Throughout most of Donald Trump’s initial tenure as the President of the United States, his detractors from both the Democratic and Republican parties often took solace in one convenient thought: Despite the disarray, at least it wasn’t worse. Recognized widely as a figure lacking in intellect and holding authoritarian aspirations, the President still had a buffer in the form of seasoned and proficient individuals who served him. The likes of James Mattis, the Secretary of Defense; Reince Priebus, the very first chief of staff, and a seasoned Republican bureaucrat; and John Kelly, his second chief of staff and a retired general from the Marine Corps.
These men were viewed as the proverbial ‘guardrails’ that kept the President’s conduct in check. Seen as protectors over the nation’s first patriot president, they were seen as the ones capable of preventing a complete descent into chaos. Mattis’s resignation after the 2018 midterms shook this belief, emphasizing that there was scant indication that these so-called ‘guardrails’ did much to curb the chaotic first term or deter unwise decisions.
Now, as we are inching past half of his second term, it is becoming apparent what transpires when the President is exclusively surrounded by supporters and advisors who offer no resistance to his impulses and exercises of power. The changes, the plans being executed, almost everything is undertaken on a larger scale compared to his first term. With unrestricted powers and no legal obstructions, this is a president devoid of external control.
However, it quickly became apparent that these supposed ‘guardrails’ possessed agendas of their own. Their overarching objective was the management of the White House, irrespective of the events transpiring. What we are presently witnessing is an extreme version of this conduct, a situation where the protection of the House is being taken to an unparalleled level.
Back in 2017, when President Trump was inaugurated, his party held a slim majority in both the Congressional houses as well as the Supreme Court. Presently, the situation has evolved. The executive branch is almost entirely under the President’s control, while Congress is dominated by his partisan allies. The Supreme Court went from a delicate 5-4 conservative majority to a substantial 6-3.
There is a noticeable shift in the audacity of President Trump’s policies when compared to his first term, particularly in the realms of immigration and trade policy. His political strategy is noticeably more aggressive, amplifying the exact policy platforms that were instrumental in his initial electoral triumph.
Within his cabinet, President Trump is now surrounded by staunch allies who fervently promote his agenda across various departments. However, there is some concern as some of the leaders appointed have carried the President’s policies to extraordinary extremes, which could potentially result in unforeseen ramifications.
The enduring presence of Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, continues to offer some balance. Despite facing significant political pressure, Powell has consistently stuck to his economic policies, highly circumspect of the possible adverse effects of misguided fiscal actions on the nation’s economy.
His unwavering adherence to robust economic fundamentals potentially stands as one of the few resistances left to check the Administration’s activities. While it is essential not to overly idealize the ‘guardrails’ of the previous term, their relative moderation in comparison to the existing administrative personnel would be the more desirable circumstance.
The post The Trump Presidency: From Guardrails to Unrestrained Power appeared first on Real News Now.
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