Editor, Gazette-Journal:

The U.S. Constitution has been the foundation of our federal government since 1789. It ensures the balance of power in order to protect us from authoritarianism. Trump is violating it and thus is destroying what it is to be American.

The First Amendment protects our right to religious freedom; yet Trump established a Faith Office. Although Trump denied Project 2025, his executive orders to eliminate reproductive rights, deny LGBTQ+ rights, and suppress religious diversity mirror the plan and align the government with Christian values. This amendment also grants the freedoms of speech, press and assembly, but Trump silences people through investigations into credible news sources and shutting out reputable news outlets. He has forced his agenda by domestically deploying our military and suppressing our right to protest. Because of the Boston Massacre, the Constitution divides military authority between the President and Congress.

One of Trump’s first executive orders was to end the 14th Amendment’s birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents who are lawful residents at the time of their birth. If Trump succeeds, it will affect his own children. This amendment also protects the right to a public education. Trump is making every effort to dismantle the DOE and cut funding to public schools. Article 1 gives Congress the power to tax and spend money for the activities of the federal government. Trump is not authorized to freeze government funding or eliminate a statutorily established agency. This will especially negatively impact the most vulnerable.

Trump’s continued efforts to undermine the crucial right to vote by destroying public trust in the process and making it harder for people, especially vulnerable populations, to vote. This erodes the foundation of our democracy. If we do not defend the Constitution, the framework of our great nation will cease to exist.

Dia Lawless
Cobbs Creek, Va.