A few weeks ago, I wrote an article discussing what Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 Election meant for the American electorate. However, I failed to entirely give my opinions on it and express the full scope of Trump's initial plans in office. Trump has begun nominating several people for his cabinet in the past few weeks. Most of these people have shown Trump loyalty in the past, further strengthening Trump's plan to fill his administration with people who have proven loyal to him.
The most controversial of all the picks was Congressman Matt Gaetz. Trump’s pick of Matt Gaetz for Attorney General was shocking for many reasons, one of which being a former sex trafficking case brought against Gaetz by the Department of Justice. Trump’s pick of Gaetz as Attorney General only reinforced the idea that the only thing Trump cares about is loyalty. Ultimately, Matt Gaetz removed himself from consideration for the position of Attorney General, claiming that he intends to work on improving Florida. Still, the possible investigation into the aforementioned sex trafficking case likely influenced this decision. Even the suggestion that Matt Gaetz could be Attorney General insults the American political system. Americans have grown accustomed to “settling” with corruption and deceit in the modern era. Matt Gaetz reflects the worst of the American political system, and he should not be in any political position, let alone the Attorney General of the United States.
Another recent development in the past few weeks is the final criminal case against Donald Trump, alleging that he illegally held classified documents. The case was dropped, not because Trump was found innocent, but because the Department of Justice is barred from investigating a sitting president. In this way, the presidency also serves as a tool for Donald Trump to hide behind. The cases could be refiled after his second term, but Trump will not face continued court cases for the next four years. This also comes after the recent Supreme Court ruling that Donald Trump could not be investigated for any official acts taken in office. Both of these events reflect another failure of the American justice system in its ability to maintain transparency in government. The Supreme Court no longer works to deliver verdicts based on written law but is now swayed by political leanings and influence. The Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, is not unbiased. It has become a tool for Donald Trump to get away with any act he commits while in office, making him willing and able to bend rules when necessary and not worry about the consequences later on. When there is no accountability in politics, how can order be maintained?
Finally, one of the most important developments of the past few weeks is Trump’s discussion around the Department of Education. Trump has proposed a complete dismantling of the Department of Education to turn over control and regulation of school systems to the states. Alongside this change, Trump has pledged to remove programs promoting school diversity and cut federal funding for schools that fail to abide by the “American Way of Life.” He has also proposed reallocating public education funds on a student basis, allowing them to be used in private or homeschooling options. The proposed reallocation of public education funds will give students a broader range of schooling choices. Still, it could also create increased competition for private schools, raising the already high prices of private education. I also agree that the Department of Education needs to be rescued, but I don’t believe eliminating the entire department is the correct option. In dismantling the Department of Education and turning control of school systems over to the state, there emerges an increased risk for inequality of school systems between and within states. This could lead to less access to school programs and opportunities in low-income communities. I also do not completely agree with the idea of tax cuts for schools failing to abide by the “American Way of Life.” I believe it leads to a slippery slope of continued government oversight and restriction in national school systems.
Ultimately, these recent developments reflect what is known about the nature of a Trump presidency: controversy, radical change and promises often left unfulfilled. Only time will tell what happens regarding these developments when Trump officially enters the Oval Office in January.
Declan is a surviving biochemistry major at the University of Notre Dame. He is usually trying to figure out how to work the printer. Contact at dburke7@nd.edu.
