President Trump has repeatedly signalled he won't accept the election result - but can he actually just refuse to leave?

Trump has laid the legal groundwork to undermine an election result, but could he cling on to power?
Trump has no power to hold on to office or cancel the election. Even if he holes up in the White House, his term will end on January 20.

The 20th Amendment of the US Constitution says a president and vice president’s term “shall end at noon on January 20… and the terms of their successors shall then begin”.

If he refuses to leave, what action would be taken?
A president immediately and automatically loses their constitutional authority upon expiration of his term or after removal via impeachment. Trump would lack the power to direct the US Secret Service or other federal agents to protect him.

While even former presidents enjoy Secret Service protection, agents are unlikely to follow an illegal order to protect one from removal from office.

Joe Biden could direct federal agents to remove Trump from the White House forcibly.

Could Trump order the army to protect him?
Trump would also lose his power as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Could he be charged if he refuses to leave?
Now a private citizen and not immune to prosecution, he could be arrested and charged with trespassing in the White House.

What is the most likely scenario?
Most believe he will eventually vacate the White House on his own accord albeit begrudgingly

Bulldozer90:
"Trump has laid legal groundwork to undermine an election result"

It's now a crime to legitimately challenge an election considered by most observers as a fraud? This same liberals promoted the Russian collusion story which was later found to be a hoax. To them Collusion conspiracy theory did undermine the election but a legal challenge "undermines" the election.

Hypocrites

Amotolongbo:
You seem not to understand the point here!

The question is can Trump chose to stay in White House beyond the afternoon of January 20, if the Supreme Court hasn’t pronounced anything different from the current status quo ante?

Dikebuka:
OP watches too much CNN....baba lost election and wants to go to court...what is wrong in that besides that is his right as person..

CNN have been trying to portray Trump decision to head to court as a bad thing...what is democracy if it cannot be tested in court

Conclusion: Mexican President is the smartest of them all. " I will congratulate the winner after the court decision ".

yusufu16:


It obvious you didnt understand my post.

Have you watched FOX News(Trump's favourite news media) and see how they portray him?

Who is Mexican President in the league of high ranking Presidents for US. Have you seen the number of US allies who have already congratulated Biden?

CNN is more credible than FOX News

Amotolongbo:
He won’t get the recognition and treatment given to the president again.

The military over there is loyal to the people and respect the constitution not the President. They will even be the first to bundle him out

Amotolongbo:
You seem not to understand the point here!

The question is can Trump chose to stay in White House beyond the afternoon of January 20, if the Supreme Court hasn’t pronounced anything different from the current status quo ante?