Analysis: In the late 19th century the U.S. shifted away from a system where every time a new president is elected essentially the entirety of the federal government is fired and replaced with loyalists, which in turn led to patronage and bribery for government positions. What Trump & Musk are doing now, disguised as government efficiency, is essentially returning to that system. Government employees have long held protections from these firings in an attempt to prevent a return to a system of patronage. That has now been changed, and the long-lasting effects will be brutal on the U.S. ability to fight rising authoritarianism.
Why Isn’t Congress Doing Anything? | Atlantic
Analysis: Congress is letting Trump and Elon walk all over them and their congressional power. This is due to 1) Republican congressmen being happy to show their loyalty to Trump to earn favor, and 2) Elon is pushing forward with real cuts and moves they themselves wanted to take but didn’t want to face the backlash for. This inaction by Congress to protect their independent power will most likely continue until we reach a singularity in which Trump or Elon partake is such a revolting move that Congress MUST act or face the will of the voters.
Trump Official’s Demand in Adams Case Forces Justice Dept. Showdown | New York Times
Analysis: As seen throughout the last two weeks Trump continues his crusade on civil servants, many of those whose work is non-political. These employees throughout the government stand as a wall between chaos and law and order. Their individual decisions, and sometimes inaction or resignation, hold greater impact over Trump and his administration than even public disapproval. In many cases, civil servants’ resignation is the spark needed to bring attention to a blatantly illegal or unethical decision from an administration.
NATO is in disarray after the US announces that its security priorities lie elsewhere | Associated Press
Analysis: With incoming Defense Secretary Hegseth a new tone has been set for NATO and all U.S. military relations, we no longer care about being the protector of Europe. Trump has long shown his disdain for how much money we pour into European defense for in his opinion nothing in return. While he wasn’t able to deeply impact treaties and alliances during his 2016 administration, he started his 2024 one-off swinging.
What Gazans Want | Foreign Affairs
Analysis: The core of this story is that Palestinians as a people are open to negotiation and peace. Sadly, getting there as always will be difficult in part due to a leadership vacuum within the state. While over 40% of Palestinians state they prefer no current political party, the next most popular polling option was Hamas with 30%. The Palestinians want peace and representative leadership above all. The war which decimated not only their physical state but also their political state may not let them achieve those goals.
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