The actions of Trump and his cabinet picks thus far suggests a deliberate dismantling of American influence. Undermining the State Department would fit into that picture.
Empirically, Trump's actions have already cost the US. I've seen no credible evidence that he has a working plan even for long term benefit to compensate for those costs.
A thoughtful piece on this issue. Interesting takes throughout.
The actions of Trump and his cabinet picks thus far suggests a deliberate dismantling of American influence. Undermining the State Department would fit into that picture.
https://ivodaalder.substack.com/p/present-at-the-destruction
Empirically, Trump's actions have already cost the US. I've seen no credible evidence that he has a working plan even for long term benefit to compensate for those costs.
https://www.thebulwark.com/p/america-first-is-a-lie-a76
https://www.theconcis.com/p/the-beginning-of-the-end-of-american
https://dgardner.substack.com/p/what-trump-is-costing-america
https://dgardner.substack.com/p/what-trump-is-costing-america-part
https://beefeaterresearch.substack.com/p/canada-turns-east-in-response-to
https://barrygander.substack.com/p/trumps-great-tariff-wall-shafts-americans
It is useful to remember that even if you think that Trump is an authoritarian, not every idea or action is harmful.
The proof will be in the pudding. It may be that real reform needs are just excuses to fire staff and cut resources because diplomacy is for suckers