If the first hundred days of a new presidency are critical to setting priorities and getting key issues addressed. It is informative to look at what Trump is initially focusing on. While he stated what he would do, seeing how he did it offered even more information. For example, he did say he would pardon the patriots who tried to overthrow the government on Jan 6, but few thought he would pardon everyone, including those who had assaulted police. So what does that tell us that we didn't already know? A clear statement that no matter what you do, as long as you do what Trump wants, he will protect you. The perfect message is you want members of you administration to ignore the law, and just do as you say.
With that established, firing inspector generals in almost all the government departments reinforces the message. Curiously many of those IGs were hired by Trump's previous time in office, but four years of adherence to the law under the Biden administration means a new set is required.
While some of Trumps EOs are unconstitutional and illegal, it will take time to reverse them. Meanwhile Trump' has sent the message to his administration to not worry about breaking the law, he'll pardon you no matter what. And by the way with the IG's gone, illegal actions may not come to light anyway.
Will our institutions withstand this approach? We'll find out.
With that established, firing inspector generals in almost all the government departments reinforces the message. Curiously many of those IGs were hired by Trump's previous time in office, but four years of adherence to the law under the Biden administration means a new set is required.
While some of Trumps EOs are unconstitutional and illegal, it will take time to reverse them. Meanwhile Trump' has sent the message to his administration to not worry about breaking the law, he'll pardon you no matter what. And by the way with the IG's gone, illegal actions may not come to light anyway.
Will our institutions withstand this approach? We'll find out.