Comment; First Impeach, then strip Trump of Benefits from the Former Presidents Act.

**moon** · 01-09-2021, 09:54 AM

First Impeach, then strip Trump of Benefits from the Former Presidents Act
STEVE SCHOLL
01/09/2021

In the aftermath of Trump’s Rally for Fascism that led to the storming of the Capitol, there is a rising tide of voices—Republicans, Democrats, and Independents—calling for the immediate removal of Trump from office. I wish all success for this movement but recognize how difficult the hurdles are to making this happen in just 13 days.

I am also thinking about what should be done after Trump skulks from the White House. Yes, let there be vigorous legal pursuit of every possible crime committed by him and members of his family, staff and administration.

But we should also take steps to block him from soiling America any further by taking away all of the benefits that come from the Former Presidents Act (FPA). Established in 1958, to assist President Harry Truman, a man of modest means, from having to sell his soul to business interests, today the FPA provides significant perks for ex-presidents, including:

1. Pension worth $210,700 per year

2. Transition expenses, providing funds for office space, staff, communication services, printing and postage. The amount is to be determined by Congress.

3. Staff and office allowances, providing up to $150,000 per year for this purpose.

4. Travel expenses for travel related to the former president’s status as an official representative of the U.S. government.

5. Secret Service protection, the cost of which runs in to the tune of several million dollars annually.

6. Medical expenses for the former president and family members, either at military hospitals with the option of enrolling in a private health insurance plan at their own expense.

7. State funerals are typically granted to former presidents with military honors.

Donald Trump deserves none of these benefits. He has used his term in office to illegally promote his personal businesses and siphoned off millions if not billions of dollars for his own profit and those of his cronies. His golf bill alone is beyond belief.

Additionally, his and Melania Trump’s portraits should never be displayed in the White House or any government building. He should be banned for life from the US Capitol.

He deserves nothing further from the coffers of the US Treasury. Enough.

Moving forward, the only role he should play in American life is as the poster child (perpetually throwing a tantrum) for everything wrong with greed, corruption, lying, and traitorous behavior by an elected official. His 4 years of unethical and illegal rampage as president must serve as warning: that American democracy must be vigilantly protected by We the People.

https://www.juancole.com/2021/01/ben...residents.html

Aye to that.

**TexanManWithPlans** · 01-09-2021, 09:58 AM

It would be unwise to deny Trump secret service protection. I don't care about protecting his sorry ass, but the fact is he has classified information in that orange head of his that many of our enemies would love to have.

**moon** · 01-09-2021, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Michael_Panetta

It would be unwise to deny Trump secret service protection. I don't care about protecting his sorry ass, but the fact is he has classified information in that orange head of his that many of our enemies would love to have.

I dare say that nobody is interested in golf handicaps or pussy lists- but yours is a point worthy of investigation if the stripping of protection is considered.

**anonymoose** · 01-09-2021, 10:04 AM

. His golf bill alone is beyond belief.

If he has property in Hawaii he can get a Hawaii state ID and pay Kama'aina rates for his green fees. Saves a ton of money on those beautiful resort courses.

**TexanManWithPlans** · 01-09-2021, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by moon

I dare say that nobody is interested in golf handicaps or pussy lists- but yours is a point worthy of investigation if the stripping of protection is considered.

I would support a lobotomy as a means of erasing whatever state secrets lie in his brain.

**moon** · 01-09-2021, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by anonymoose

If he has property in Hawaii he can get a Hawaii state ID and pay Kama'aina rates for his green fees. Saves a ton of money on those beautiful resort courses.

When he's incarcerated they'll make good goat grazing.

**anonymoose** · 01-09-2021, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by moon

When he's incarcerated they'll make good goat grazing.

What would Trump being in jail have to do with golf courses in Hawaii not being used

**moon** · 01-09-2021, 10:35 AM

I'm referring to the course that the asshole owns.

**Port Tack** · 01-09-2021, 10:40 AM

He should be impeached even though he only has a matter of days left. We don't want Biden losing his re-election then contesting it and telling his followers to overrun the capitol and then when confronted with the crime saying Trump did it and nothing happened to him? There must be some consequences for his treason or it will become commonplace.