My thoughts on the Trump transition at this point are generally positive and proceeding with lightning speed, spurred by the reality that President Biden has left such a leadership void, but I have some concerns.
One is evidenced by the budget fiasco, which as noted by the Wall Street Journal this week carries bad omens for governing in 2025 by suggesting what this episode means about how Trump and his social media enforcers will try and govern. I worry that this quote from a Donald Trump, Jr. tweet is instructive: “We aren’t just the media here now. We are also the government…we can pressure our representatives to act in a manner that actually represents what we want.” Well, maybe so, maybe not, but not the best approach to governance.
As for Trump’s cabinet level appointments—mostly good, some bad, several just puzzling, and I will leave it there. But what is important at the hearing stage is that the Senate needs to step up and get serious about its constitutional advice and consent responsibilities, and I am particularly concerned about the foreign policy and intelligence appointments that will help shape America’s world leadership role in arguably the most dangerous environment since World War II. Peggy Noonan has a helpful suggestion here for friends of Trump: “if Mr. Trump is making a mistake save him from it, as a friend would.”
Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year.
There are concerns, as there are with any mortal.
Jim, I agree with you and Peggy. The Senate needs to be strong. There are some real scary folks that Trump is recommending. An FBI director with a published enemies list is a good example.