A wall of screens, files on the table: a special room has been set up at Mar-a-Lago, in Donald Trump’s residence in Florida, to form his next government as quickly as possible. Banker Howard Lutnick is leading the recruitment on behalf of Trump, in coordination with Susie Wiles, who will lead Donald Trump’s cabinet in the White House after his inauguration as president on January 20, 2025. Their goal: the promise of a radical break with the government. past, launching an offensive against the federal state and placing loyalists at the head of strategic departments and agencies. The way power is exercised, the scope of government, and the U.S.’s reputation could be upended, disrupting decades of bipartisan institutional culture.

The selection criteria are classic in the Trumpist world. First, loyalty to the leader. Secondly, television presence and thirdly, ideological compatibility. Much more than just competence, these were the three points that played in favor of the new Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, whose appointment was announced on Tuesday, November 12. This Princeton-based Army National Guard veteran is best known as a weekend anchor for the conservative Fox News channel. In March, this passionate Christian, whose arms are covered in tattoos representing his faith, America and its weapons, hosted a live prayer service. Many Republican congressional leaders gasped at the news of Trump’s choice.

The author of The war against warriorsa book about the penetration of “wokism” and the supposed ravages of diversity in the military – which has become a favorite theme in the Trumpist world – Hegseth has no expertise in military affairs, security issues or current crises involving the Pentagon is. He opposes the promotion of women in the military to combat positions. It’s a staggering appointment for him.

Cleaning up in sight

Hegseth’s book “exposes the left’s betrayal of our warriors and how we must return our military to meritocracy, lethality, accountability and excellence,” Trump said in a statement on Tuesday about the appointment. According to the Wall Street JournalThe Trump team is reportedly working on a draft executive order to establish a disciplinary board, outside the Pentagon, to identify Army generals who lack the right skills. “required leadership qualities.” The targeted executives would be forced to retire. Purification promised, purification in sight.

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