The surprising trend shaking up the Trump administration

The reports suggesting the demise of the GOP establishment have been exaggerated. President Donald Trump, now in his second term, has surrounded himself with staunch ideologues, personal loyalists, and recent converts to his cause. However, some establishment figures have maintained crucial roles within the administration, with their influence growing as they win internal battles and shape Trump’s policies in their preferred direction.

For example, Scott Bessent, a finance expert with ties to Wall Street, persuaded Trump to pause certain tariffs and has taken the lead in trade negotiations, sidelining hardliners like Peter Navarro. Marco Rubio, a traditional GOP hawk appointed as secretary of state, has also seen his influence rise, securing key foreign policy roles within the administration.

Contrary to the prevailing trend favoring hardliners in areas such as immigration and culture wars, there is a balancing act in economic and foreign policy spheres, with different factions vying for Trump’s approval. While Trump occasionally embraces disruption and drama, he turns to establishment figures like Rubio and Bessent to restore order when things get chaotic.

The dynamics seen in Trump’s current administration represent a departure from his first term, where resistance from the establishment was more pronounced. Despite facing challenges, figures like Rubio and Bessent have learned to navigate Trump’s decision-making process and influence policy outcomes effectively.

In foreign policy, Rubio has positioned himself as a team player, aligning with Trump on issues like immigration and maintaining a cooperative stance with the president on matters concerning Ukraine and Russia. While the establishment has managed to exert some influence on Trump’s decisions, a complete victory over the administration’s “full MAGA” agenda remains elusive.