By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Donald Trump’s first term was marred by a staggering number of ethical scandals, including several Cabinet officials being referred to the Department of Justice for potential criminal investigations. Despite this unprecedented level of corruption, the DOJ chose not to pursue charges against any of them. Trump has now chosen to bring back several of these figures, including Robert Wilkie, the former Veterans Affairs secretary who was accused of discrediting a female veteran who said she had been sexually assaulted at a VA facility. Trump’s decision to rehire these figures, alongside others like Stephen Miller and Tom Homan, who were architects of the family separation policy at the border, indicates that his second term will likely be just as extreme and chaotic as his first.
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The hope that Trump’s second term would see a shift towards a more ethical and competent administration seems to have been dashed within a week of the election. It’s not just that he’s repeating the pattern of his first term, but rather, the situation appears to be worsening. Many of the questionable figures who served in his first cabinet have distanced themselves from him this time around, leaving him to pick from a pool of even more extreme and unqualified individuals.
The fear is that these new appointees will be driven by blind loyalty to Trump and a warped understanding of American values, prioritizing his personal agenda over the Constitution and the wellbeing of the nation. Their motivation will be to serve Trump, not the country, and they will be likely to be easily manipulated, mirroring the behavior of figures like Putin’s inner circle.
This is a scenario that should be terrifying, and it is not difficult to see the potential for immense damage. There’s a genuine concern that the country could see a further erosion of its democratic institutions, a deepening of the political divide, and the prioritization of personal gain over the common good.
The disappointment and outrage are palpable, but it’s important to remember that this is not simply a matter of a few individuals with questionable morals. It’s a reflection of the deeply ingrained political and social divisions within the country. The choice of Trump and his brand of politics is not just a personal preference, but a symptom of a larger cultural malaise.
While the situation looks grim, it’s important to remain engaged and hopeful. The potential for positive change still exists. The upcoming elections, particularly the House races, provide an opportunity to push back against the rising tide of extremism and to ensure some degree of accountability for the actions of the Trump administration.
This is not a time to despair. It’s a time to channel our energy into fighting for what we believe in and to work towards a future where democracy, ethical leadership, and the common good are valued above all else.