Tax Policy & Public Opinion - The Trump administration is considering rebranding its tax legislation, previously known as the "big, beautiful bill," due to its unpopularity and lack of public understanding [1][2][4] - The legislation includes tax cuts for the middle class and jobs, with no tax on tips, social security, or overtime [2] - Despite the administration's efforts, the tax provisions primarily extend existing benefits and may lead to millions losing Medicaid coverage, fueling Democratic criticism [6] - Public sentiment towards the legislation remains negative, with constituents expressing anger and concern at town halls [7][9][10] Judiciary & Executive Branch - A federal judge, a Trump appointee, dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against federal judges in Maryland, deeming it an unprecedented and inappropriate attack on the judiciary [12][14] - The judge warned that siding with Trump would undermine the checks and balances system in the United States [14] - The judiciary is facing pressure from the executive branch, with concerns raised about the administration's efforts to diminish its power [13][15] - The administration's actions, including defying court orders and insulting judges, are seen as a threat to the constitutional system of checks and balances [17][18]

And the rule of law itself is now, according to many experts, quite clearly under siege. We're at an early point in the term. People have noticed. People are fighting back. The president of the United States is not king. What we're seeing is this administration continue to run a foul of the law. This is against the Constitution. A king unbound by laws, who rules by decree. It's going against our rights as people and especially as American citizens. What's it going to take for us to wake up? The American peo ...

Constitutional & Legal Issues - The Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war, while the President serves as commander-in-chief during a declared war [2] - Significant legal debate exists regarding what constitutes a "war" domestically, considering duration and goals [2][3] - International law considerations include assessing intelligence to determine if military action was a defensive maneuver, involved an imminent threat, and was a proportional response [3] - The White House is limiting intelligence sharing with Congress, raising concerns about transparency and oversight [4] Checks and Balances & Congressional Oversight - Concerns are raised that the current administration believes Congress has no role in reviewing executive actions, mirroring arguments made in courts [6] - Traditionally, presidents from both parties have briefed Congress on intelligence matters, highlighting the current administration's deviation from this practice [7][8] - Congress has been abdicating its responsibility regarding war powers since World War II, the last time a formal declaration of war occurred [13] - The lack of accountability after military action, specifically regarding providing information to assess the legality under international law, is a key concern [23] International Law Considerations - Under international law, a country can act in self-defense or collective self-defense if there is imminent harm, the action is necessary, and the response is proportional [21][22] - Determining whether a military strike violates international law requires access to pre-strike intelligence [23]