Trump's Pentagon and College Shakeup; DOGE Becomes Reality

Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/trumps-pentagon-and-college-shakeup-doge-becomes-reality/

US Politics

In the evolving landscape of U.S. politics, President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is making headlines with a series of proposals and appointments. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s positions on vaccines have reportedly stirred debate within the team. Kennedy has publicly advocated for informed consent regarding vaccine risks, and there are reports suggesting he may be seeking access to a CDC database to challenge the 1986 law protecting vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits. This has raised questions about his intentions and potential influence in Trump’s administration, especially given the involvement of Susie Wiles, whose consulting firm allegedly represents pharmaceutical interests.

Meanwhile, Trump’s draft executive order to establish a “warrior board” has reportedly raised concerns at the Pentagon. This board would evaluate and potentially remove senior military officers, bypassing traditional promotion systems. Critics fear this could lead to a military filled with Trump loyalists, echoing his previous calls to remove “woke generals.” The proposal aligns with Trump’s broader strategy to reshape military leadership, a move that has drawn both support and criticism.

In an effort to streamline government operations, Trump has appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This initiative, referred to as the “Manhattan Project” for government reform, aims to cut regulations and spending. Musk and Ramaswamy’s proposals, including a hypothetical 50% reduction in the federal workforce, have sparked debate about the feasibility and implications of such measures.

Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense has generated discussion. Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army veteran, is known for his advocacy for veterans and military meritocracy. While some question his qualifications, supporters highlight his military experience and alignment with Trump’s “America First” policy. This appointment is part of a broader reshuffle, including the selection of John Ratcliffe as CIA Director. Ratcliffe, a former director of national intelligence, is praised by Trump for his commitment to “Truth and Honesty.”

In the Senate, majority leader candidates have agreed to Trump’s demand for recess appointments, intended to expedite confirmations. This approach faces legal challenges, as the Supreme Court previously ruled against such appointments during pro forma sessions. The candidates’ support underscores the urgency Trump places on filling key positions swiftly.

The recent election has prompted reflection on its implications. In a recent discussion, Doug Casey and Michael Yon expressed both satisfaction and skepticism about the outcomes. Concerns about potential unrest and economic challenges persist, alongside debates on immigration and government spending. The Hispanic vote’s unexpected lean towards Trump and Kamala Harris’s political stance are also points of interest.

Finally, the Trump administration is reportedly considering taxing and confiscating university endowments found to engage in illegal discrimination under the guise of equity. This potential action could significantly impact higher education institutions, particularly those in the Ivy League, and is likened to historical moments of significant asset redistribution.

As these developments unfold, the political landscape remains dynamic, with Trump’s administration poised to implement changes across various sectors. The coming months will likely see continued debate and scrutiny as these proposals and appointments take shape.

Sources

Mixed Messages on Vaccines: Kennedy’s Conflicting Positions Stir Controversy in Trump Transition Team

Kennedy can float along for a while, with his two conflicting stories, and then unleash his real strategy—whatever it is—or he can clarify right now what the hell he wants.

Source (Paywalled) | Submitted by MrPug

Trump’s ‘Warrior Board’ Proposal Sparks Pentagon Concerns Over Military Leadership Purge

The draft order says it aims to establish a review that focuses ‘on leadership capability, strategic readiness, and commitment to military excellence,’ the Wall Street Journal reports.

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Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to Lead Trump’s “Manhattan Project” for Government Efficiency

“This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people,” Musk said on Tuesday in a statement provided by the Trump transition team.

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Trump Nominates Fox News Host and Bronze Star Veteran Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, Sparking Debate

America’s enemies are on notice – Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down.

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Trump Taps John Ratcliffe for CIA Director, Citing “Truth and Honesty” Credentials

“Warrior For Truth & Honesty” – Trump Names John Ratcliffe As CIA Director

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Senate Majority Leader Hopefuls Bow to Trump’s Recess Appointment Demand

Candidates for Senate majority leader have said they will honor President-elect Donald Trump’s request to make appointments when the Senate is in recess.

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Election Aftermath: Euphoria, Surprises, and the Looming Shadow of War

“Trump is the euphoria of the masses.”

Source | Submitted by rhollenb

U.S. Government Eyes University Endowments for Taxation and Confiscation in Equity Crackdown

He’s going to not only tax, but confiscate the endowments of every university that the Department of Justice finds has engaged in illegal discrimination under the guise of ‘equity’.

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You’re missing the point. If the Senate actually goes into recess he can then make all his appointments during that time. There will be no constitutional issue.

The problem is that the Senate has not officially recessed during holidays. Someone stays behind to keep bullship activity going.

The simple solution for the new administration is for the Senate to adjourn in observance of MLK day. It is a Federal holiday. It is also inauguration day. That would mean Trump could appoint anyone he wanted on his first half day in office. The Senate would not have to approve any of them.

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What Friedman didn’t predict is that once international corporations outgrow governments, they can become even more authoritarian. This has been evident in recent years, with corporate influence shaping policies in ways that sometimes bypass traditional democratic processes. Consider the Covid mandates, for example, where corporate and government interests seemed increasingly intertwined, raising questions about accountability and power.

The privatization of government property must be approached cautiously. History provides a stark warning: when communism collapsed in the Soviet bloc, public assets were sold off in a frenzy, often to private investors at a fraction of their true value. The result? The rapid creation of an oligarch class and a dramatic concentration of wealth. If we repeat such mistakes, we risk further exacerbating inequalities and empowering a new form of unchecked corporate elite.

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