Personnel is Policy: Defining Leadership in the Trump Administration

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Amidst ongoing divisions within the Republican Party, leadership has emerged as the defining characteristic of the Trump administration's strategy to navigate a complex political landscape.

At the core of this approach is the guiding principle that “personnel is policy.”

The choices made for key positions within the administration—and the leadership they exhibit—will ultimately shape the success or failure of Trump’s second term.

Trump Doubles Down: Mike Johnson as the House's Stabilizer

President-elect Donald Trump recently endorsed Mike Johnson (R-LA) to remain as House Speaker, a move that underscores the critical need for stable and unified leadership within the GOP.

On Sunday, Trump took to social media to express his unwavering support for Johnson, writing:

“The American people need IMMEDIATE relief from all of the destructive policies of the last Administration. Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man,”

Trump added that Johnson would “do the right thing” and lead the party to continued victories.

Facing backlash from some conservative factions over his handling of recent legislation to prevent a government shutdown without significant spending cuts, Johnson’s leadership was under scrutiny.

The recent GOP spending deal, which excluded provisions like raising the debt ceiling—a demand Trump had championed—revealed the fault lines within the party.

Vocal critics, including Rep. Thomas Massie(R-KY), have openly challenged Johnson’s leadership. However, Trump’s endorsement signals an effort to solidify the party’s leadership and avoid the disarray that followed Kevin McCarthy’s ouster as Speaker.

Johnson’s ability to unify the party and advance Trump’s policy agenda will likely define his tenure and the early days of the new administration.

Conservative leader Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform,  agrees…

“The most important thing that Trump can do, that the Republican Congress can do, is to get the Trump tax cuts made permanent ASAP.  Not a year from now, no delay.

“They need to get Speaker Johnson re-elected immediately on Vote One. Every day that that gets delayed – and last time around we had like 17 votes or something – you delay making the tax cuts permanent.

“And then second, to take the Trump tax cuts – not later, but first – take the spending cuts and the tax cuts, put them in one package. Get them out the door as soon as possible. Give Americans certainty.”

Susie Wiles: The Architect of Internal Discipline

While Johnson addresses challenges in Congress, Susie Wiles is setting the tone for the administration’s internal dynamics. Over the weekend, Wiles issued a memo to nominees requiring Senate confirmation, reinforcing the importance of discipline and focus.

Her directive—to avoid social media without prior approval— and that nobody speaks on behalf on the President-elect, is part of a broader strategy to minimize distractions and maintain a clear agenda.

Wiles wrote:

“While this instruction has been delivered previously, I am reiterating that no member of the incoming administration or Transition speaks for the United States or the President-elect himself. Accordingly, all intended nominees should refrain from any public social media posts without prior approval of the incoming White House counsel.”

Wiles’ leadership style reflects a pragmatic, results-oriented approach that prioritizes efficiency and professionalism. Her actions underscore the belief that personnel choices are not just about individual competence but also about their ability to execute the administration’s broader vision.

Discipline in Action: The Test Case of Pete Hegseth

One notable example of Wiles’ influence is Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense.

Facing a challenging confirmation process, Hegseth has embraced Wiles’ directive by stepping away from social media and concentrating on building relationships on Capitol Hill. This disciplined approach appears to be yielding results, as Hegseth has garnered support from key Democrats.

Hegseth’s actions highlight the potential of Wiles’ strategy to produce tangible results and demonstrate how personnel choices directly affect policy outcomes.

A Blueprint for Success

As the administration moves forward, its success will hinge on its ability to implement this leadership-driven, personnel-centric approach. If figures like Johnson and Hegseth can navigate their challenges effectively, it will set a precedent for the administration’s dealings with Congress and the nation.

Conversely, failures in discipline or strategy could undermine public confidence and embolden critics.

The Trump administration’s early actions highlight the transformative potential of strong leadership and the truth behind the adage that “personnel is policy.” Johnson’s efforts to unify the GOP and advance legislative priorities, combined with Wiles’ disciplined focus on internal efficiency, offer a blueprint for success.

By emphasizing order, accountability, and purpose, the administration has an opportunity to not only govern effectively but also redefine what leadership in Washington can achieve.

This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.