The United States is grappling with significant challenges posed by the swift military rise of communist China. To counteract Beijing’s growing ambitions, it’s essential that America enhances its efficiency and economic growth. Economic strength essentially translates to national security.
In the backdrop of ongoing governmental shutdowns, there’s a unique chance for President Trump to fulfill his commitment to reforming government. Streamlining the federal machinery isn’t merely about politics; it’s crucial for the nation’s survival.
Governments that focus on generating wealth, as opposed to escalating their debts, can effectively defend against threats like China and uphold American ideals of autonomy.
Looking back, George Washington managed the country using just four cabinet positions—War, Treasury, State, and Attorney General. Over time, additional departments emerged, such as the Department of Agriculture, which was created by Lincoln in 1862, reflecting the importance of agriculture in America.
In stark contrast, our contemporary cabinets seem cluttered and reactive, shaped more by political needs than by thoughtful design. The Labor Bureau emerged from the Department of Commerce to placate unions, while Lyndon Johnson initiated the Department of Transportation. In response to the Arab oil crisis, Jimmy Carter launched the Department of Energy. The creation of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence followed after the events of 9/11.
This has led to a fragmented and inefficient system—characterized by overlapping functions and a haphazard approach. Our government, originally constructed for crisis management, now finds itself in a continuous state of crisis.
Forming a National Economic Affairs Ministry
Returning to foundational principles requires a key question: How can productivity in America be accelerated?
The answer lies in integration. The Departments of Commerce, Labor, Agriculture, Transportation, and Energy should merge into a single Ministry of National Economy. One Secretary, five key roles, all united under one objective: to amplify the nation’s wealth through the smooth distribution of goods and services.
The guiding principle of this new department should be direct: What actions have you taken today to bolster US wealth?
Fewer bureaucrats would mean less redundancy, leading to significant cost savings. A synergistic model would replace the disjointed system. The government’s economic efforts would function as a streamlined engine rather than multiple competing ones exhausting taxpayer resources.
Integrating Homeland Security into the Coast Guard
Homeland security could be effectively incorporated into the US Coast Guard. This could create a paramilitary force equipped for both military and policing tasks. Under a unified military justice framework, accountability and training can be shared seamlessly.
FEMA would no longer be a dumping ground for political maneuvering. Any discriminative practices in disaster relief, like favoring or disadvantaging certain voters, could lead to legal consequences.
The Secret Service should focus solely on its protection roles, passing financial investigations to the FBI. Additionally, Coast Guard leaders would gain representation within the Cabinet.
Revamping Intelligence Services
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence should be reimagined as the Department of Strategic Services, inspired by the legacy of figures like “Wild Bill” Donovan. Key components of US Special Operations should return to their historical roots, backed by the new OSS.
All intelligence agencies—CIA, DIA, FBI, State Department, DEA, and military branches—must undergo unified foundational training. The ongoing decline in discipline at the National Intelligence University has been worsened by its current leadership’s policies, highlighting the need for reform. Diversity should not undermine operational efficacy.
Restructuring Law Enforcement Agencies
The Department of Justice should disband the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, redistributing oversight of alcohol and cigarettes to the DEA, while firearms and explosives should likewise be reassigned.
The DEA could absorb the Food and Drug Administration, transforming it into a department focused on research and standards.
By shifting the FBI to a purely research-oriented role, we can enhance intellectual capability without compromising enforcement. The IRS should also be overhauled, promoting a flat tax model instead.
The Department of Health and Human Services should focus on strategic preparation for national security, while functions like climate change initiatives could be reassigned or even eliminated.
Meanwhile, the Housing and Urban Development Bureau should expand its inspectorate and incentivize fraud eradication efforts.
Enhancing Deterrence
The Pentagon also requires serious reformation. With China’s military expansion, it’s crucial to separate the Air Force’s Global Strike Command from the US Strategic Command, allowing it to report directly to military leaders and the President under its historic title.
Because submarines and silos remain hidden while bombers are visible, deterrence relies on clear visibility. Reintroducing the new B-21 Raider alongside older bombers would send a resolute message to Beijing.
Aiming for a More Efficient Government
As Trump potentially reclaims the presidency, there’s a significant opportunity to pursue radical efficiency. Governments that focus on creating wealth—rather than spiraling into debt—can effectively counteract threats and revive ideals of American autonomy.
The kind of government that Washington articulated was streamlined. While we may not reclaim that exact structure, we can certainly revisit the spirit behind it. A lean, organized government could foster wealth creation, mitigate bureaucratic overreach, and safeguard the Republic for the challenges that lie ahead.
