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Will the New Team Help Trump?
With one more change in the Trump administration team, I’ve started to wonder how the changes will play out. I’m not so much concerned with the number of changes Trump has made, because every administration makes changes, but with the nature of the group members.
When Trump first brought his team together, many of us were relieved that he brought in such experienced players in government, as well as highly respected individuals in their given fields. I wasn’t the only one who felt that this group would provide not only government experience, but some of the subtleties of getting things done in an unfamiliar environment. In addition, many of these people were known as stable and reliable forces that might temper Trump’s overbearing and unpredictable style. Although he continues to act in ways that others criticize (such as tweets, insulting his team and making sudden decisions), he’s accomplished a great deal in his year and three months on the job.
Now there are not only several new players, but we don’t know whether they will have a steadying influence on the President. In fact, some people suggest that instead of Trump’s saying he encourages conflict and the sharing of different ideas, he may be choosing to work with people who agree with him. Trump and Rex Tillerson, the former Secretary of State, didn’t get along; we hear that McMaster was not close to the President. In contrast, Mike Pompeo, the new Secretary of State, and John Bolton, the new National Security Advisor, get along well with Trump. Both men are known for favoring a more aggressive foreign policy. The President also likes the newly nominated CIA director, Gina Haspel.
Let’s not forget Joe diGenova either, the new attorney he has brought in to join his legal team. Mr. diGenova will definitely shake things up in a positive way.
Do you foresee any major impacts on domestic or foreign policy based on this newly configured team? How do you think the team will get along? Are there possible downsides to these changes? Do you anticipate other changes in personnel?
Published in Politics
On a more wishful note, the best thing that happened to Bill Clinton’s administration in 1998 was the impeachment and failed removal.
Interesting observation, @stevec. Could you elaborate?
6 Jan 1993:
Bill Clinton’s lowest polling approval rating = 37%
19 Dec 1998:
Clinton impeached by the House
Clinton’s polling approval rating = 73%
14 Jan 2001:
Clinton’s final approval rating = 66%
NB: 73% was his highest recorded rating, his average over 8 years is 55.1%
Mystifying. Thanks for clarifying, although not really! ;-)