If you could describe all of what Donald Trump has done to American politics in one word, his overall persona, how he goes about achieving his goals, and who he picks to surround him, you would probably be inclined to choose something such as “unconventional,” or “eccentric.” Maybe if you’re critical of the President, the term “insane” comes to mind.
Donald Trump is a seemingly unmovable block of unconventional populism that aims to tear down the established political order in the United States. Some would argue this is good, and some would say it’s bad, but ultimately, he has been elected and plans to implement this agenda. He was very, very clear about what he wanted to do throughout the entirety of his campaign, and ultimately American voters woke up on Nov. 5 and decided to put the man back into office. The margin of victory is ultimately inconsequential, both Democrats and Republicans are duty-bound by their voters to enact policy they said they would enact. Trump is no exception to this rule.
However, some within the GOP are seemingly hastily and readily rejecting this duty to their voters. Many Senate Republicans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the choices Trump has come to for his cabinet members. This is a somewhat understandable position, given that many within the GOP are still quite partial to the establishment within Washington that has allowed some to retain their positions in DC for over thirty years. Their reluctance to confirm Trump’s Cabinet picks raises an obvious question: are these Senators putting the interests of their voters first, or are they prioritizing their own political survival within a system Trump aims to disrupt? While it’s reasonable to scrutinize the qualifications and ideologies of Cabinet nominees, outright obstructionism risks undermining the premise of our government.
The President, regardless of party, is entrusted by voters to lead and build a team that reflects their vision for the country. By electing Trump, the American people endorsed a platform of disruption, deregulation, and a return to what Trump frames as “America First” policies. His Cabinet selections, controversial as they may be, are consistent with these goals. To block these appointments not only stalls his administration, making it more ineffective and a waste of taxpayer money for all Americans but also invalidates the choice voters made at the ballot box.
Ultimately, Senate Republicans face a choice: cling to the old guard and risk alienating the party’s base, dooming their party forever and spitting in the face of American voters, or embrace the new reality of Trump-era politics and work toward enacting the agenda their constituents supported. Resistance for its own sake does little to serve the nation or the principles of our republic.
Whether one agrees with Trump’s policies or not, the President deserves the opportunity to govern with the team he has chosen. The American people demanded change, and that change begins with a Cabinet reflective of the President’s vision. Senate Republicans must honor their duty to the electorate by confirming Trump’s Cabinet. Anything less is a disservice to the nation.
