Experts say President can legally ignore debt ceiling.

The Debt Ceiling Standoff: Will the President Ignore It?

Introduction

The United States is facing a potential financial crisis as the White House and Congress remain at odds over raising the debt ceiling. If the issue is not resolved soon, the country could default on its financial obligations for the first time ever. However, some legal experts suggest that the president could simply ignore the debt ceiling and continue borrowing money to pay the legal debts authorized by Congress. This opinion is based on an obscure legal theory that rests on the politics of Reconstruction, a seldom-cited portion of a constitutional amendment, and a bewildering paradox in the way Congress spends money.

The President’s Dilemma

As the country approaches the borrowing limit, the president faces a dilemma. He is caught between the appropriations laws duly enacted by Congress, the debt ceiling, and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Section 4 of the 14th Amendment states, “The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law … shall not be questioned.” The amendment puts it beyond doubt that the United States will always pay its debts.

The Legal Issues

Ignoring the debt ceiling would likely draw a court challenge, but some legal experts suggest that it could survive such a challenge. However, such a move would be fraught with legal and political consequences. The Supreme Court may refuse to intervene and leave the matter to the two “political branches” of government to work out amongst themselves and at the ballot box.

Political Ramifications

Assuming that ignoring the debt limit would not be struck down by the courts, the president could face political fallout from doing so. Americans don’t want the government defaulting on the debt, but they also don’t want debt ceilings ignored. They think that would mean the government could just keep spending and spending, even more than they do now.

Conclusion

The debt ceiling standoff is a complex issue with legal, political, and financial implications. While some legal experts suggest that the president could ignore the debt ceiling, such a move would be risky and could have serious consequences. It remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved, but one thing is clear: the United States must find a way to pay its debts and avoid defaulting on its financial obligations.

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