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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI May Be Going out on a Limb with a Chain Saw, But Here's a Prediction:
Before the end of 2025, enough crap is going to come out to more or less force Trump to resign. Before he does, though, he will arrange with J.D. Vance to pardon him as his first act as President.
The reason for his resignation will be stated as "for health reasons."
Could I be wrong? Oh, sure. I probably am. Maybe. But maybe not. Just maybe not. Things are not looking good for him right now.
gab13by13
(30,697 posts)Vinca
(53,039 posts)What theyre doing now? He looks dead most of the time 🤢
OLDMDDEM
(2,940 posts)compare. If he doesn't kee; over by the end of the year, I think he will resign.
Bluestocking
(401 posts)He either dies in office or finishes his term. He is only there to stay out of prison.
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)Trump would be very likely to leave the country, I believe. That would be the simplest out for him.
rubbersole
(10,895 posts)First and last month plus security deposit paid in full.
DBoon
(24,521 posts)Wednesdays
(21,351 posts)He'll flee to a country that has no such extradition treaty. A lot of DUers have speculated he'd go to Russia. My money is on one of the states on the Arabian peninsula.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_extradition_treaties
Joinfortmill
(19,542 posts)slightlv
(7,040 posts)I say he heads to Abu Dhabi... not as many restrictions on "foreigners" there as in other Muslim countries... restrictions trump would find hard to stomach.
hunter
(40,196 posts)... and probably die there.
MorbidButterflyTat
(3,925 posts)Enough of this pardoning crap. Every single state with standing should prosecute and civil suits should rain on him until he drowns in them.
If the couch humper pardons it he should be treated like the scumbag he is every minute of every day forever.
There's probably international charges, as well. No way the rest of the world will pardon him!
beaglelover
(4,387 posts)MineralMan
(150,338 posts)But, he has looked terrible for quite some time.
soldierant
(9,137 posts)But it's getting worse by the day - maybe even by the hour.
MorbidButterflyTat
(3,925 posts)You're too kind!
imanamerican63
(15,686 posts)I think Trump will pardon himself and declare martial law?
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)imanamerican63
(15,686 posts)MarineCombatEngineer
(16,922 posts)but as long as the courts are still open and working, no judge in their right mind will sanction it and there's no way he can impose Martial Law against the whole country and enforce it, this isn't Russia, North Korea, China, etc., there aren't enough troops in the entire military, and, IMHO, the line officers and NCO's won't go along with this, especially if a court determines this is an illegal order.
themaguffin
(4,859 posts)MineralMan
(150,338 posts)Once he loses the support of enough Republicans in Congress, he's done. And that may be looming in the near future, I think. His balloon is stretched just about as thin as it can be at this point.
POP!
LudwigPastorius
(13,825 posts)What do you mean by "he's done"?
Would he lose the power to continue his fascist power grab? Maybe, but the GOP Senate isn't going to defect enough to convict him if he were impeached again, and short of that, he's not going anywhere.
sop
(16,905 posts)Epstein is their off ramp. If Republicans are looking for an excuse to break from Trump, here it is.
MorbidButterflyTat
(3,925 posts)Record the whole thing and play it on Pay per view, to recover some of the taxpayer money he's stolen from us for too damn long.
pat_k
(12,487 posts)Trumpublicans are very, very, very worried. What to do? What to do?
Vote yes or no on release?
Get caught as part of the cover up when it all explodes?
Keep their wagon hooked to the felon?
Go down with him or risk his retribution?
They know that when this many people have seen the files, there is no keeping the lid on whatever is there.
Was the felon "only," an investor in human trafficking? A client? Both?
They are not happy.
Even if the vanishingly small possiblity that he "just" knew about it and didn't participate in some way is true, he is screwed.
Attilatheblond
(7,825 posts)Thinking fewer and fewer GOP officeholders will back him.
Two things GOP pols seem able to smell: Money and cancerous rot. The rot stink is gonna overpower their noses for money. The clever ones know they can still grift under another GOP POTUS
pat_k
(12,487 posts)Attilatheblond
(7,825 posts)Trump is falling and there doesn't seem to be any braking system for him unless sirloin and coffee start selling for a buck fifty a pound.
