
Democratic strategist James Carville urges his party to secretly grant statehood to D.C. and Puerto Rico while packing the Supreme Court on day one of power, admitting they should hide these radical moves from voters.
Story Snapshot
- Carville proposes immediate D.C. and Puerto Rico statehood, adding four likely Democratic Senate seats upon Democratic control.
- He calls for expanding the Supreme Court from nine to 13 justices to shift the balance leftward.
- Democrats must campaign as “faux moderates” and not mention these plans, then “just do it” after winning.
- Public opposes court packing and D.C. statehood, fueling Carville’s secrecy strategy.
- These moves risk eroding constitutional norms amid GOP dominance under President Trump.
Carville’s Radical Blueprint
James Carville outlined his plan during recent podcast appearances and media interviews covered on April 17, 2026. He stated Democrats should make Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., states on day one if they regain the presidency and Congress. Carville also demanded expanding the Supreme Court to 13 justices. He used profane language like “F**k it. Eat our dust” to emphasize urgency. This approach dismisses political norms in favor of rapid power consolidation. Such tactics resonate with frustrations over elite maneuvers that bypass voter consent.
Strategy of Deception
Carville explicitly advised Democrats against transparency. “Don’t run on it. Don’t talk about it. Just do it,” he said. He recommended running as faux moderates during campaigns, then implementing changes immediately upon taking office. This secrecy stems from public opposition to court packing and D.C. statehood. Carville frames these as responses to perceived Republican overreach, like gerrymandering and judicial appointments. Yet this duplicity undermines trust in democratic processes, a concern shared across political lines weary of elite gamesmanship.
Electoral and Constitutional Ramifications
Granting statehood to D.C. and Puerto Rico would likely deliver four Democratic Senate seats, tilting Congress leftward. Supreme Court expansion to 13 justices would dilute the conservative majority Republicans have secured. Legal experts note many such proposals appear unconstitutional, potentially requiring prior court packing for survival. Public polling confirms opposition, explaining the call for stealth. In Trump’s second term with GOP congressional control, these ideas highlight Democratic desperation amid electoral losses.
These moves would spark constitutional conflicts and political backlash. They could normalize institutional restructuring as a tool for partisan dominance, eroding founding principles of balanced power and limited government. Republicans view this as a blatant power grab, while even some Democrats recognize the risks of retaliation if power shifts.
Broader Frustrations with Government Overreach
Carville’s rhetoric taps into bipartisan discontent with a federal government seen as prioritizing elite interests over citizens. Conservatives decry threats to traditional structures like the Senate’s equal state representation and judicial independence. Liberals may cheer short-term gains but share worries about endless partisan escalations. With Republicans holding power, these proposals expose how both sides eye structural hacks when losing. Americans from all walks feel the “deep state” serves reelection over the hardworking pursuit of the American Dream. This moment underscores the need for restraint to preserve constitutional guardrails.
Sources:
Carville tells Dems to quietly prepare power grab: DC, Puerto Rico statehood, Supreme Court packing
Carville tells Dems to quietly prepare for power grab























