this post was submitted on 06 Sep 2025
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When the scene is open to the public, you can already know it's all a theater.
Sure, but what play is being performed here? These men are more than powerful enough to go against Trump, yet every single one of them is playing the part of the obedient subject to the mighty king. The message of this bizarre play is that Trump is in charge, that he demands, in return of leaving you and your business alone, acts of what can only be described as public debasement.
That's unsettling for a long list of reasons.
Was just discussing this with my wife last night — are they?
This time around, there is zero oversight, no checks and balances worth mentioning. Donald Quixote has pretty much carte blanche, complete power. If they went against him, he could fine them (their companies), levy crazy taxes or tariffs, kill government contracts and subsidies, and nobody could stop him. Even if a non-evil judge halts an executive order, it will eventually get to the Subpreme Court, get overturned, basically no more than a delay.
I understand that they could still Do The Right Thing™, throw themselves in their sword in protest, but they're all publicly traded, must have Boards. Most (?) of these men can just be fired if they go against the shareholders.
Could they really do anything that would be more than a symbolic gesture?
That's my thinking too. If the normal rules applied, then sure they could put up a good fight, maybe even win. In the era of rule by fiat and compliant courts? Not so sure. Although at this stage they can probably outlive him.