Well, our President nearly has his 2025 Cabinet of political hacks and wannabees put together. Still some scrubbing up to do.
We know most of them because of their continual mention as being part of his circle of acquaintances. In his public life, Trump seldom strays too far from the same familiar folk.
You couldn’t be blamed if you’re having a hard time seeing Linda McMahon of World Wide Wrestling fame running the Department of Education. Or, Brooke Rollins at Agriculture. It also seems a bit of a stretch to see Sen. Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, though his recent service on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee may give him a “touch of legitimacy.”
Thankfully, each of the newbees will have a raft of undersecretary’s just beneath them on the old job chart. Professional undersecretary’s who’ve seen the guy at the top come and go before. Undersecretary’s who’ve gone through this change of administrations business and know “the drill.”
It’s these professional undersecretary’s that see to the day-to-day work. Beneath them is where that work is actually done by the career people.
Cabinet members have a lot of “perks of office.” Round-the-clock black limo’s on call. Secret Service agents nearby constantly. An official jet at Joint Base Andrews. White House credentials. A parking spot at the Capitol. These are just a few.
How many of these Department heads will make it to the end of the President’s current term is an open question. Given Trump’s mercurial temper, some might not make the full four years.
One thing about these appointments is sure. Every move – every name – is being watched closely by foreign governments. Every name and every detail is being scrutinized for signs of vulnerability, compatibility – or not – for future official relationships. Given Trump’s propensity for firing folks and walking away from important, previously signed agreements, it’s certain those overseas partners are watching developments in Washington with some alarm.
Keep in mind, Trump is just beginning. There’ll be more unexpected and startling pronouncements on this and that. More heads will roll.
As the man said, “Hang onto your seats! It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.”
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