New York Times Columnist Asks for Support for Trump Presidency
'Never Trump conservative' boldly asks critics to think more positively
Voters and citizens who doubt or distrust President-elect Donald Trump and his cabinet choices — would be best served giving the incoming administration the benefit of the doubt, says New York Times conservative columnist and NBC News senior contributor, Bret Stephens.
The journalist, who has been known to label himself a "Never Trump conservative," wrote in mid-December that critics on the right can "drop the heavy moralizing and incessant doomsaying that typified so much of the Never Trump movement."
Stephens column, "Done With Never Trump," offered a strong suggestion for the January 2025 transition of power for those people who loudly oppose the return the new president and his plans and decision making.
"So here's a thought for Trump's perennial critics, including those of us on the right,” Stephens wrote.
“Let's enter the new year by wishing the new administration well, by giving some of Trump's cabinet picks the benefit of the doubt, by dropping the lurid historical comparisons to past dictators, by not sounding paranoid about the ever-looming end of democracy, by hoping for the best and knowing that we need to fight the wrongs that are real and not merely what we fear, that whatever happens, this too shall pass. Enjoy the holidays."
Pointed, clear and dangerous communication. Is it sound counsel or off base?
“My initial reaction is that end of the year can be an important time to reset expectations and give grace for the coming year ahead but among the 75,017,312 voters who voted for Vice President Harris, it still might be too soon after only two months,” says Jeff Le, vice president of global government affairs and public policy at cybersecurity ratings company SecurityScorecard.
He speculates as to what their thinking might involve.
“Key areas of climate change, immigration and healthcare access remain top areas of focus for President-elect Trump and with non-traditional nominees for key cabinet positions, personnel is policy and these voters probably are still waiting to see if there are decisions that would be contrary to their initial concerns,” Le says.
While he has confidence that the direction the government will move will be positive, he understands the uncertainty or anxiety and believes that could have been addressed and communicated in Stephen’s writing.
“There are still areas that enjoy bipartisan support,” Le says, “and Mr. Stephens would benefit from highlighting these more.”
Stephen’s suggestions are presented as an acceptance of our shared experience, realizing we don’t control at least some of what is going to happen and a call to an end of what he sees as overreacting to outsized anger or fear.
“Mr. Stephens is right that we as everyday citizens only control so much,” Le says. “That said, the incoming Trump Administration, while wielding considerable power, also face checks and balances.
“Even with a Republican-controlled Senate and House, majorities are narrow and the considerations of 435 congressmembers and 100 U.S. Senators range wildly.”
There is another layer to consider, he adds.
“State and local governments as well play a key role in dialogue and discussion in the public policy process. They can have opposing policy positions, different funding priorities and work to support other key government services,” Le says.
“Everyday people have elected representatives at all levels of government and they do control the opportunity to make their voice heard beyond the Federal Executive Branch.”
He offers his own suggestion.
“I would encourage Americans to not tune out,” Le advises, “and stay educated where they can on pertinent matters that affect our country.”
Le intellectually views the beginning of the Trump administration, 2025, by talking about a common talking point in recent times.
“The transfer of power is such an important sign of our democracy,” he says. ”The handover to the new administration and a newly-sworn-in Congress represents a new debate that will go right into policy priorities and actions for the first 100 days.
“This represents the aspect of ‘elections having consequences.’ Many of the initial actions will be rescinding President Biden Executive Orders and efforts to differentiate from the past administration will be noted in style and substance.”
Being that Le’s professional focus is on emerging technology, AI and cybersecurity, he has ideas of what may be coming through the new leadership.
“I expect there to be aggressive action in the cybersecurity space against foreign, malicious actors like the People's Republic of China, North Korea and Iran,” Le forecasts, “especially after the recent (Chinese) Salt Typhoon hack where the PRC infiltrated the entire U.S. telecommunications system for spying.”
The nation’s safety and strength regarding AI are national priorities to follow.
“There will be considerable energy focused on bolstering America's technological ecosystem and amplifying investments, while streamlining red tape and bureaucracy that challenge growing companies,” Le states.
NEXT in Communication Intelligence this week: The type of criticism that you will and won’t consider
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