If I Were Trump

Here’s what I would do in my first two years if I were Trump.

First, I would create alliances with congress and make agreements with them that they can do whatever they want if they let me do whatever I want.

Then, I would start a concerted effort to scoop out the federal bureaucracy to remove those who might oppose my actions. I’d start by placing people opposed to the mission of the various agencies as the leader of those agencies. (He’s already done that.)

After the appointments, I’d probably hand the execution of those purges to Steve Bannon who will do it with glee.

I’d also work with the Ayn Rand Republicans in congress to pass a budget that slashes funding for most of the federal agencies to further shrink the bureaucracy through layoffs and attrition. That same budget would transfer much of those “cost savings” to the military budget, making the military my client.

Next, I’d use the FBI and the CIA to build compromising dossiers against any possible enemy in congress and the military.

I’d use whatever dirt I’d found to either oust or destroy the credibility of my enemies in congress and the military.

Once my inroads in the military were strong enough, I’d start replacing generals. Each new general would be picked specifically for their fealty to me.

In the mean time, I’d classify pretty much every action I take so the press can’t report on it. They’ll spend years and treasure on endless FOIA requests, unable to report on what I’m doing until it’s a fait accomplis. I’d also revoke the press credentials of the most potent news outlets, starting with the NYT, WaPo, etc. to further obfuscate my activities.

I’d get Bannon to set up a quasi-state news organization. This would be how I communicate my agenda to my followers. There would be no press conferences, but plenty of propaganda about what the White House is doing via this organization’s channels and my personal Twitter feed. 

In addition to my propaganda channels, I’d also use my twitter account to mobilize my private militia of “second-amendment people” to intimidate private citizens critical of me. Ultimately, I’d whip them into a frenzy strong enough to effect executions. These would be my brown shirts. They’ve been waiting their whole lives to answer this call.

You can see where this is going. It’s a pretty standard Machiavelli-style soft coup.

I don’t know if he’ll actually do these things or, if he tries, if he’ll succeed, but he’s already executing the playbook