Resistance is Futile
Author: Greg Valliere
February 5, 2025
STILL ANOTHER SIGNAL THAT DONALD TRUMP ENJOYS iron-fisted control in Washington — the remaining Cabinet nominees, even the controversial ones, appear headed to confirmation, which will free Trump to focus on geopolitical issues like Greenland.
THE TRUMP BLITZKRIEG, reshaping the very fabric of the government, has stunned the Democrats, who are still trying to figure out what happened in the election. As we often repeat, the Democrats have no stars and no agenda.
TRUMP AND ELON MUSK have adopted a strategy of unveiling so many controversial initiatives — sometimes two or three a day — that their foes can’t keep up. “Resistance is futile,” says a friend on Capitol Hill, repeating the classic Star Wars line.
A KEY DEVELOPMENT is this week’s sudden collapse of opposition to the Cabinet nominations. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears headed to confirmation, as are Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel.
TRUMP ENJOYS FANATIC SUPPORT from GOP members of Congress. The only serious opposition is internal, within the GOP — some Republicans are uneasy about tariffs and nation-building in the Mideast, but they largely hide their opposition, fearful of losing their next election if they defy Trump.
THAT HELPS TO EXPLAIN THE REACTION yesterday to ousting Palestinians from Gaza and developing the region into a Mediterranean ally. “It deserves consideration,” most Republicans said.
TRUMP IS SO POWERFUL HE EVEN HAS A CHANCE to cut a deal with Denmark for rights to Greenland’s shipping lanes and its rare minerals. Money will be no object there, or in the Panama Canal or Mexico, which could also cut a deal with Trump.
AT SOME POINT TRUMP WILL OVER-REACH, and he could get bogged down in a battle this spring over the budget and components of a tax bill. But that fight will be among Republicans; again, the passive Democrats are unlikely to be a big factor.
FOR NOW, I DON’T RECOMMEND BETTING AGAINST TRUMP: He’s a ruthless negotiator, willing to back down if necessary on issues like a Canadian trade deal (where Trump has left his calling card). The Democrats say they will litigate, but slow-moving lawsuits are no match for the Trump-Musk blitzkrieg.
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