Donald Trump’s Disruptive Governance Style
Donald Trump is wielding a sledgehammer against traditional American governance, both domestically and internationally, while surrounding himself with an inner circle comprised of “disruptors and innovators.” This approach reflects a strategy reminiscent of Dominic Cummings, who sought to shake up central government by challenging the established civil service’s hold over policy. However, in Trump’s case, figures like Elon Musk are metaphorically taking a chainsaw to government budgets and bureaucratic red tape.
Since his inauguration, Trump has made significant cuts to support for Ukraine while suggesting a closer alignment with Russia. He has also dismantled various government departments, terminated civil servants, and imposed tariffs on key trading partners. Yet, he is not acting in isolation; the world has been shaken by a series of controversial actions emerging from the White House. The i Paper examines some of the intriguing personalities who have gained Trump’s favor.
Elon Musk and His ‘Shadow Government’
The Tesla and SpaceX founder, Elon Musk, has become a pivotal figure within Trump’s administration after donating over a quarter of a million dollars to his campaign. Musk leads the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a name that humorously echoes the cryptocurrency he has championed. His role involves identifying and eliminating wasteful spending within the government.
As the world’s wealthiest individual, Musk has spearheaded the dismantling of the U.S.’s foreign aid department, a move that has drawn criticism from lawmakers who deem it unconstitutional. His controversial statements in the UK, including unfounded accusations against politician Keir Starmer related to child grooming and derogatory remarks about Home Office minister Jess Phillips, have further fueled public scrutiny.
In his capacity at DOGE, Musk has appointed a team of young tech workers, primarily aged 19 to 25, many of whom lack governmental experience. One of them has already resigned following revelations of their connection to racist social media content. In response to these appointments, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed concerns about an “unelected shadow government” conducting a “hostile takeover” of federal operations.
According to Professor Natasha Lindstaedt, a democracy expert at the University of Essex, the partnership between Musk and Trump may be short-lived. She anticipates a potential falling out due to their strong personalities and differing agendas. “Trump is incredibly transactional; he sees Musk as a tool for his ambitions. However, Musk’s lack of governmental expertise could lead to complications,” she noted.
Natalie Harp: Trump’s Loyal Aide
One of Trump’s trusted aides, 33-year-old Natalie Harp, has raised security concerns due to her intense affinity for the President. Harp’s letters, expressing deep admiration for Trump and describing him as “all that matters to me,” were documented by his security detail, which noted her peculiar behavior. Michael Wolff, author of Fire and Fury, highlighted that even the Secret Service considered Harp a potential security risk, although no one dared to bring it up with Trump.
Having survived stage two bone cancer, which she attributes to Trump’s 2018 Right to Try law that allows terminally ill patients to access experimental treatments, Harp established a “mobile office” for Trump during his campaign, complete with a portable printer. She has consistently been by his side during various events, earning her the title of “extra set of eyes and ears” for the President, as described by Republican Senator John Barrasso.
Why Has Trump Chosen His Inner Circle?
Desire for Unchallenged Leadership
Dr. David Andersen, an associate professor in U.S. Politics at Durham University, explains that after Trump’s unexpected victory in 2016, he found himself unprepared for governance. Initially, the GOP surrounded him with seasoned policy experts who favored traditional Republican principles. However, as Trump attempted to govern in his unique style, these experts often obstructed his initiatives.
By the midpoint of his first term, Trump recognized that many of his staff were more loyal to party norms than to him, prompting a purge of those individuals. Now, during his second term, he seeks to govern according to his vision, preferring to surround himself with individuals who lack strong policy perspectives or expertise. “He wants to be the sole decision-maker without any advice, convinced that he alone can resolve issues,” Dr. Andersen stated.
Emphasis on Popularity Over Governance
Trump’s approach is notably different from typical political figures; he often lacks defined policy preferences. Instead, he aims to project an image of power and greatness. As a former television star, Trump is fixated on TV ratings and tends to gravitate toward attractive, controversial figures who can generate significant media attention. “For Trump, popularity is the key metric, overshadowing public policy effectiveness,” Dr. Andersen remarked.
Confidence from Judicial Support
Professor Gina Yannitell Reinhardt from the University of Essex notes that Trump feels empowered to act without restraint, especially after Supreme Court rulings suggested that presidents could not be held accountable for actions taken while in office. Additionally, having won the popular vote this time around, Trump has openly stated his intention to be a “dictator on day one,” reinforcing his sense of justification in his governance style.
Stronger Connections
In contrast to his first term, Trump is now better connected and aware of whom he wants in key positions. Many of these individuals have formed bonds with him over time, making it easier for him to collaborate with them. “He knows they will not challenge him or create controversies,” Professor Reinhardt added.
Preference for Outsiders
Trump’s selection of “outsiders” aligns with his anti-establishment narrative. It is also plausible that some qualified candidates declined offers to work with him. “This loyalty-focused selection process mirrors personalistic dictatorships, where competence is sacrificed for loyalty,” remarked Professor Lindstaedt. Such a governance style can lead to poor decision-making, particularly during crises when leaders receive skewed information from sycophants.
