The media landscape has become increasingly polarized, a phenomenon keenly felt during Donald Trump’s political ascendance. Even voices within established media outlets, such as the owner of The Washington Post, have acknowledged a decline in audience trust, pointing to biased reporting. This shift has led many, particularly younger demographics who favor podcasts and social media over traditional cable news, to seek alternative sources of information. Donald Trump’s extensive, unscripted interview with Joe Rogan exemplified this trend, allowing him to connect directly with a significant segment of the electorate and bypass traditional media filters. This ability to navigate the evolving media terrain is a key element of what could be termed “The Trump Dance.”
Contrast this with figures like Kamala Harris, whose campaign struggled to resonate despite relying on celebrity endorsements. Her reluctance to engage with platforms like the Joe Rogan podcast further highlighted a disconnect. While some attempted to portray her as a transformative figure, much like efforts to downplay concerns about Joe Biden’s cognitive decline, these attempts often fell flat. The difference in approach underscores a critical aspect of “the Trump dance” – a willingness to engage directly and unconventionally, even with outlets perceived as outside the mainstream media bubble.
Having learned from his initial term and cabinet appointments, Trump appears to be moving swiftly and strategically in assembling his administration. Some of his more controversial selections may be interpreted as calculated moves, designed to preemptively encourage resignations from entrenched bureaucrats within the deep state. While figures like Matt Gaetz faced obstacles even in committee hearings, and nominees such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard will undergo Senate scrutiny, their profiles stand in stark contrast to what many viewed as a less conventional and, at times, chaotic cabinet assembly under the Biden administration. This assertive approach to cabinet selection is another step in “the Trump dance,” showcasing a willingness to challenge established norms and expectations.
However, not all strategies are without potential drawbacks. Trump’s inclination towards recess appointments, while demonstrating decisiveness, could be seen as circumventing the Senate’s crucial role of “advise and consent.” This check and balance is essential, allowing for the vetting of potentially problematic appointments, ultimately benefiting the administration by ensuring more qualified candidates are confirmed. With a Republican Senate majority, qualified nominees are unlikely to be unfairly blocked, making Senate consultation a prudent step rather than an obstacle. Navigating this relationship with the Senate, understanding when to push and when to concede, is a nuanced part of “the Trump dance.”
Ultimately, Trump’s approach to governing can be likened to a necessary overhaul of a system perceived as inefficient and stagnant. The federal government, in this analogy, is a house in need of thorough cleaning. The Covid-19 pandemic inadvertently revealed potential inefficiencies, with many government employees working remotely, raising questions about workforce productivity. A directive to return to full-time office work could indeed lead to resignations, potentially streamlining the workforce without significantly impacting output. This willingness to disrupt established systems and challenge bureaucratic inertia is perhaps the defining characteristic of “the Trump dance” – a bold, unconventional, and often polarizing approach to American politics.
