Like many others, I’m still in a quandary after the election. While the media gushed over how Kamala Harris is a great candidate, her history said the opposite. The election confirmed what most already knew: she was awful.  

Of the seven battleground states, six also had high-profile senate races. Democrats won five out of the six, even though Trump swept those states. This outcome shows people were willing to split their ticket to vote for a Senate Democrat. Maybe some didn’t vote for Harris or Trump. It shows it wasn’t Democrats per se that people didn’t like; it was Kamala Harris. The question remains: why trade the declining Biden for the dead weight of the vice president?

It may surprise some, but Trump plans to fulfill his campaign promises. All the people he has appointed are loyal to him and his agenda. This realization inspires fear and joy, depending on where you stand on the issues. I’m experiencing one and the other.

In a nation where it is almost impossible to build, extract, or link anything in a reasonable time frame, streamlining government while reigning in regulations is light at the end of a long tunnel. I’ve stated that we have yet to learn what we could do here if we adopted business-friendly national policies. It’s now possible we’ll find out.

Will we step back from government-dictated solutions by recognizing problems and letting the market guide us to the most workable results? Climate change may be a problem, but are windmills, solar panels, and electric vehicles (EVs) the solutions?

As I’ve pointed out, our major tech companies are assessing their massive future power needs and are lining up nuclear power. Variable power, dependent on when the wind blows, or the sun shines, won’t work for these significant users. Should we commit trillions to stuff that doesn’t work well and few want? A fresh approach is warranted.

While it’s time to illuminate where government at all levels is more the problem than the solution, some of Trump’s programs could be counterproductive. Tariffs come to mind. If the president-elect uses the threat of high duties to obtain better terms with our trading partners, where we all reduce barriers, it could be a good thing. The national defense might require some protections. However, broad high tariffs will likely raise prices and start trade wars. Remember, Trump’s first-term tariff levies evies lowered our GDP.

The economic team has not been announced so far. Larry Kudlow, Steve Moore, Kevin Hassett, et al. of the largely successful first term appear to be gone. Whoever replaces them must contend with the growing pressures of financing our national debt. Trump favors tax cuts and low interest rates. No reductions in entitlements are on the table. The president-elect and his new team will face a bond market wanting higher rates as risk increases.

Even now, the Fed has cut short-term rates, but the 10-year. Treasury has moved in the opposite direction. Notice that mortgage rates have stayed high.

Pete Hegseth for Defence Secretary? It sounds strange; a weekend Fox & Friends host will run one of the most prominent organizations in the world. However, almost anyone would be an improvement; Lloyd Austin set such a low bar from Afghanistan to the present wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Hegseth might increase recruitment while not considered a great military strategist. Presently, the services haven’t met the numbers needed.

Attorney General Matt Gaetz, I don’t think so. Something else is at play here. Disliked by many Republicans, confirmation is a long shot.

The other appointments are primarily standard, with some generating controversy. What is clear is that Trump means to push for government changes. Government employees can’t sleep well these days. Already, we hear their cries.

A danger for the new administration is taking the Republican majorities in Congress for granted. Using presumed Presidential powers to circumvent Congress or pushing too hard for unpopular nominees may provoke a backlash. Never disrespect those whose votes you need; this is good advice for anyone. The Democrats learned this in this election.

Every president needs loyalty, but they also need some people to tell them they’re naked. Who in this group of appointees will fill that role?

I wish the new administration well; they’ll need it.