If and when Trump’s brain trusts complete their selection in the recruitment process, the vetting will start for US Senate approval.
Loyalty within Trump's circle is often transactional. His relationships, both personal and political frenemies, tend to operate on a "what can you do for me" basis. This transactional approach has been a hallmark of his career—whether in business, television, or politics. Over time, this lack of true loyalty can create instability, especially in a high-stakes environment like the presidency. If Trump begins to perceive that those around him aren't serving his interests or furthering his power, it could lead to a breakdown of relationships and a dangerous political climate within his administration. This is especially true if his mental faculties continue to decline, as some have speculated.
Examination of the past Trump administration, and his infamous present-day cabinet of chaos and the blows he's getting, is shedding light on the dysfunction, intrigue, and irony that marks Donald Trump’s presidency. The promises he made like as a return to national greatness and contrasts them with the often chaotic reality of his time in office. The narrative explores the deep contradictions in Trump’s presidency, particularly the disparity between his lofty rhetoric and the practical outcomes of his policies.
Donald Trump’s first presidency was marked by an unsettling paradox. While he promised to "drain the swamp" and shake up Washington, much of what came of his administration was inefficiency, dysfunction, and personal ego battles that undermined the core policy goals he articulated. His supporters, many of whom hoped for a return to a more powerful, confident America, often found themselves frustrated by the chaotic nature of his administration.
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Inconsistent Leadership: Trump’s leadership style was erratic and unpredictable. His administration was plagued by high turnover rates in key positions, with many of the "best people" he hired either resigning or being fired. This instability resulted in a lack of coherent long-term strategies. Instead of executing grand promises like “reversing the administrative state,” the Trump White House seemed to be in constant crisis management mode.
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Failure to drain the “Swamp”: Trump’s signature promise of draining the swamp never materialized. While he did implement some deregulation and tax cuts, much of the bureaucracy remained intact. Worse, Trump’s hiring practices—often based on loyalty rather than competence—meant that many of the people in charge were ill-prepared for their roles, further entrenching the very "swamp" he sought to dismantle.
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Erosion of Trust: The repeated scandals, misinformation, and failures to unify the country deepened divisions rather than heal them. Trump's combative nature with the media, his divisive rhetoric, and the inability to address the nation's underlying issues contributed to a growing sense of disillusionment. Instead of bringing the country together, deepened existing divides. His presidency was often defined by culture wars, accusations of racism, and a combative stance toward his critics. His supporters, once enthusiastic, found themselves at odds with those in the middle, while detractors only became more resolute in their opposition.
Appealing to Populism: Trump's ability to speak directly to the frustrations of working-class Americans—particularly white, rural voters who felt left behind by globalization and elite institutions—was a key strength. He capitalized on their dissatisfaction with traditional politics, offering them a voice in a system they felt had ignored them for years. His populist approach allowed him to remain popular with his base, even in the face of numerous controversies.
Supreme Court Appointments: One of the most lasting achievements of Trump’s presidency was his success in reshaping the federal judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court. By appointing three conservative justices—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—Trump solidified a conservative majority that will influence American law for decades to come. This win proved pivotal, especially for his base, who viewed it as a decisive victory in the culture wars.
immigration and Border Security: Trump's hardline stance on immigration, including the controversial "zero tolerance" policy, resonated strongly with his supporters, who saw it as a necessary measure to protect American sovereignty and jobs. His focus on building the border wall, though it faced many challenges, represented his commitment to addressing concerns over illegal immigration, which was a rallying cry throughout his campaign and presidency.
Economic Growth: Under Trump, the U.S. economy experienced robust growth, low unemployment, and rising stock markets, at least prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This provided tangible proof to his supporters that his economic policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation, were working. While the pandemic and subsequent recession ultimately dampened these gains, the pre-COVID economy was often seen as a success.
Mastery of Media and Messaging: Trump’s mastery of social media, particularly Twitter, allowed him to bypass traditional news channels and communicate directly with his supporters. His use of inflammatory rhetoric, while controversial, kept him in the headlines and made him the central figure in American politics. His detractors were often forced to respond to his statements, keeping him in the public eye and ensuring his influence remained undiminished.
An Assault on the Administrative State Never Came
Steve Bannon's call for an "assault on the administrative state" was one of the defining promises of the early days of the Trump administration. The idea was to dismantle bureaucratic institutions that were seen as entrenched in the Washington establishment, promoting instead a more efficient and business-minded government. However, this promise fell short in practice.
Instead of a concerted effort to radically reform the system, the Trump administration often seemed to prioritize loyalty over competence, leading to a revolving door of personnel who struggled to manage the very agencies they were meant to reform. In some cases, cabinet members and senior officials were ill-equipped for the tasks at hand. For example:
- Wilbur Ross, the Secretary of Commerce, was mocked for his lack of preparedness and awkwardness during confirmation hearings.
- Scott Pruitt, the head of the EPA, became notorious for his mismanagement and scandals, despite his stated goal of rolling back environmental regulations.
- Reince Priebus, Trump’s first chief of staff, faced constant undermining and infighting, which made it difficult to exert real influence over the White House.
Rather than reforming the administrative state, Trump often faced internal resistance from career bureaucrats, many of whom were skeptical of his agenda. This led to a paradox: Trump’s anti-establishment rhetoric clashed with his reliance on establishment figures who were often resistant to his goals, resulting in policies that were inconsistent and sometimes self-sabotaging.
His Best People promise appears to be another Trump failure of his leadership that fails to deliver on key promises, leading to a sense of disenchantment among his supporters. However, his ability to connect with his base, manipulate media narratives, and achieve some victories allowed him to best his detractors and maintain a strong hold on power. This highlights the tension between Trump's grand promises and the messy, often incompetent reality of his administration,
