
<p>According to Democrats and the left-wing media, the answer to the headline is “yes”. ; They say that President Trump has an actual “plan.” ; At least that is the word they use. ; That is hyperbolic political spin, of course. ;</p>



<p>In recent days, Trump has said he would personally like to boot vicious criminals out of the country even if they are citizens. ; He was not assuming some presidential authority to do so. ; In fact, he compromised his own desire with references to the law. ; “We have to look at the law,” he said.</p>



<p>Most constitutional scholars and lawyers say that it would not take a long look at the law to determine that it is both illegal and unconstitutional to deport American citizens for any reason. Those who commit crimes &#8212; no matter how vicious – will face American justice. If found guilty, they will be incarcerated in American jails and prisons. That seems pretty straightforward.</p>



<p>For the record, I stand with those who say it is illegal and unconstitutional to consign American criminals to foreign prisons. ; I feel confident that it will never happen. ; ; I also believe Trump knows it would be illegal and unconstitutional.</p>



<p>Then why bring up the idea?</p>



<p>To make even an attempt at understanding Trump’s modus operandi, you need to distinguish between issues about which he is serious and the political flak he launches to distract and confound his overwrought critics. He sets the left’s hair on fire &#8212; and they burn up airtime and print space responding hysterically to matters of little consequence – seeing them as more proof that Trump will set himself up as the dictator-king.</p>



<p>Trump recently ignited hair fires with his suggestion of a third term. ; Then there was putting his heroic attempted assassination painting in place of an Obama portrait in the White House. ; (For the record, the Obama painting was moved – not removed). ; He got a less dramatic response to his suggestion of turning the White House rose garden into a patio.</p>



<p>As long as the Trump Derangement Syndrome folks are going to overreact to the flak, he is going to launch it – because it makes them look foolish. ; Rest assured that there will be no third Trump term, and we will not be sending American citizens to foreign prisons – no matter how bad they are. ; I am prepared to eat crow on those issues.</p>



<p>I am not a fan of Trump’s style – as I have made clear in many commentaries over the past nine years – but one cannot deny that it has worked for him. ; It got him two terms in the White House against the longest odds and unprecedented attacks from his political adversaries. ; His favorable rating is still better than the Democrats.</p>



<p>If Democrats are ever going to figure out how to oppose Trump effectively – and I doubt they will &#8212; they should go to the dictionary and look up “overreaction.”</p>



<p>So, there ‘tis.</p>

Does Trump have a “plan” to deport American criminals?
