Even with presidential changes imminent, the U.S. was just barely able to dodge potential bureaucratic stagnation, exemplifying the eagerness of the upcoming administration to overhaul congressional protocols. The incoming president, along with his advisor, has incited opposition to the crucial spending bill. Despite still being weeks from returning to the White House, the reigns of influence are already being taken by the soon-to-be administration, making it evident that they have no hesitation in imposing their will over key institutions.
The consequence was that the nation almost experienced a federal government shutdown, a disaster narrowly averted by Congress through the passage of a temporary funding bill on Friday, December 20th. Unable to reach a convenient consensus among Democrats and Republicans, the incoming president disrupted the chance for a seamless transition of power. The result of which is that the conservative demographic will dominate both the executive and legislative branches, creating a unilateral governance model, a move that is worrying in its implications.
From the Supreme Court’s perspective, they are anticipating a solid conservative majority, which will subtly tip the scales towards a conservative interpretation of the laws of the land. Such overt influence over the country’s highest juridical establishment is fraught with potential issues, underlining the concerning direction the incoming administration is favoring.
Despite being re-elected on November 5th, the upcoming president’s time of low scrutiny and widespread approval appears to be nearing its end. This has not, however, deterred their intent to target anyone deemed an adversary, demonstrating their unwillingness to accept dissenting voices or differing viewpoints. Their emboldened stance may only fuel divisions within the already strained political landscape.
The incoming administration’s apparent inclination to fill key positions with individuals known for personal loyalties, rather than their professional capabilities, has raised eyebrows. Placement of kin in ambassadorial roles and a seeming insistence on promoting his daughter-in-law to a Florida senatorial position underscore this trend. Strategic posts such as the Pentagon chief of staff and national intelligence director have also been assigned to loyalists, further watering down the focus on professional skills and talents.
Acting as the transition’s shadow figure is none other than Elon Musk, who, despite a towering wealth status, finds himself engrossed in questionable activities. Entrusted with the authority to slash federal expenses, Musk has decided he won’t be confined to this single role. After aligning with the president-elect’s course, he took an unexpected route by meddling with a social media platform’s algorithm, essentially bolstering the exposure of his political persuasions.
Musk’s opinions significantly resonate across many issues, and he was the first to provoke Republicans into reneging on the reached budget compromise with Democrats. He is consolidating his footprint with far-reaching influence yet lacks the democratic mandate that comes with election. His involvement risks accusations of influence peddling, considering his support for far-right entities in Italy, the UK, and Germany.
What’s taking the political world by surprise here is not only his heavy influence but the audacity to extend beyond that of the president-elect, who initially seemed to excel in this sphere. Musk’s pervasive presence and propensity for causing disturbances appear to exceed even those of the man about to take the reins of the most powerful country in the world.
This situation has observers and analysts stunned, given the lack of precedence for such an explosive combination. The degree of sway held by an individual not elected to a public office, and exercising this power to guide political developments, is a trend not seen in modern American politics before and poses a raw challenge to U.S. institutions.
The political spectacle has incited anxiety among the public while turning the political world on its head, marking itself as a fresh kind of hazard that institutions are not prepared to deal with. The injection of non-elected individuals with significant influence into the political system threatens to destabilize the democracy that the U.S. has painstakingly built-up over centuries.
Unchecked, such precedents could puncture the democratic fabric, something that could have a long-lasting impact on how politics will be pursued in the future. As these developments materialize, the world watches, apprehensive of the damaging potential of a shaky political foundation in the world’s largest economy.
Thus, amidst the frenzy, the incoming government seems to have lost sight of the fact that crucial work needs to be done, and instead, seems to be busy cultivating a gospel of populism and obedience. The implications of this new political medium are grave and could potentially change the course of the country’s political journey toward an unknown destination, a move which undeniably tests the resilience of America.
As we move ahead into this significant, albeit alarming era, it is our hope that the virtue of prudence will guide this new administration. Such an approach will ensure that long-term welfare trumps transient victories, and that political maneuvering does not compromise the country’s cherished institutions. This way, America can maintain its status as a beacon of democracy and an example for others to aspire towards.