The spectacle is both farcical and alarming: a cohort of Republican figures, predominantly men in dark suits and red ties, heaping praise upon their leader and denouncing the American justice system, while many should arguably be in Washington, D.C., attending to their legislative duties.
For a party that champions “law and order,” the Republican stance rings hollow. Their rhetoric suggests a belief that legal frameworks are selectively applicable, and that societal disruption is permissible when wielded as a tool for consolidating and maintaining political dominance.
In a nation that ostensibly prizes “rugged individualism” and celebrates the courage to uphold truth and integrity, even in isolation, we are instead confronted with a display of men mirroring the uniform allegiance to Donald Trump. Figures like former presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and Florida Representative Byron Donalds appeared to be vying for the coveted vice-presidential slot on the Republican ticket. Others seemed driven by the desire for media exposure and favor among the party’s base.
This parade of loyalty over recent weeks resembles a casting call for a dystopian thriller, where participants, seemingly devoid of independent thought, collectively echo the same narrative in defense of “president” Trump (a title no longer accurate), clinging to the discredited notion of a “stolen” 2020 election as the ultimate litmus test of Republican orthodoxy.
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, wasted no time in traveling to New York to diminish his office, showcasing unwavering fealty to a figure facing trial for allegedly falsifying business records to conceal a liaison with an adult film actress.
Johnson, who journeyed to New York to undermine the legitimacy of the court, the judge, the jury, and the very foundations of the criminal justice system, is the same individual who was visibly moved just days prior at the unveiling of a statue of the revered evangelist Billy Graham. This 7-foot bronze figure, honoring Graham in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall, depicts him gesturing towards a Bible, set upon a pedestal inscribed with biblical verses. Johnson lauded Graham as “a towering figure in my life,” yet conspicuously avoided mentioning which of those biblical verses might apply to a former president accused of attempting to subvert the outcome of a democratic election.
Piety becomes debased when it is selectively displayed for public relations purposes. Similarly, allegiance to American principles, such as equal justice under the law, is rendered meaningless when it is contingent upon partisan affiliation and political alignment.
Johnson’s actions, however, are consistent with his past conduct. He was a key figure in the efforts to keep Trump in power despite the electorate’s decision to remove him. The fact that a majority of Johnson’s constituents seemingly endorse this behavior is a sobering reflection of the current political climate.
The irony is palpable: those who most vociferously chant “USA, USA” appear to exhibit a conditional patriotism, selectively applied.
Among this peculiar ensemble in the New York courtroom was Chuck Zito, a former gang leader and actor with a history as head of New York’s Hells Angels chapter. Also present was Bernard Kerik, a former New York Police Commissioner who pleaded guilty to federal felonies and subsequently received a presidential pardon from Trump. This juxtaposition of figures underscores the unconventional and often controversial nature of Trump’s support base.
Florida Representative Matt Gaetz distinguished himself by echoing Trump’s infamous call to action directed at the Proud Boys. “Standing back and standing by, Mr. President,” Gaetz posted on social media, aligning himself with fellow congressional Republicans outside the courtroom in a display of solidarity with Trump.
It is crucial to remember that some of these Proud Boys are currently incarcerated for their involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot. Yet, Gaetz proudly stands with the presumptive GOP presidential nominee who refers to insurrectionists as “hostages” and has pledged to pardon them if re-elected. This raises a critical question: in what way are Gaetz and his allies morally superior to the January 6th mob? Their primary distinction seems to be their ability to dress in suits and collect government paychecks while simultaneously undermining the very government they serve.
Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville openly admitted the widely understood objective: these Trump surrogates are present to circumvent Judge Juan Merchan’s gag order, delivering denunciations and attacks in their leader’s stead. Tuberville also demeaned the courtroom environment as “depressing” for someone like Trump and insulted the jurors, questioning their status as “supposedly American citizens.”
In reality, these jurors are American citizens fulfilling their civic duty, potentially at considerable personal risk if their identities were to become public.
The underlying danger is that the spectacle of this political theater willCaptivate public attention, obscuring the gradual erosion of respect for law and order, facilitated by the actions of national leaders, including those who may not be physically present at a New York courthouse but are nonetheless complicit in a strategy to sow distrust in American institutions. This uniform approach to undermining faith in democratic processes is a serious threat.
Last weekend, Florida Senator Marco Rubio became the latest Republican to express hesitancy when asked if he would accept the results of the November 2024 election. He would not, he suggested, if it were deemed an “unfair election” when pressed by Kristen Welker on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Rubio previously voted to certify President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory, but his recent statements indicate a shift towards party alignment. This raises a troubling question: is the Republican position now that electoral outcomes are legitimate only when they result in Republican victories, and that losses are automatically suspect, warranting challenges and potentially inciting unrest reminiscent of January 6, 2021?
It is imperative to take Rubio and the entire “red-tie brigade” at their word. Their actions and statements paint a clear picture of a party prioritizing power and loyalty above the foundational principles of American democracy. The uniform messaging and unwavering support for a leader facing serious legal challenges signal a dangerous departure from the norms of justice and accountability.