Talitha
(7,628 posts)Or lose his balance and fall out of a window.
Retrograde
(11,343 posts)to the very end: if he resigns he'll be seen as a quitter
hamsterjill
(16,845 posts)I think I've listened to too many conspiracy theories, so please forgive this.
I keep having the thought that all of the attention that's been focused on his health is to give him an out if needed. Fake his death and flee to Putin - or perhaps more likely now, Argentina. I don't see him willingly giving up power to Vance because I think Trump secretly believes that Vance is stupid and wimpy (that's why he agreed to have him as his VP because he knew Vance wouldn't stand up to him).
Again, I'm sure I'm jumping off the deep end of a ragged diving board, but I've learned not to ever discount anything where Trumpland is concerned.
Whatever gets him out of office and out of trying to kill us all is something I would very much applaud.
obnoxiousdrunk
(3,105 posts)cut and run.
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)PatrickforB
(15,302 posts)marble falls
(69,410 posts)wiggs
(8,568 posts)handshake in the history of the universe. We know he wants to join the elite of the elite wealthiest.
He'll want a trillion dollars, some sort of freedom medal, the arc du Trump on the WH lawn, his enemies destroyed, a golf course in Gaza, and then maybe he'll step down to VP.
And there is enough wealth amongst the oligarchs and corporations to do it.
wiggs
(8,568 posts)Yossarian and declare that we like him.
(yossarian didn't and chose to row across the ocean instead)
... the very first line of Catch-22? "It was love at first sight."
Keepthesoulalive
(2,025 posts)They are getting very close to some powerful and rich people. Some of them may not play by the legal rules.
karynnj
(60,684 posts)Right now, he is the one leading the effort to stop it. There is still a need to hold people involved accountable and get restitution for the victims.
Keepthesoulalive
(2,025 posts)The men and women involved in this are extremely powerful and wealthy people, who can shift elections and start wars. They will tell their underlings to make this go away. Trump is the lighting rod that amplified what was hidden so when he leaves it leaves with him. We care and want to see justice for the victims of sex trafficking but most Americans dont care and higher ups want it to disappear. We also know justice is only for those who can afford to pay for it.
marble falls
(69,410 posts)indigoth
(193 posts)Hell go down swinging and lying as long as he can. I think, if he leaves office before his term is up, itll be because he was finally impeached.
And hell be playing the victim card till the day he actually dies.
womanofthehills
(10,616 posts)He will crawl to the Oval Office if he has to. Im just picking up something off the floor
Remember when he had his driver drive him around when he had Covid.
leftstreet
(38,370 posts)He'd drag out his moment in the spotlight as long as possible. And if they actually got enough votes to remove him, he at least NOT HAVE TO TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY !!
GiqueCee
(3,044 posts)... VIce President Sofabuser can only pardon him for federal crimes. Charges brought in state courts are beyond his reach, are they not?
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)See, I don't think Trump would stay in this country if he resigns. "Adios, MFs!" Of course, nobody really wants him anywhere near them, so...
Joinfortmill
(19,542 posts)FakeNoose
(39,510 posts)... for example: what if he ordered the murder of Jeffrey Epstein while Epstein was in prison? I don't think Vance's flaky pardon would mean much. Even the Supreme Court would want to knock it down and prosecute.
How would we ever learn about this? I'd say Bill Barr must know something.
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)I mean that. If Trump is no longer in the White House, who's going to give a damn. I won't. Without the protection and automatic free health care, I think his life would be very short after resignation. He wouldn't believe that, but...
If he's not President, he's not shit. Truly.
LetMyPeopleVote
(172,793 posts)MineralMan
(150,338 posts)That would be arranged in advance. It would be Vance's first act as President.
homegirl
(1,897 posts)Re run!
odins folly
(496 posts)Every person (and I use that term liberally) in this administration already has a
full, free and absolute pardon unto {insert name} for all offenses against the United States which he (or her), {insert name} has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 20, 2025 through {insert end date}.
Already signed by the autopen
.
