Dysfunction by Design: Trumpism as Administrative Doctrine

Abstract

AbstractThe administration of President Donald Trump caused widespread damage to administrative capabilities of the American federal government. Actions of the administration can be attributed to several causes, including character weaknesses of the President himself, the disadvantages of a political insurgent, and the challenges faced by every president in an era of divided government. The actions of the administration also reflect a governing strategy we categorize as Trumpism. Important elements of Trumpism will continue to have political force in the coming years. Attempts by the Biden administration to restore administrative capabilities will be constrained by these political realities.Evidence for Practice Trumpism was a governing strategy that was associated with a distinctive approach toward the reconstruction of federal administrative capacities. Trumpism revived and reinvented old strands in American political thought, such as populism, conspiracism, isolationism, and white nationalism. Trumpism as an administrative doctrine included delegitimization of the public service, a politicized and personalized management of the executive branch, a demand for loyalty over competence among public servants, a blurring of roles between Trump and the office of the President, and a disregard for traditional forms of accountability. As a means of managing public services, Trumpism could be judged a failure. Mismanagement of the COVID pandemic likely cost Trump his re‐election. However, his attacks on public service itself drew broad support. While Trump is a unique political figure, elements of Trumpism will remain influential in American politics. Attempts to reconstruct and expand federal administrative capacities will be constrained by this political reality.