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KAHNTENTIONS

KAHNTENTIONS is a blog post written by Gilbert N. Kahn, Professor of Political Science at Kean University in Union, New Jersey. Beginning in 2011 KAHNTENTIONS was hosted by the New Jersey Jewish News which recently ceased written publication. KAHNTENTIONS presents an open and intellectually honest analysis of issues facing the United States, Israel, as well as Jews world-wide.

BY GILBERT N. KAHN

"These are the times that try men's souls."

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The Implications of the Mar-a-Lago Search Warrant


Events at Mar-a-Lago happened so fast and so explosively that it was difficult to keep up with them. Even more frustrating is that everyone--except the people who really count in the Justice Department and in the FBI--has been bouncing theories around as to how and why this happened and why it took place now. Why did the Court agree to issue a search warrant permitting the FBI to enter former President Trump’s home and office in search of the material spelled out in the warrant?


The unprecedented request to enter the residence of a former President clearly was deemed by a federal judge to be extremely compelling. The Justice Department and, almost definitely the Attorney General himself, believe that there was an extremely high likelihood that the material that they were seeking would be discovered in the course of the search. Neither Attorney General Merrick Garland nor it is believed Judge Bruce Reinhart—each for different reasons—were interested in supporting a fishing exhibition. Consequently, there is every likelihood that the search warrant will produce much of what the Department of Justice was seeking. If the Justice Department and the FBI fail to find what it is they have asserted in the warrant, then Garland’s head will most likely be on the block. If, as is much more probable, that Garland has obtained the evidence that he was seeking, the long legal nightmare for the former President will continue, but at a much higher level of vulnerability than ever.


There are, however, two things which remain inexplicable at this point. First, recognizing the exceedingly cautious approach that Attorney General Garland has taken in all legal matters involving the former President, how can any Republicans rally in support of Trump’s allegations concerning the execution of the search warrant. Most elected officials would have adopted an exceedingly laid-back posture as they awaited the Justice Department’s next move. Even for those in the midst of campaigning for November’s election, it would behoove them to wait for events to evolve before reacting. As for those Republican politicians who are not standing for re-election this fall and who are in safe seats, how do they face themselves for attacking the legitimacy of the Justice Department and the FBI.


Second, it continues to be remarkable the extent to which Trump maintains steadfast devotion from his supporters. The depth of their willingness to rally to his side remains inexplicable and very dangerous; as was seen on January 6, 2021. The loyalty of Trump’s hardcore of supporters is a measure of the extent to which United States has become divided between those seeking to maintain a liberal democracy and those prepared to move the United States into an authoritarian state. It is a contest between whether America can continue as a democracy functioning under the rule of law or whether it is hellbent to become a fascist state.


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Now for the Politics

Trump supported candidates did well in yesterday’s primaries. Admittedly, these are only primaries with the real elections coming in November. They do, nevertheless, present additional evidence of the extent to which Trump is in control of the Republican Party. It must be noted, however, that given the fact that the events at Mar-a-Lago only emerged on Monday night, they probably did not have a major impact on either the supported candidates he had backed or the other ones. The news emerged too late to influence many voters. The forthcoming primaries may give more of an indication as to how much of an impact the events in Florida are having on Trump’s followers.

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