TommyT139
(2,092 posts)Michael Wolff seems to have enough inside scoop to have posted it on his blog.
homegirl
(1,897 posts)described as the Albatross around the neck of the Republican party. He has served his purpose and the Masters of the Swamp Will discard him!
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)I tend to agree with you that the tables are about to turn on Trump.
GoodRaisin
(10,639 posts)My theory is he will invoke the insurrection act and call off 2026 and 2028 elections while putting the country under martial law.
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)GoodRaisin
(10,639 posts)% chance the Supreme Court will stop him?
% chance Congress will stop him?
Anything else?
When I see what is happening now I cant apply very high odds to either question. What I can put my eyes on seems to be leading down the path of election cancelling. He knows Republicans will not be elected because of the atrocities he is committing in broad daylight, and he doesnt plan on going anywhere. He thinks he is untouchable now.
twodogsbarking
(16,806 posts)MineralMan
(150,338 posts)But, I'm always cracking wise, I guess.
twodogsbarking
(16,806 posts)kellytore
(241 posts)When the walls start closing in on him he will blame everyone but himself and will probably die in office.
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)Easy exit.
PopArtMonkey
(26 posts)thanks Groucho!
underpants
(193,927 posts)MineralMan
(150,338 posts)However, look at old Dick Nixon. One day he was President. The next, he was not. He was a man of huge ego, as well. At some point, though, an ego can run out of support. At that point, the owner of it has to back away.
Seinan Sensei
(1,263 posts)Not all will back away.
To wit, Nicolae Ceausescu
who began singing defiantly
just before being shot by firing squad
Gimpyknee
(913 posts)I just cant imagine Trump stepping down and relinquishing his power.
jaymac
(124 posts)will all the magats support vance? will the repugs in the house and senate be bullied by vance and miller into compliance?
I don't think so. but perhaps my hope that they won't is too far fetched
CrispyQ
(40,456 posts)Beringia
(5,288 posts)MineralMan
(150,338 posts)He has a way out. At some point, he'll take it, I think.
Beringia
(5,288 posts)yaesu
(8,819 posts)Nigrum Cattus
(1,108 posts)vance to get a pardon
rzemanfl
(31,045 posts)Grifting.
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)rzemanfl
(31,045 posts)Grifting is the only thing he does with his family.
John1956PA
(4,624 posts)Deminpenn
(17,181 posts)where Dems take control of both the House and the Senate, and Trump realizes it's over for him, I could see a deal where he works a pardon deal with Vance and resigns. Vance would then be the incumbent in 2028.
Ocelot II
(128,335 posts)Trump is immune from almost everything he might have done as president; just ask SCOTUS. And statutes of limitations will have run on the bad shit he did when he wasn't the president.
Anyhow, he never did anything wrong; just ask him. Accepting a pardon carries the implication that you did something you might need a pardon for. Yes, I know Biden issued preemptive pardons for Gen. Milley, Dr. Fauci, and members, staff and witnesses of the 1/6 Committee because even though all would be legally immune anyhow, it was and now is obvious that Trump would try to prosecute them. But in accepting a pardon Trump would still have to live with the implication that he needed one, even though accepting a pardon is not a legally-binding guilty plea or an actual admission of guilt.
I'm not so sure Vance would pardon him anyhow; Ford's pardon of Nixon was an extremely unpopular move and probably cost Ford the 1976 election, which he acknowledged later. Vance is intensely ambitious and might not want to risk the same fate. I think he'll toss Trump's fat orange ass under whatever bus might be passing by.
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)I don't think Vance has any sort of real cred with the voters. He's VP solely because Trump picked him. He is in no way a leader.
I think he'd do the pardon in an instant, believing that it would transfer MAGA support to him. It wouldn't, of course, but that's irrelevant.
Vance is ambitious but dumb as a post. I don't think he would ever have a prayer of being elected as President.
Ocelot II
(128,335 posts)and whether there is enough left of MAGA to make it worth trying to appease them. He might want to count on the moneybags - Thiel and the techbros - to deliver the presidency instead. But I agree that he hasn't a serious chance of actually winning an election anyhow.