Financial Interests
A senior Democratic staffer emphasized that Trump’s decision-making is primarily self-referential. “Regardless of who he claims to consult for advice, he mainly listens to himself. Ultimately, the priority is who stands to profit from his policies,” they asserted, warning that Musk’s proximity to Trump could lead to significant financial gains for his companies. “While the extremist ideology is concerning, the primary concern is their intent to monetize their positions within government,” they concluded.
Karoline Leavitt: A Controversial Press Secretary
At just 27, Karoline Leavitt has become the youngest White House Press Secretary, making headlines for her provocative statements. She has claimed that former President Joe Biden oversaw a “four-year-long invasion of illegal aliens,” referred to climate policy as the “Green New Scam,” and asserted that taxpayer money has been used for “condoms in Gaza.” In the same briefing, she also expressed Trump’s intention to cut funding for “illegal” diversity and inclusion initiatives and “transgenderism and wokeness.”
Leavitt, a political science and communications graduate from Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, has extensive experience, having interned at Fox News and Trump’s White House while still in school. She previously worked as a spokesperson for Trump’s election campaign and served in the White House press office during his first term.
Pete Hegseth: The New Defense Secretary
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s newly appointed Defense Secretary, has ignited security concerns due to tattoos associated with far-right symbolism. In 2021, while serving in the military, a fellow service member flagged him as a potential insider threat due to a “Deus Vult” tattoo, often linked to white supremacist groups. He was subsequently removed from a position assigned to guard Joe Biden during his inauguration due to another tattoo on his chest.
Hegseth has also publicly defended the rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol, referring to them as “people who love our country” who have become aware of the left’s impact on the nation. He has faced allegations of sexual assault, which he denies, and made a $50,000 settlement to a woman who accused him in 2017. Additionally, he has been criticized for reportedly being intoxicated while on duty, although he claimed to have stopped drinking during his Senate confirmation hearings.
As Defense Secretary, Hegseth has expressed controversial views, arguing against women in combat roles and claiming that efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the military have made it “effeminate.” He has also vowed to dismiss generals involved in “woke” programs, with some senior Republicans, including Mitch McConnell, questioning his qualifications to lead a three-million-person department.
Kash Patel: A Controversial FBI Director Candidate
Trump’s choice for FBI director, Kash Patel, has been vocal in his criticism of the bureau, stating in a podcast that he would shut down its headquarters on his first day and transform it into a “museum of the deep state.” During his Senate confirmation hearing, Patel denied maintaining a list of “deep state enemies,” despite a list appearing as an appendix in his 2023 book, Government Gangsters, which names over 50 current and former officials he deems a threat to democracy.
After Patel’s confirmation, one individual named on the list reportedly relocated out of fear of possible repercussions, according to CNN. Patel has previously served as chief of staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense, Deputy Assistant at the National Security Council, and Principal Deputy to the Acting Director of National Intelligence.
Tom Homan: The Border Czar
Appointed as Trump’s “border czar,” Tom Homan has accused Democrats of intentionally compromising border security for political gain, suggesting that they believe these individuals will become future Democratic voters. In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Homan claimed that the United Nations is colluding with Democrats to facilitate illegal immigration into the U.S.
Homan stated, “Certainly, the United Nations were south of our border, working on this global illegal immigration to the United States. This was by design. Do I think Joe Biden had the expertise to do it? No, I think someone’s pulling his strings.” He has been involved in Project 2025, which outlines Trump’s agenda for his second term.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: The Anti-Vaccine Health Secretary
Trump’s appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health has sparked significant controversy. The son of the late senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, Kennedy, a former Democrat, ran as an independent in the recent presidential race before reaching an agreement with Trump to withdraw. He has publicly stated, “There’s no vaccine that is safe and effective,” and has perpetuated the long-debunked myth linking vaccines to autism.
The World Health Organization estimates that global vaccination efforts have saved at least 154 million lives over the past five decades. Kennedy is also known for opposing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and claiming that water fluoridation can cause cancer, despite weak supporting evidence. Furthermore, he advocates for legalizing raw milk across the U.S., raising health concerns among medical professionals.
Linda McMahon: The Education Secretary
Trump has appointed Linda McMahon, the former head of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), as Education Secretary. Her qualifications for the role are limited, with only a brief tenure on Connecticut’s State Board of Education and a position as a private university trustee before leading the U.S. Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term.
McMahon has expressed opposition to “political indoctrination in classrooms” and to uniform education models. Her primary mission in this role is likely to be the dismantling of the Department of Education, a key policy objective for Trump, which she described as a “momentous final mission” during a recent address to staff.
Kristi Noem: The Homeland Security Secretary
Former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been appointed as Trump’s Homeland Security Secretary, responsible for overseeing border control, airline transportation, and disaster response. While she is an experienced politician, having served as a congressional representative for eight years, she is perhaps best known for the bizarre revelation in her memoir that she killed her own dog.
Noem also gained notoriety for her refusal to impose a statewide mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic, which drew both praise and criticism.
Chris Wright: The Climate Skeptic Energy Secretary
Trump’s new Energy Secretary, fracking CEO Chris Wright, has faced criticism for his climate skepticism. In a 2023 video, he claimed that there is “no climate crisis” and that society is not undergoing an energy transition. While he acknowledges the existence of manmade climate change, he has described its hazards as “distant and uncertain,” labeling green activists as “alarmist” and disputing the connection between climate change and wildfires.
