In a recent analysis, Jim Holmes, a prominent figure in maritime strategy and a distinguished fellow at the Marine Corps University, draws parallels between Donald Trump’s governing style and the political philosophies of Niccolò Machiavelli. Holmes argues that Trump’s approach in his second term reflects a Machiavellian instinct, particularly in his efforts to dismantle the existing political order, often referred to as the "deep state."
Holmes’s insights come from his piece in The National Interest, where he discusses the significant changes Trump is implementing through executive orders and policy shifts. He posits that Trump embodies the ideas of Machiavelli and the political theories of James Burnham, who wrote about the "circulation of elites"—the concept that political power often shifts from one ruling class to another. This notion is particularly relevant as Trump seeks to replace the old ruling class with a new elite aligned with his vision for America.
According to Holmes, Trump’s first Machiavellian tactic is to introduce sweeping changes that have provoked strong resistance from established political entities. These stakeholders, including bureaucrats, Democrats, and some Republicans, have mounted a vigorous opposition to Trump’s agenda. Holmes describes Trump as a "counterrevolutionary," intent on overturning what he views as the failures of previous administrations and restoring a sense of national pride encapsulated in his "Make America Great Again" slogan.
The second Machiavellian insight Holmes highlights is Trump’s strategy of rapid action. He likens Trump to military leaders who strike decisively and swiftly to keep opponents off balance. Unlike his first term, Trump has quickly appointed loyalists to key positions and initiated new policies aimed at reversing the previous administration’s agenda. This aggressive approach, Holmes argues, would likely earn Machiavelli’s approval.
Holmes references Burnham’s work, particularly the idea that ruling classes use various means—both force and deception—to maintain their power. He points out that the prevailing myths of the old order, such as those surrounding "green energy" and "diversity and inclusion," are now under threat from Trump’s administration. This shift reflects a broader struggle for power among elites, which Burnham and other political theorists have long discussed.
Holmes concludes that Trump’s actions and the emergence of his administration represent a significant shift in the political landscape, as a new ruling class seeks to assert itself against the entrenched interests of the old order. The ongoing conflict between these groups is a vivid illustration of the principles articulated by Machiavelli and his intellectual successors, showcasing the dynamics of power and resistance in contemporary American politics.