General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: As much as I admire Lawrence, I don't agree we can't incarcerate Trump [View all]usaf-vet
(7,791 posts).... as a former president.
Will we help even in a small way to build a presidential library?
Are we going to provide him with lifetime Secret Service protection? A lifetime pension?
The sheer fact that he has taken it upon himself to do things, many unlawful, that 44 presidents before him didn't do, in my mind, calls for a revision of how he is treated in the future.
Here is a summary of the benefits the former 44 presidents received. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Former_Presidents_Act
In my opinion, if and when he becomes a convicted felon, especially in the classified documents case, Trump should, without exception, be treated like any other FELON. He deserves a jail term, but when released, he should be shown the door and not expect ANY further benefits.
I know in the past, there was a fear that former presidents could pass on sensitive information. I doubt he has the mental acuity to retain any information he might have been privy to. He didn't read his daily briefing reports and wanted them condensed to one page.
When the truth of what corrupt things he and his family did to enrich themselves is known, I believe history will see him as a cancerous blot in the office he once held.
Here is at least one author's suggestion of what might happen if a President refuses to leave. We need to start thinking about this possibility. If it is ever going to happen, 2024 is likely when we will sadly see it play itself out.
https://www.rd.com/article/what-happens-if-a-president-wont-leave-office/