Unlike the concentrated Deep State “Resistance” that marred President-elect Donald Trump’s first term in office, Democratic leaders are quickly falling into line with the upcoming Trump administration.
While some far-Left have vowed to do everything in their power in the next four years to undermine Trump, many elected Democrats are starting to publicly admit what was unthinkable in 2016: They support many of the upcoming Trump administration’s early moves.
Rep. Dean Phillips, D-M.N., who ran an unsuccessful primary against President Joe Biden has come forward to say he’s open to allying with Trump and his team — and would consider joining the upcoming administration if asked.
“If there is a job that could help the country and that my skillset would be useful for, anybody should consider that,” Phillips said when asking about working under Trump.
“If I’m called on to help improve efficiencies and allocate dollars better to go further, of course. Who wouldn’t want to do that?” he later affirmed.
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-C.A. — who spent the first Trump administration leading Democratic Party investigations into the then-45th president — admitted recently that he is “strongly inclined” to support some of Trump’s cabinet picks.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-P.A., came forward to say he was “a fan” of some of Trump’s incoming cabinet and would “enthusiastically vote yes” to confirm others.
This follows longtime Democratic insider Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s acceptance of the Health and Human Services secretary nomination, marking the first time two former opposition party presidential candidates could serve in a Cabinet.
Of course, not all the Democrats are on board. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-I.L., called Fox News host and decorated combat veteran Pete Hegseth “unqualified” for Defense Secretary, noting, “He never commanded a company, let alone battalions, brigades or whole armies.”
Trump is considering using the voter mandate of his election to overrule remaining Democratic Party resistance, and instead push some cabinet nominees through with recess appointments
“This is a constitutionally available tool,” Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-T.N., told ABC News. “What we want to see is Democrats cooperate with us. But if the resistance movement gets as heavy as it was… We need to put a team in place around him.”
The unprecedented level of selective Democratic support — combined with some strong opposition to certain nominees — suggests the next four years will be filled with complex once Trump returns to the White House.
But the 45th (and 47th) president seems uniquely equipped to win this time around.