Summary
As Trump reshapes the federal government, critics accuse Democrats of weak opposition, likening them to France’s Vichy regime, which collaborated with Nazi Germany.
The term “Vichy Democrats” has gained traction, expressing frustration with perceived capitulation.
Historians caution against direct comparisons but note parallels between Vichy’s failed appeasement and Trump-era political shifts.
Others argue that America’s own history—Jim Crow and past authoritarian tendencies—is a more relevant analogy.
Some fear Trump’s consolidation of power could mirror past authoritarian takeovers.
One Democrat congressman from NY said he voted for the Laken Riley act because the will of the people had been shown in the election. What about the will of the the citizens in your state that elected you?
At this point the executive and judicial branches are effectively a team, the legislative branch is our last best hope before citizens need to step in en masse.
“Vichy Democrats.” Great phrase. I’m going to have to start using it.
I got soda, purple stuff, Vichy D
It’s important to note the political realities, though. Elections matter, and voters put Republicans in charge of both the Presidency and Congress. And the House in particular is driven by majority rule, so there is very little to do there but cast votes against dumb shit which will pass anyway. The minority in the Senate has a little more sway, but not really all that much. Expecting the Congress to be meaningful opposition is unrealistic right now.
To see the resistance in action, we need to look to other parts of government. States challenged the Federal funding freeze immediately, and the Courts acted swiftly, and forced the administration to at least partially back down. They need to keep the pressure on. States have some real power in holding an imperial Presidency in check, and they need to use it. Courts have sweeping powers, also, but cannot use them on their own, they need cases brought.
The only quick end to this is if God files His Ultimate Veto on the Trump Presidency and ends it early. Failing that, it will be a long slog to remind him he is not a King.
I’m afraid many of my peers here lack the education to know what Vichy is, and thus would lampoon the article they did not read based on the title with smug superiority.
Presidents come and presidents go. Through it all. God is still on the throne
He just pulled a “Jesus take the wheel” on us.
vote out the Democrats giving Republicans majority control over the senate and house of reps.
“wHy AReN’t DeMS dO soMEThinG”
Casablanca memes have never been more relevant.
