Washington, D.C. - November 15, 2024, marked the beginning of what many might describe as an unprecedented political maneuvering phase for the soon-to-be President Donald Trump. Just days after his decisive victory over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris on November 5, Trump swiftly began filling positions for his Cabinet and senior staff, launching what some commentators are calling his "dizzying post-election week".
The president-elect has made notable selections, including the nomination of Doug Burgum, who formerly ran against him, as Secretary of the Interior. Burgum’s new role will encompass responsibilities over more than 245 million acres of public land and complex relationships with Native American tribes. Trump characterized this appointment as part of his grand blueprint for "U.S. Energy Dominance," promising to set up a National Energy Council with Burgum at its forefront.
Within just ten days post-election, Trump has managed to name around half of his expected nominees for the 15 executive departments, all the more impressive when considering the contrasting silence from the opposition as they regroup from the election’s fallout. Many of Trump’s picks have raised eyebrows, particularly appointing individuals with controversial pasts, like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, someone infamous for spreading vaccine misinformation, and former Representative Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, just hours after his resignation amid personal ethics violations.
Critics have vocally raised concerns about the potential repercussions of such appointments, especially since Trump's new roster includes individuals who not only have history with controversies but also have been embroiled in investigations; for example, Gaetz's alleged involvement in sex trafficking. Many lawmakers stress the importance of thorough vetting, questioning whether these appointments will divert the country from pressing health and safety agendas.
Meanwhile, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) has initiated a contentious scheme aiming to boost voter turnout for the upcoming December 9 presidential elections by offering $100 gift cards to Inuit beneficiaries who participate at polling stations. This radical approach is seen as necessary to counteract historically low voter turnout, which dipped to below 20% for recent elections. NTI plans to allocate $2 million, hoping to motivate as many eligible voters as possible.
“We’re aiming for something to genuinely encourage our community to engage politically,” said Ivaluarjuk Merritt, spokesperson for NTI, indicating the hope to synergize community benefits with civic participation. Applying unconventional methods to political engagement is not new; recent prior attempts, including the Hamlet of Arviat’s COVID-19 vaccine lottery, have sparked ethical debates surrounding efficacy versus revenue generation for indigenous organizations.
Criticism surfaced from some corners, labeling the voucher approach as "undemocratic". Notably, former MP Peter Ittinuar expressed concerns over the ethics of influencing voting behavior through financial incentives, fearing it could lead to the perception of "buying votes." Contrasting this stance, other candidates support incentives as part of engagement strategy to rebuild trust.
While proponents argue this approach could restore civic pride and participation, the backdrop of mistrust some Inuit feel toward NTI adds complex layers to the situation. Polarization exists between two narratives: one indicating participation fatigue or disillusionment and another emphasizing practical support to rejuvenate political engagement. The NTI’s board hopes the new initiative could create legitimacy for its operations going forward, especially since the stakes are high for those wanting to see change at the leadership level, mirroring the fervor surrounding Trump’s appointments.
Back to the national political scene, challenges persist as Trump will need Senate approval for his Cabinet picks. The process is sure to ignite fierce debates and scrutiny over his nominations, primarily around the ideological leanings and qualifications of his chosen officials. Some observers remain skeptical about how Trump's past controversies might collide with his new role, particularly how they could impact inter-party relations and governance.
Trump's oscillation between dismissive remarks and serious proclamations during his initial post-election period reveals the recurrent theme of his administration's intense focus on loyalty, not just to the party but to his personal brand as well. Many Republicans and observers anticipate this phase of swift appointments may very well lay out the groundwork for the Trump administration's public policy direction and execution.
This dynamic atmosphere highlights the deep-seated political cleavages exposed by the recent elections, with some hoping for new beginnings and others preparing for possible confrontation and upheaval within the political spectrum. The weight of public scrutiny and pressure from both his allies and critics alike may end up defining not just the early days of this new administration but also how effectively Trump can govern.
Election results aside, the intertwining of provincial efforts with national electoral politics raises questions about method and morality across the spectrum. New tactics emerge on various fronts, with the collective outcome of these strategies yet to be seen as communities engage, or disengage, from what continues to be turbulent political waters.
