In December 2020, a significant article sparked renewed energy within the America First movement following the 2020 election. Rachel Bovard’s piece, titled “Too Few of the President’s Men,” highlighted the staffing issues that plagued Donald Trump’s first term. It pointed out why the administration was unable to accomplish many of its goals and discussed the challenges of filling key positions. This article resonated with many and even inspired new nonprofit organizations focused on these staffing concerns.
As Trump considered another run for the presidency, a crucial question emerged: had he learned that having the right people in place is essential for effective governance? It seems the answer is yes. Transition reports from Palm Beach, Florida hinted at significant changes on the horizon. On his first day back in office, Trump signed nearly 100 executive orders and appointed over 2,000 staff members, establishing a strong foothold in the federal government.
By January 20, around 1,300 presidential staffers were already on the job. The Presidential Personnel Office (PPO) continued to bolster the administration, hiring nearly 1,000 additional staffers for vital roles. This rapid hiring aims to diminish the influence of long-term career officials who may not align with the administration’s goals.
Sergio Gor, the director of the PPO, emphasized the importance of both speed and quality in staffing. He stated that they are focused on finding great people who can effectively execute the president’s agenda. The pace of hiring is unprecedented, and it appears that the right is making quicker progress in reshaping government institutions than many anticipated.
However, this advance is not without its challenges. Recent developments, such as Pete Hegseth’s decision to disband the Department of Defense’s Office of Net Assessment, indicate a strategic approach to restructuring. The office, previously led by James H. Baker, has been a fixture since 2015 but is now being reconstituted under the new administration.
The Senate, controlled by the GOP, has also played a crucial role in this transition. They have confirmed nearly all of Trump’s cabinet picks in record time, with only one remaining nominee pending. This swift confirmation process has allowed the administration to quickly assemble a team ready to implement its agenda.
John Thune, the Senate majority leader, noted that the aggressive confirmation schedule has forced Democrats to make concessions, speeding up the process significantly. He highlighted that the Senate has confirmed over 20 cabinet-level officials, surpassing the pace set by both Joe Biden and previous administrations.
This new phase for Trump reflects a marked difference from his first term. In 2016, Trump’s rapid innovations often left his future staff and congressional allies struggling to keep up. Now, with a decisive victory in 2024, the staff understands their mission is to support the president’s agenda fully. Republicans in Congress are also aligned with this goal, ready to codify the changes Trump aims to implement.
In summary, the Trump administration is moving swiftly to solidify its presence in Washington, learning from past experiences to ensure that the right personnel are in place to advance its agenda effectively.