Governing Under a sTrumpet

We are getting a glimpse of American governance under Trump. It is predictably chaotic. That is his signature. Also, bold statements that upset whatever given standards currently being followed. This is a key method of introducing chaos.

Attacking favorite public programs is another signature move on his part. Social Security is one of those favored programs. Also, Medicare. Medicaid is included on this list as well.

A common move is a lawsuit. That and employing any delay tactic possible on the forward motion of the lawsuit. This ties up both the opponent, the government and attorneys. Government attorneys, however, are paid by the government, not the President from personal funds. The defendants, however, pay for their own attorneys. Scan Trump’s personal and business record regarding lawsuits. They are plentiful and usually long lasting. And costly to the opponent.

Debt ceiling issues will arise. If they are caused by Trump programs, he will do everything to raise the ceiling or eliminate the ceiling altogether. Otherwise, he will claim Democrats and enemies have caused rampant budget deficits that should be addressed and solved. Truth, however, of the current national debt owned by the federal government ($36 trillion), Trump's past presidency caused about 25% of it ($9 trillion). Continuing his tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations will add more than $1.5 trillion in his new term as president. Trump doesn’t care about the deficit or mounting debt. He only makes claims about it if he thinks it will hurt his opponents or distract them. Don’t blame a few more trillions caused by COVID. That was a necessary and unavoidable issue without political blame.

Creating well-funded opponents in future elections of his opponents is another tactic Trump uses. Already Musk has threatened to use this method and Trump’s term hasn’t even begun.

Long term goals make up a vision for any organization. This is true for a nation and its government as well. Trump did not articulate a vision for America in his last term, nor has he done so for the term that is about to begin. Visions require actions that will produce the desired outcomes according to plan. There appears little planning involved with Trump’s work ethic. He appears to act impulsively on a narrow gauge of activities. Watch him continue this behavior. His methodology has little to do with any plan.

The Republican party has a lot of work to do to produce a team outcome working with Trump. So far, such work has not been in evidence, but it will. Skirmishes within the party will continue and limit their success in managing the direction of the government overall.

Democrats, on the other hand, have much to do to articulate their Vision for the Federal government. They will need to focus and resolve to properly balance their work to represent citizens who believe as they do in American Democracy.

December 27, 2024

 

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