My friends who support Trump praise the president-elect's broad mission to “Make America Great Again.” They are confident that Mr. Trump will successfully resolve the vast list of domestic and international problems inherited from the Biden-Harris administration.“A nation in decline, a nation in decline”
Not so fast.
While Trump voters tout their decisive 312-226 victory over Vice President Harris in the Electoral College, they conveniently ignore Trump's narrow victory in the national popular vote. The margin is 1.5 percentage points. This confirms the reality of his touted “mandate,” especially as Republican control of the House remains tight. Razor-thin.
I write as a former Republican who wants Mr. Trump to succeed in the national interest. But like millions of Americans, I was so upset by the choice between Trump and Harris that I voted for neither. In the long term, my concern is the irreversible decline of the nation, and I fear that decline will be accelerated if “Trump 47” governs unlike any president in American history. Here are some reasons:
First, the battle between Trump and the Constitution will likely continue. President Trump was impeached twice during his first term, but was never convicted. In President Trump's second term, spurred by a controversial Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, President Trump's bravado-filled “dare” attitude once again turned to the Constitution to accomplish his political agenda. may result in serious attacks.
Ironically, the court's landmark decision, in which so wide a range of actions by the president are considered “official,” dates back to the nation's founding on July 4, 1776, the country's declaration of independence from the oppressive British monarchy. The decision was made three days before the celebration.
Trump, 47, is constitutionally limited to one term, giving him an incentive to break traditional norms and laws. He was able to break through established guardrails without pushback from comparable legislative and judicial branches aimed at preventing the president from seizing power.
Trump's first norm-breaking act will be to appoint some of his more controversial Cabinet members through recessed Senate appointments, which may test the limits of his constitutional authority.
Second, Trump, 47, has more layered business conflicts than Trump, 45. To make matters worse, Trump has not committed to divestment or exit from his companies or partnerships that could generate millions or even billions in profits from his administration's policy decisions. .
For example, Trump will be (almost) the first president to hold executive control. 57 percent) Within a listed company — Trump Media & Technology Group – symbol DJT. The company offers an unusual opportunity for investors, including foreigners. They will help Trump by injecting equity value and growing Truth Social into a stronger, more robust media platform and presidential communications tool for public announcements, personal spin, and misinformation. You can.
The Trump family's World Liberty Financial stock is similarly lucrative. This crypto platform, announced in September,At the right time to investTrump has promised to be the first US president to be friendly to cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency Industry PACS PrimerDonated $131 millionThe purpose is to elect Mr. Trump and dozens of crypto-supporting members of Congress.
Additionally, President Trump's traditional hotel, condo, and golf projects with foreign governments, particularly Saudi Arabia, should be scrutinized if international transactions could benefit President Trump's holdings.
And Elon Musk, the world's richest person, is perhaps Trump's most influential advisor, supporter, biggest donor, cryptocurrency investor, and currently serves as the chairman of the Government Efficiency Commission. There is. Mr. Musk is Tremendous conflict of interest. Over the past decade, only two of Mr. Musk's companies, Tesla and SpaceX, have won at least $15.4 billion in government contracts. The mutually beneficial relationship between Mr. Musk and Mr. Trump will definitely become a hot topic.
If President Trump continues to promote himself personally, more ludicrous conflicts of interest will emerge. playing card clockgold sneakers, coin And after taking office, the Bible.
Third, Trump's rule is based on fear, and unwavering loyalty determines access and influence. The latter is a key qualification for employment, especially if the candidate is an “America First Fighter” or “MAGA Warrior” who claims the 2020 election was “rigged.”
At the Pentagon, President Trump's “purge plan” is to implement loyalty tests within generals and promotion boards. Symbolically, it means that the red MAGA cap becomes the uniform headgear. In the military, cultivating loyalty to the president rather than the Constitution is a troubling trend that weakens the military and should be alarmed by all Americans.
As usual, Mr. Trump threatens elected leaders in primary elections who vote against his wishes. He has blackmailed legacy media and promoted his agenda on Truth Social and its affiliated media platforms, particularly Elon Musk's “X,” Steve Bannon's “War Room,” and Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan's podcasts. He enjoys slandering those who get in his way.
And traditionally, at Fox News and Newsmax, Trump surrogates take action when someone needs to be disciplined or promoted.
Fourth, Mr. Trump believes he was elected to:“Destroy the deep state.”Let's call this a hostile takeover of the government. That means reducing or replacing the permanent bureaucracy of career civil servants who run the federal government on a day-to-day basis and provide continuity. President Trump firmly believes they are not loyal to him and have lax enforcement of the president's policies. If President Trump's plan is implemented through Schedule F, thousands of senior civil service jobs could be shifted to “loyal” political appointees.
President Trump is also seeking to expand the powers of the executive branch and “pro-Trump certification” at all levels of government to prevent unethical behavior from surfacing. Therefore, Mr. Trump expected to fire Numerous government inspectors general independently investigate misconduct in government agencies.
Fifth, Trump took office with a uniquely macho, “fight, fight, fight” presidential attitude.revenge and retaliationagainst anyone deemed anti-Trump. Through the IRS, he can unleash the power of the federal government by denying or proposing security clearances, contracts, mergers, communications licenses, and more, rewarding friends and punishing those who fall out of step.
After all, do Americans care if President Trump bends and tramples on the Constitution and governs like an authoritarian? Maybe not, if his aggressive social and economic policies “make America great again” with low inflation and interest rates. Will voters praise Trump's iron hand if he is credited with ending the immigration crisis and making the world more peaceful?
Expect President Trump to govern unlike any president in American history and break whatever he can to fulfill his “mission.” If he succeeds, he will forever change the government, the military, the executive branch, the nation, and even the world.
myra adamsis an opinion writer who served on the creative teams of two Republican presidential campaigns in 2004 and 2008.
