While the final preparations for the inauguration ceremony are being finalized, several of Donald Trump’s appointments to secretary (minister) positions are parading this week in the House to answer questions from elected officials.
We already note that it is not only partners of the United States against whom force is threatened, Trump’s team has worked closely with elected Republican officials to impose the president’s choices.
The worst nomination in history?
There have been a number of unworthy secretaries in the history of the United States, but I cannot come up with a single one who is more shocking than Pete Hegseth to lead the most powerful army in the world.
Yesterday, Democrats played the card of his tumultuous private life. Excessive alcohol consumption and allegations of sexual assault constituted two angles of attack.
These faults are serious, but if we think about the functions for which he is destined, the fact that he does not respect the internal rules of the army, that he opposed the deployment of women in combat zones and that the National Guard sidelining him because of his affinity with white supremacists should be enough to completely discredit him, regardless of allegiance.
Refusing to endorse the president’s choice for a secretary position would not be a historical anomaly. There are many precedents.
What surprised me during yesterday’s hearings was the unity of the Republicans. There were several of them in November and December who criticized the choice of Pete Hegseth, often invoking the same arguments as political analysts or elected Democrats.
In a few weeks, Donald Trump managed to bring everyone into line. Not only is it a gigantic gesture of honor to the system to impose such an unworthy man, but it is also a hell of a show of force.
A hundred decrees
In addition to Trump’s controversial appointments, also keep an eye out for the hundred or so executive orders the new administration is promising on the first day of the second term.
Many American presidents have not hesitated to use executive orders. They allow the occupant of the White House to direct the efforts of federal agencies and highlight the president’s priorities.
If it is a very real power, the presidential decree must never exceed the guidelines specified in the Constitution.
How many of Donald Trump’s executive orders will be called into question? This happened to him during his first mandate and it is a safe bet that his advisors knew the outcome even before the appeals to the courts.
Why then abuse decrees in this way? We want to create an effect and give off an impression of strength.
Reread The art of the deal. Force and intimidation is the only language the 47 knowse president. And he only retreats when faced with force.
