Donald Trump.Image Credit Source: PTI
Donald Trump has begun preparations to take office as president of the United States after winning the elections. During this time, he is also building a new team of his advisors and ministers. There are some names on Trump’s team that have a very different identity. This is where former congresswoman and Democrat Tulsi Gabbard stands out, who has been appointed Director of National Intelligence of the United States. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and social networks
These three have raised strong questions about US secret agencies such as the CIA, FBI and other government institutions, leading to speculation that their appointment may bring important changes in the functioning of the US government. Let’s look at some of his statements that he has made publicly about American institutions.
- Elon Musk: Emphasis on transparency and independence from government
Elon Musk is known for his clear and controversial statements. He has often made harsh comments about the working style of the American government, bureaucracy and intelligence agencies.
- November 2022: Musk made some posts after acquiring Twitter, alleging that social media platforms are controlled by secret agencies and run according to a specific agenda. He said that the shadow of the deep state dominates social networks and the media. His statement shows the government’s concern for transparency and freedom of citizens.
- February 2023: Musk accused the CIA of unnecessarily interfering in US foreign policy. He said that the CIA exists to be able to interfere in the sovereignty of other countries and we have to change this. Musk believes that the United States should not interfere in the affairs of other countries while pursuing its internal interests.
- May 2024: In an interview, Musk questioned the policy of the Federal Bank and said that the banking system should be reformed so that its burden does not fall on the common man. He considers that government agencies are far from being transparent and look after the interests of certain sectors more than the interests of the common citizen.
- Tulsi Gabbard: a tough voice against the deep state
Tulsi Gabbard is a former congresswoman from Hawaii and former member of the Democratic Party. Tulsi has also expressed her strong opinion on the functioning of the CIA and other American institutions.
- September 2019: During the presidential election campaign, Tulsi accused the CIA of working according to its own agenda and interfering in the affairs of foreign governments rather than the interests of the American people. His statement shows his distrust of US intelligence agencies.
- October 2020: Tulsi criticized US policies such as the Patriot Act and said these policies are being used to suppress civil liberties. He said the powers of the Deep State are ignoring the United States Constitution. He believes that agencies like the CIA are abusing their authority and need to be controlled.
- January 2024: Tulsi again raised questions about the transparency and accountability of US intelligence agencies. He said the United States needs to introduce such reforms in its domestic and international policies, which can bring transparency in the functioning of the government and reduce foreign interference.
- Vivek Ramaswami: Firm stance on role of US intelligence agencies
Vivek Ramaswamy is a young businessman and political analyst who has openly questioned American institutions.
- June 2023: Vivek said on a talk show that the CIA, FBI and other institutions are working as a secret power, not accountable to the public. Ramaswamy believes that US agencies are a threat to the democratic structure and their policies have harmful effects both inside and outside the country.
- September 2023: Vivek questioned the CIA’s role in US foreign policy and said the US should stay away from overthrowing regimes and spreading instability in other countries. According to him, this policy damages the image of the United States and is detrimental in the long term.
- February 2024: In an interview, Vivek suggested that there should be comprehensive reforms in US intelligence agencies so that these institutions work in the public interest. He said we have to motivate American institutions to work in real national interest by distancing them from their hidden agenda.
Let us understand what responsibilities Donald Trump, who will be president again, has given to this trinity of his and what kind of reaction is occurring to these appointments in the corridors of American power.
- Tulsi Gabbard: new responsibility as head of intelligence
- Former Hawaiian congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard had recently broken ties with Democrats and had openly supported Trump’s election. He has now been named head of US intelligence agencies. Tulsi Gabbard will now take charge of coordinating 18 intelligence agencies as Director of National Intelligence.
- Gabbard has long been a staunch critic of American interventionist policies. Their ideology is considered quite different from traditional American politics. He has previously made comments favoring Russia and other U.S. adversaries, indicating he may look at the functioning of intelligence agencies in a new light.
Main functions:
- Ensure coordination of the 18 US intelligence agencies.
- Focus on reducing US international interventionist policies
- Implement reforms to achieve greater transparency and accountability in the intelligence apparatus.
Reactions:
- There are mixed reactions from those in power regarding Tulsi’s appointment. His supporters believe that Tulsi can provide a fair and balanced intelligence policy, which can change the American interventionist image. At the same time, critics are concerned that his past statements, especially his pro-Russian views, could destabilize US security policy.
- Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy: Training and leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency
Trump has named Tesla CEO Elon Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy as heads of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on his new team. This department was created with the objective of reforming the American administrative structure and its purpose is to eliminate government bureaucracy, cut unnecessary regulations, eliminate non-essential expenses and emphasize the reorganization of federal agencies.
Main functions:
- Simplify government rules and bureaucratic processes
- Implement strategies to reduce government expenses
- Develop a plan for the reorganization of federal agencies to improve administrative efficiency.
Reactions:
- Regarding the acquisition of this responsibility by Musk and Ramaswamy, various reactions are emerging from people associated with politics in the United States. His supporters believe that Musk’s new and revolutionary thinking and Ramaswami’s economic approach can bring about the necessary reforms in the administration. At the same time, opponents believe that this measure may bring instability in the government structure and some important government processes may be affected.
- Will Trump’s new team transform America?
The bigger question is whether Trump’s new team will bring real change to American policies after coming to power. However, analysts believe his true test will be after he comes to power. The power of the Deep State, which has deep penetration into the US administration, will not weaken so soon. It will be interesting to see to what extent Trump’s team is able to implement his ideas.
If this team can implement its principles, then it is possible that the United States’ foreign policies will change and stay away from policies such as spreading instability in other countries. On the other hand, if these leaders also have to succumb to the pressure of power, the traditional interventionist stance of the United States will continue.
Some old American political experts worry that the independent approach of these three in carrying out such enormous responsibilities could lead to instability in the administrative structure. Some critics also believe that forming a new department in such haste and implementing these ideologies may become a challenge to the security and global reputation of the United States.
- America’s global role will be affected by Trump’s team!
To what extent will the change in US foreign policy depend on the decisions of the new Trump team? Will the United States now avoid regime changes or interventionist policies in other countries? Agencies like the CIA have long been famous for their coups and espionage activities around the world.
Vivek Ramaswamy and Tulsi Gabbard say that due to these policies of the United States, the image of the United States has been damaged around the world and needs to be changed. According to him, the United States should create an ideal image on the world stage and avoid interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. If this happens, we may see many changes in geopolitical equations, including America’s dominance in the world.
The most important thing is that after starting work, these new Trump commanders either stick to their words or, under the pressure of power, are also forced to follow the old methods. Those who closely follow American power believe that the political structure of the United States and the powerful pressure groups present there are not going to accept any type of change so soon.