The Daily Blast: Big Setback for Trump as GOPers Privately Tell Him: Matt Gaetz Is Done
Nov 20, 2024
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Jill Lawrence, a political writer for The Bulwark, discusses the implications of GOP Senators' reluctance to support Matt Gaetz's confirmation, highlighting a pivotal moment for the party's stance against Trump. She delves into how Trump's appointments could reshape the Justice Department and notes the intense pressure on Republicans to challenge Gaetz. The conversation also touches on the influence of figures like Elon Musk within the GOP and the rising concerns over authoritarianism and cronyism threatening democracy.
GOP Senators are reluctant to oppose Trump's problematic cabinet picks, revealing a chilling effect on their role as a check on authoritarianism.
The involvement of figures like Elon Musk in Trump's agenda raises concerns about the integrity of governmental decision-making and the normalization of radical positions.
Deep dives
Concerns Over Trump's Cabinet Selections
Trump's potential cabinet appointees raise significant alarm regarding their competence and motivations. Notably, figures like Matt Gaetz and others are viewed as threats to the rule of law, as they demonstrate a willingness to bend or break laws for personal or partisan gain. The lack of management experience among these nominees, particularly for critical roles overseeing the military and intelligence agencies, is troubling, suggesting they may be ill-equipped to handle such significant responsibilities. This situation presents a formidable risk to democratic institutions, as the power dynamics shift further toward individuals who may prioritize loyalty to Trump over adherence to established legal norms.
MAGA Influence and Senate Dynamics
The fear of backlash from the MAGA base is significantly impacting Republican senators' willingness to oppose Trump's appointments. Many senators privately express their reluctance to support nominations like Gaetz, revealing their concerns over the political consequences of defying Trump. This dynamic creates a chilling effect, where the Senate's ability to serve as a check on authoritarian tendencies appears weakened by internal party pressures. Consequently, the GOP's hesitance to confront Trump's selections signals a potentially perilous path for American governance, hinging heavily on the actions of a few key individuals.
Musk's Role in a Potential Administration
Elon Musk's growing influence is another layer of concern, as he aligns himself with Trump's agenda while wielding significant social media power. His involvement could lead to a normalization of radical positions and unfair targeting of those opposing Trump, facilitating a toxic political environment. The potential for Musk to contribute to a corruption of governmental functions raises questions about the integrity of decision-making within a Trump-led administration. With right-wing oligarchs gaining traction, the risk of prioritizing private interests over public welfare becomes increasingly pronounced.
In a blow to Donald Trump, Politico reports that GOP Senators are privately telling him that Matt Gaetz has little chance of getting confirmed as attorney general. Yet these Republicans hope Trump doesn’t make them “walk the plank,” meaning they remain reluctant to publicly challenge him, even to sink the profoundly unfit Gaetz. In short, it’s now clear that one of our only bulwarks against an authoritarian Trump will be the GOP Senate. We talked to writer Jill Lawrence, who has a new piece for The Bulwark arguing that Trump is assembling a “team of outlaws” to run the country. She explains what it means that Republicans are drawing a line against Gaetz—and why the pressure on them will be intense to challenge him when it really counts.