Trump, dont heed the dangerous urge to attack the rule of law

Republicans are basking in the glow of their recent victories — but as they enjoy the political spoils, some are adopting the same dangerous habits they have rightfully denounced in their opponents.President Trump’s remarkable executive energy has disarmed allies and critics alike.After his triumph last November, Trump moved back into the White House with a clear vision for his agenda and a full head of steam.The flurry of executive orders he’s issued toward that end have delighted his fans and exasperated his enemies.Predictably, Democrats have sought to challenge most everything he’s done in the courts.As of last month, the president had the right idea about how to handle those challenges.Asked if he’d comply with unfavorable rulings, Trump remarked: “I always abide by the courts, and then I’ll have to appeal it.”It was a succinct, near-perfect answer.But in recent days he seems to have lost his poise.On Saturday, US District Court Judge James Boasberg issued a 14-day restraining order preventing the administration from continuing to deport vicious South American gang members en masse, using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.Two deportation flights were already in progress when Boasberg issued his order, however, and landed as planned in El Salvador and Honduras.The administration’s failure to follow Boasberg’s oral order to turn the planes around has incited a debate over whether Trump reneged on his promise to “abide by the courts.”Notably, the judge did not include the directive about the flights in writing, giving the administration some wiggle room to argue that his verbal order was not controlling.Still, there is reason for concern.On Sunday, Elon Musk called a Texas congressman’s plan to file articles of impeachment against Boasberg “necessary.”On Monday, border czar Tom Homan pledged to launch “another [deportation] flight every day,” before declaring “We’re not stopping — I don’t care what the judges think.”And on Tues...