The Return of Donald Trump: A Reflection on Leadership and Authority
Donald Trump is making a significant return to the White House, and while this development may not alter the views of his most ardent critics, it should prompt them to engage in some self-reflection. The outcome of this election illustrates that his opponents lost just as much as Mr. Trump triumphed.
This election was far from a conventional face-off between candidates of opposing parties. Instead, it presented a stark choice for voters: align with Mr. Trump or side with a broad coalition of figures that included not only the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, but also prominent Republicans such as Liz Cheney, esteemed military leaders like General Mark Milley and General John Kelly (a former chief of staff), as well as vocal members of the intelligence community and acclaimed economists recognized with Nobel Prizes.
When framed in this manner, the presidential contest can be viewed through the lens of “creative destruction,” a concept in economics that illustrates how old structures are dismantled to make way for new ones. While his opponents express concerns that Mr. Trump could undermine the very foundations of American democracy, his supporters perceive their votes as an endorsement to oust a failing leadership class and to reform the nation’s institutions with a new set of standards that prioritize the needs of American citizens.
Mr. Trump’s victory serves as a public declaration of discontent with the leadership and institutions that have shaped American life since the conclusion of the Cold War three and a half decades ago. The symbolism is evident: in the 2016 election, Mr. Trump faced off against a Bush in the Republican primaries and a Clinton in the general election. This time, he triumphed over a coalition that included Liz Cheney and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney.
Those who interpret Mr. Trump’s rise as a profound repudiation of the current conventions in Washington are indeed accurate. He resembles an atheist boldly challenging the doctrines of a church: the true challenge he poses lies not merely in his actions but in the fundamental questioning of the beliefs that underpin authoritative power. Mr. Trump has illuminated the reality that the political orthodoxies of our nation are failing, and as a result, leaders across all sectors—both public and private—who have built their authority on unwavering adherence to these outdated norms now find themselves increasingly vulnerable.
