July 16 Meeting: Is the Rule of Law at Risk?

Many U.S. presidents have taken an expansive view of executive power. Andrew Jackson famously argued that no institution should stand between the presidency and the will of the people, as expressed by the popular vote. But many observers think that Donald Trump's vision of executive power outdoes even Jackson, to the point of undermining the constitutional principles of separation of power, democratic accountability, and rule of law.

The Northport Cracker Barrel will meet on July 16 for a discussion of the state of the rule of law in America, led by former Leelanau County Judge Marian Kromkowski. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month in the social room of Trinity Church, 103 N. Warren St, Northport. All community residents and visitors are welcome.

Here are some suggested readings and videos:

WHAT IS THE RULE OF LAW?

Christopher Wright Durocher Vice President of Policy and Program https://www.acslaw.org/inbrief/what-is-the-rule-of-law/

The Rule of Law Has Seen Better Days By Philip Wallach  American Enterprise Institute https://www.aei.org/op-eds/the-rule-of-law-has-seen-better-days/

Trump's Maximalist Assertion of Presidential Power Tests the Rule of Law. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/30/us/politics/trump-100-days-president-power-law.html

The End of Rule of Law in America The 47th president seems to wish he were king—and he is willing to destroy what is precious about this country to get what he wants. By J. Michael Luttig  https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/05/law-america-trump-constitution/682793/

PROJECT 2025 CHAPTER 17. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE https://affordablecareactlitigation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2025_mandateforleadership_chapter-17.pdf

Tracker of Executive Orders re Dept of Justice https://www.project2025.observer/?agencies=Dept.+of+Justice

Project 2025’s Plan for Criminal Justice Under Trump The policy proposals would drastically reshape criminal justice policy.  https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/project-2025s-plan-criminal-justice-under-trump

VIDEOS

PBS explores Project 2025’s origins and goals to reshape American culture with David Graham May 1, 2025 6:35 PM EDT https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/the-project-explores-project-2025s-origins-and-goals-to-reshape-american-culture

60 Minutes 5/4/25 first story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGYyB5bSl8Y

NPR interview with Judge Luttig https://www.npr.org/2025/06/15/1254247891/donald-trump-national-guard-los-angeles-protests-ice

PBS explores Project 2025’s origins and goals to reshape American culture with David Graham May 1, 2025 6:35 PM EDT https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/the-project-explores-project-2025s-origins-and-goals-to-reshape-american-culture