Should Blue States‌ Secede If Trump Seizes Power? A Debate

⁣ Updated June 13,2025
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<a href=Donald Trump smirking on the Truman balcony ⁣of the White House.”/>
President Donald Trump at the White House in 2025.⁢ (Eric Lee / ​Bloomberg via Getty images)

As‍ political‍ tensions escalate, ⁤the⁢ question ​of whether blue states should consider secession if Donald Trump gains more power ‌is under debate. Sanford‌ Levinson,​ a lawyer and political scientist, ⁢argues that a peaceful separation might be preferable to ‌ongoing division. Tarence Ray counters that the working class needs to​ remain united across ⁣state lines.

Levinson ⁣contends that the United States ‍originated from a ‌secessionist movement against the ‍British Empire. He points ‌to⁢ the declaration of ‌Independence, emphasizing the right of the people to ⁤alter or abolish a government that becomes‍ destructive. He notes⁣ the historical diversity ​within the⁤ American​ populace, suggesting that deep political⁣ conflicts may not ⁣always be resolvable within⁢ the existing governmental framework.

He acknowledges the Civil War ​but clarifies that⁢ his opposition to the Confederate secession was rooted in⁣ their commitment to white supremacy and​ slavery, not the act of secession itself. Levinson suggests that context matters and that, in 2025, ⁢a peaceful breakup might be better than continued enmity.

Ray, ​however, believes⁣ an‌ amicable separation ⁢is unlikely. ⁢He argues⁤ that today’s polarization isn’t regional, as it was ⁤in 1860. He cites​ Texas⁣ as an example, noting its urban centers⁣ lean Democratic, while rural areas remain Republican. Ray emphasizes the importance of a united working ⁤class to combat the power of capital.