Fact Check: "The Constitution can't cover things like electricity, indoor plumbing and digital espionage. That is what got Trump in office because Putin and Musk needed an American birthright gullible enough to be manipulated. He's there so it worked."
What We Know
The claim suggests that the U.S. Constitution is inadequate for addressing modern issues such as electricity, indoor plumbing, and digital espionage. However, the Constitution is a living document that has been interpreted to cover a wide range of issues, including those related to technology and governance. For example, the Constitution's Appointments Clause has been invoked in recent lawsuits against former President Trump, alleging that he unlawfully delegated executive powers to Elon Musk without Congressional approval (Massachusetts AG, Connecticut AG). These lawsuits argue that Musk's actions threaten the integrity of federal governance and violate constitutional principles.
Furthermore, the claim implies that foreign influence, specifically from Russia and Musk, played a significant role in Trump's election. While there have been documented instances of Russian interference in the 2016 election, attributing Trump's election solely to this influence oversimplifies a complex political landscape (BBC, AP News).
Analysis
The assertion that the Constitution cannot address modern issues like electricity and digital espionage is misleading. The Constitution has been interpreted to encompass various aspects of governance, including technological advancements. For instance, the lawsuits filed by multiple state attorneys general argue that the actions taken by Trump and Musk violate constitutional provisions, indicating that these issues are indeed subject to constitutional scrutiny (Massachusetts AG, Connecticut AG).
Additionally, the claim's assertion about foreign manipulation lacks substantial evidence. While there have been contacts between Musk and Putin, and allegations of Russian interference in U.S. elections, these do not provide a direct causal link to Trump's presidency. The complexities of electoral politics involve numerous factors, including domestic policies, economic conditions, and voter sentiment (BBC, AP News).
The reliability of the sources that support the claim is questionable. The assertion that the Constitution cannot cover modern issues is largely opinion-based and lacks legal backing. In contrast, the lawsuits filed by state attorneys general are grounded in legal arguments and constitutional interpretation, making them more credible sources of information.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that the Constitution cannot cover issues like electricity, indoor plumbing, and digital espionage is incorrect. The Constitution is a flexible document that has been interpreted to address a wide range of issues, including those related to modern governance and technology. Furthermore, the assertion that Trump's presidency was solely the result of manipulation by foreign powers oversimplifies the complexities of electoral politics and lacks substantial evidence to support it.
Sources
- AG Campbell Files Multistate Lawsuit To Stop Elon Musk's Unconstitutional Power Grab
- Attorney General Tong Sues to Stop Elon Musk's Unconstitutional Power Grab
- Trump sides with Russia against FBI at Helsinki summit
- U.S. Escalates Online Attacks on Russia's Power Grid
- Here's a look at Musk's contact with Putin and why it matters
- Opinion | There Is No Going Back
- Musk and Trump are blatantly violating the Constitution
- Fact Check: This is a gunless invasion. Constitution can cover vote fraud or manipulation.