W_HAMILTON
(9,896 posts)MorbidButterflyTat
(3,925 posts)CentralMass
(16,760 posts)Jersey Devil
(10,668 posts)A pardon would not stop New York State from investigating Trump's trips to Epstein's mansion or his financial involvements with Epstein.
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)nobody would really bother. If not President, Trump is powerless.
Jersey Devil
(10,668 posts)It might be just as satisfying to see him keel over after hooking a golf shot into the rough at Bedminster.
John Coktosten
(90 posts)I hope you're right! Unfortunately, I think this would require Dump to have ability to feel SHAME or Embarrassment which he has shown to be immune from.
Tbear
(655 posts)If only he would resign. Its a good thought, especially regarding the gargantuan bribe it would take to get him to go. Epsteins email revealed that the Donald always has to get something. The rich middle-eastern oil sheiks are on to it for sure.
Sadly, hes not leaving all the free perks and celebrity the office provides.
Prediction: Elvis type death in the new marble throne room.
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)LudwigPastorius
(13,825 posts)It simply isn't in his nature.
Buckeyeblue
(6,120 posts)He will make Congress impeach/convict him. He will dare them. And while they are doing that he will burn everything down and tell his 25% base to not support Republicans.
Republicans--and unfortunately those of us who aren't Republicans--are stuck with him.
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)That'll show us!
PJMcK
(24,429 posts)Just kidding!
Im with you on this, MM. The pressure on Trump will be too much for that fat old man. His resignation would be a humiliation for him and I will be happy to see him in that situation.
Enjoy your weekend, sir.
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)JustABozoOnThisBus
(24,487 posts)Trump knows that he (Trump) reneges on many promises, so why would he believe Pence?
JI7
(92,980 posts)because it would be seen as weak.
I think it's more likely he would just drop dead at some point . He will be 80 next year and seems to still eat crap all the time.
RockRaven
(18,427 posts)I also don't see where the force in "forced to resign" comes from. Forced how? SCOTUS has declared him a God-King.
Traildogbob
(12,185 posts)Jump on that limb with you. And I have years experience with chain saw safety and taught Wildland firefighters. That is how confident I am. But, he will demand Vance Pardon Noem, Kegsbreath, Miller, Blondi, Google eyes, his Personal Maxwell Attorney, all his children and more of his criminal kabob. The whole fucking evil crime ridden bunch will walk away. Including all of the ICE Natzeeees, with retirement, health and keep all their guns and outfits.
Supremacy Court will justify it all, no justice, just justification why they all go free. Because the billionaire Grantees, Purchasers of the nation, were promised by the court, seat me, then Pay me and Stay Free.
Blondie, Kegsbreath, Noem, Mr Potato Head Honon,
Miller, Google eyes need hard time for crimes against Humanity, even international murder,
Moses for instruction of everything including justice
KKKarolyin, just for the amount of lies.
But none will.
rsdsharp
(11,559 posts)which is when 2025 ends. It would take an event akin to the Nixons smoking gun tape which ensured his impeachment and conviction absent resignation.
Its difficult to imagine such an event something so earthshaking he couldnt just call it fake news and move on.
But I hope it happens.
WestMichRad
(2,798 posts)
spewing lies, diatribes and hatred, until he strokes out.
Tomorrow would be good, today even better.
babsbunny
(8,553 posts)Also, off shore entities along with Elon stole the election from Harris, it will come out, so, Vance is a nobody.
mercuryblues
(16,021 posts)I also don't see a pardon for him. Vance's political career will be over if he pardons a pedophile (and worse,)
Epstein had something on Trump that could be used to get trump to do anything. If it comes out, trump will be hopping that Quatari plane,
Tribetime
(6,973 posts)What they can release in the coming days from the Epstein estate, and that Congress is gonna vote to release the files. And I believe the senate is gonna pass the 67 vote threshold to release the files, and that will be the end. We will never see the files. Cause Trump will resign first.
ColoringFool
(100 posts)I don't see him resigning, though. I think it will take literal death.
C_U_L8R
(48,565 posts)Same with Georgia. Others?
._.
(1,669 posts)It is possible. I've been wondering if he is tempted to simply decamp..
czarjak
(13,330 posts)Bath water?
