Trump Allies Rage at Each Other as His Latest Nutball Pick Roils MAGA
Nov 25, 2024
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Political scientist Julia Azari, co-author of The Good Politics, Bad Politics Substack, dives into the discord among Trump's allies following his latest wild appointment of Sebastian Gorka. She discusses how Trump’s belief in a grand electoral mandate is misguided and could lead to chaos in his administration. Azari highlights the gap between Trump’s perception of voter motivations and reality, and reflects on how this may affect governance and the MAGA movement's future.
Trump's appointment of extremist figures like Sebastian Gorka signals internal strife among his allies, raising concerns about a chaotic transition.
The illusion of a massive electoral mandate may lead Trump to pursue unchecked executive authority, risking severe political backlash and governance challenges.
Deep dives
Internal Conflicts within Trump's Transition Team
The appointment of Sebastian Gorka to a senior national security role has raised concerns about internal conflicts among Trump's allies. Reports indicate that tensions are rising, particularly as Gorka is perceived as an extremist figure by some, with even Trump loyalists expressing discomfort at his appointment. Such appointments suggest that Trump is prioritizing loyalty and ideological alignment over the need for a cohesive and functional transition team. The ongoing disputes among Trump's allies highlight the potential for chaos as the administration attempts to move forward amid competing interests and agendas.
The Concept of Personal Mandate and Its Implications
Trump's assertion of having a massive electoral mandate, despite not winning a popular majority, points to a larger pattern of presidential overreach. This idea of a personal mandate can lead to dangerous governing outcomes, as it encourages presidents to bypass checks and balances, potentially undermining democratic institutions. Political scientist Julia Azari emphasized that such claims often arise when presidents face pushback and react defensively, complicating their ability to adhere to constitutional limitations. The current political climate suggests that Trump's approach may lead to significant challenges, both within his administration and in broader governance.
Consequences of Overreach and Historical Context
Trump's approach to governance, characterized by extreme personnel choices and a dismissive attitude toward internal dissent, raises concerns about the potential for executive overreach. The history of U.S. presidencies shows that claims of mandate often precede significant miscalculations and electoral backlash, as seen during the Bush administration. As Trump appears to disregard the necessity of coalition management, he may face complications in maintaining support from a diverse electorate. The unfolding political scenario suggests a recurring pattern where overreach could lead to diminishing returns for the administration, similar to the historical precedents of past presidents.
Donald Trump’s top allies are already at war with each other over the transition, according to The Washington Post. Meanwhile, Trump just tapped anti-Islam extremist Sebastian Gorka for a big national security role, and that’s unnerving even some in MAGA. Trump is so certain he won a massive mandate that he doesn’t feel obliged to run a smooth transition or refrain from appointing wildly extreme people. We chatted with political scientist Julia Azari, author of a great new piece on presidential delusions about mandates. Azari explains why mandates are usually illusory, how Trump is grotesquely overreading his victory, and why it all bodes badly for what’s to come.