump said is not treason. It's something else. It's important to use that word appropriately, or you will lose every argument, every time.

Here are the exact words from Article III, Section 3.

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

[Oopsie Daisy]

7. Thank you! -- I've noticed that whenever this writer/youtuber asks a clickbait-y question... the answer is always "NO."

[Ocelot II]

9. Thanks for posting this. What Trump does on a daily basis

could be called traitorous, but it's not literally and legally treason, at least not yet. Prosecutable treason has been held to require some act favoring an enemy in an existing, declared war. We aren't likely to go to war with Russia, since Trump reliably capitulates; Putin doesn't need a war. Trump is, instead, Neville Chamberlain on steroids. Traitorous behavior, in contrast to treason, is simply that which involves a sellout or betrayal, and he's been doing that right along.

[Mr.Bee]

12. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,"

Last edited Sat Feb 15, 2025, 03:02 PM - Edit history (1)

Origin uncertainty:
While widely attributed to Edmund Burke, no exact source within his writings has been found to confirm he said this phrase.
Interpretation:
The meaning is that if good people remain passive in the face of evil, evil will inevitably prevail.
Misattribution possibility:
Some historians believe the quote may have been popularized by figures like President John F. Kennedy.

[MineralMan]

13. I'm not sure what you mean by that, frankly.

Anyhow, treason is the one and only crime mentioned in the Constitution.

Why? Because it is probably the most heinous crime anyone can commit, when it comes to the national interest. So, it is named. It is defined. It is the only crime mentioned in our founding document.

If it is used incorrectly to accuse someone of wrongful acts, it loses some of its importance.

Trump cannot be charged with treason. If he were, any court in this country would throw the case out immediately. What he is doing is horrible, but it does not meet the definition of that crime.

It is important, even crucial, that things be named properly. The law depends on that.

[Oopsie Daisy]

15. "If it is used incorrectly to accuse someone of wrongful acts, it loses some of its importance."

If it is used incorrectly to accuse someone of wrongful acts, it loses some of its importance.

Yes. Exactly. That's an excellent analysis and explanation. --- It's right up there with how many people "online" misuse the word genocide. By misusing specific words in that manner, it dilutes their meaning and importance.

I'm glad that you took the time to respond in such a clear and thoughtful way. For that, I thank you.

[MineralMan]

16. Thanks! It's one of the things that bugs me.

[RainCaster]

3. Duh

Captain Obvious would tell us that.

[Mr.Bee]

4. Please READ last paragraph of OP

[Omnipresent]

6. This unsaid phrase keeps hanging in the air each time, they talk about Ukraine's need to surrender.

They have this deep seated hatred for NATO, and that phrase for that hatred is “It goes without saying”.

[surfered]

8. Shocking!

[oasis]

10. Trump is deranged. Deranged scum.

[RoeVWade]

11. Hard to find a dictator Trump doesn't like. Just another thing constantly glossed over by the right as "just talk."

nt*

[krawhitham]

14. He commits TREASON everyday

[Mr.Bee]

17. Jupt puttin' this out there...

[WarGamer]

18. Is this real or fake?

I googled the supposed quote and the only hits are Daily Kos, DU and Hartmanns website.

If it were real, mightn't the quote be on real news sites?

Just curious...

[ElementaryPenguin]

19. How about stealing nuclear secrets, as he also did?

Merely traitorous until proven he shared them with Russia or China, of the highest bidder?

Comfort and aid to our adversaries?

You can bet he's done/will continue to do just that!

[H2O Man]

20. No