Callie1979
(1,034 posts)But I fully support your prediction !!!!!
BluesRunTheGame
(1,895 posts)?si=CAthox0pM4_1B2zK
Martin Eden
(15,188 posts)If he's convinced a Democrat will be sworn in as president in Jan 2029, it would be a smart move to get the pardons.
But is Trump smart enough to overcome his ego and hubris after getting away with everything for so many years?
Hell, he probably thinks he'll get a 3rd term. That certainly is his intent.
3Hotdogs
(14,817 posts)around for next Christmas.
pattyloutwo
(495 posts)Remember when the grab em tapes came out and we knew he was finished? The dumpster fire will continue. How and when will it end?
mcar
(45,481 posts)One can only hope.
FrankTC
(258 posts)Trumps history of evading consequences reinforces his early learning that you never acquiesce, never give in, and always always counterattack. I doubt that hes going away, at least not of his own volition. Hell have to be carried out of office on a rail, hopefully tarred and feathered. The question is, who will do the carrying. I doubt that the Epstein controversy will cost him much support. Even if he turns out to be somewhat complicit, his supporters wont abandon him. Most of them wish that they too could fly to private islands and have sex with attractive teenagers. Theyre all perverts in various ways, just not pedophiles. They are more likely ephebophiles, a more normal form of degeneracy.
GoCubsGo
(34,556 posts)Doing so would be an admission of guilt, and I don't see him ever copping to any of his criminal activity. That being said, I was wondering earlier today how this all will end. I could see hiim resigning for "health issues," and flee to a non-extradition country. Or, will all the stress he's under cause him to stroke out or have some other cardiovascular event?
Safe as Milk
(180 posts)When you begin with Diddling Donny's demonstrated values around honesty and integrity, plugging in a resignation scenario with the Diddler as prime actor logically validates your point. But because he's so incompetent and undisciplined, not even a shoo-in can be guaranteed.
Javaman
(64,921 posts)I doubt he will resign but will be forced out.
And I dont think jd will pardon him.
That would be political suicide
The orange asshole is a pedo and pardoning him will not be a good look for jd and would all but doom any hopes for actually getting anything done.
He would forever known as the couch fucking pedo pardoner
JoseBalow
(8,932 posts)drumpf will never ever walk away from free money.
C Moon
(13,336 posts)that I expect him to flee the country one fine night.
Tree Lady
(12,914 posts)Where he wasn't all there and propped up.
At least until after next elections, Trump is maga and republicans would suffer without him.
Mark.b2
(703 posts)Last edited Sat Nov 15, 2025, 09:11 AM - Edit history (1)
I dont see all that happening that soon. Plus, Im not convinced the Epstein scandal will be as fruitful as we hope. I dont believe really good evidence has been withheld until were 11 months into a second Trump term. I hope Im wrong.
DFW
(59,385 posts)Make sure you have a big, dry comfortable mattress waiting under you in case that branch succumbs to the chain saw.
rampartd
(3,067 posts)vance is on training wheels with "the base." i don't think the real decision makers will let him ride in the street.
the real decision makers? thiel? musk? koch (through heritage)? putin? maybe not, I'm tending towards some artificial intelligence.
LiberalArkie
(19,122 posts)Pachamama
(17,528 posts)Could there be a possible arrangement where Trump pardons any crimes committed by Vance and then upon him leaving office and Vance taking office then turns around and pardons Trump?
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)Like the honey badger, Trump don't care!
Pachamama
(17,528 posts)And I see the orange maggot dying in exile somewhere in the Arab States
.
MineralMan
(150,338 posts)travelingthrulife
(3,832 posts)Can they afford to let him live? That's another question. He knows about all of the crimes and he has no filter.
Maybe his friends will set up a real attempt this time.
Martin68
(26,639 posts)biocube
(157 posts)But there's a chance that the GOP congress will become upset with him and just cut bait and team with Democrats to remove him from office.
Texin
(2,816 posts)I think we'll start to see Vance begin to tack to a somewhat mitigated position, because I don't believe he really has any particular loyalty to any one ideology except advancing and enriching himself.