Trump’s Appointment Pace & DoD’s Audit Failure | 11.18.24
In this episode of Morning Wire, the discussion examines President Trump's unprecedented pace of cabinet appointments, signaling a united Republican push for his MAGA agenda on issues like domestic energy production. However, some picks, such as Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, face resistance amid ethics probes.
The episode also explores the challenges faced by legacy media outlets following the 2022 election, with plummeting ratings and public trust. Steps to regain viewership, such as diversifying coverage, are addressed. Additionally, the Department of Defense's persistent audit failures and efforts to reform financial management through Trump's "Doge" efficiency task force are examined.
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1-Page Summary
Trump's Cabinet and Republican Unity
President-elect Trump is assembling his cabinet at a record pace, with 12 appointments in the first 12 days. His picks, such as fracking executive Chris Wright as Energy Secretary and Doug Burgum as Interior and energy czar, signal a united Republican party intent on pursuing Trump's MAGA agenda of energy independence and increased domestic oil production.
Matt Gaetz's nomination as Attorney General faces resistance, however. GOP senators want to see the outcome of ethics investigations into allegations against Gaetz before confirming him, a source of rift with Trump's base who champions the pick.
Media Struggles After Trump's Win
The 2022 election dealt a major blow to legacy outlets like MSNBC and CNN, with dramatic ratings drops of 54% and 36% respectively post-election. This decline reflects waning public trust in traditional media, reported at an all-time low. By contrast, alternative sources like Joe Rogan's podcast showing an audience of 38 million for a Trump interview demonstrate the shift in viewership.
Recognizing the need for change, media executives like Jeff Bezos admit legacy outlets typically cater to "elite" audiences. Steps are being taken to diversify coverage, including LA Times overhauling its liberal-leaning board and ABC seeking a Trump supporter for "The View."
Pentagon Audit Issues and Planned Reforms
Despite a $824 billion budget, Prestigiacomo reports the Department of Defense (DOD) failed its 7th consecutive audit, unable to fully account for spending. While DOD CFO McCord remains optimistic about achieving a clean audit by 2028, as mandated, calls for reform over wasteful spending like $14,000 toilet seats are growing.
The incoming Trump administration's "Doge" efficiency task force, led by Vivek Ramaswamy, pledges to tackle the DOD's financial management issues, an agenda signaled by Ramaswamy's warning "Doge is coming." However, DOD leadership prioritizes maintaining continuity over drastic reforms during the audit process.
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Counterarguments
- The speed of assembling a cabinet does not necessarily equate to the quality or effectiveness of the cabinet members.
- A united Republican party on energy may not reflect the diversity of opinions within the party on environmental and climate change issues.
- The resistance to Matt Gaetz's nomination could be seen as a positive sign of due diligence and ethical standards within the GOP, rather than a rift.
- The decline in ratings for legacy media outlets could be part of a broader trend affecting all traditional media, not just those perceived as liberal or anti-Trump.
- The increase in viewership for alternative media sources like Joe Rogan's podcast could be attributed to a variety of factors, including the novelty and diversity of content, rather than a direct commentary on the state of traditional media.
- Efforts by media executives to diversify coverage and cater to broader audiences could be seen as a strategic business decision rather than a genuine commitment to balanced reporting.
- The DOD's failure to pass an audit could be symptomatic of systemic issues that are complex and not easily resolved by a single task force or initiative.
- The focus on specific instances of wasteful spending, such as the $14,000 toilet seats, may oversimplify the challenges of managing a budget as large as the DOD's.
- Prioritizing continuity over drastic reforms in the DOD could be a prudent approach to ensure stability and security, especially in a department as critical as defense.
Actionables
- You can enhance your media literacy by comparing coverage of current events across different news sources, including both traditional and alternative media, to identify biases and develop a more nuanced understanding of the information presented.
- Start by selecting a current event and then read or watch reports from various media outlets, noting the differences in how the story is presented. This could involve comparing an article from a traditional news source like CNN with a segment from an alternative media source like a podcast. Pay attention to the language used, the facts highlighted, and the perspectives given airtime. This exercise will help you discern the diversity in reporting and the potential influence on public opinion.
- You can engage in civic participation by writing to your local representatives about your concerns regarding government spending and the need for financial accountability.
- Research the budget allocations for different departments and identify areas where you believe spending could be more transparent or efficient. Draft a letter or email to your representatives outlining your concerns and suggesting that they support or initiate reforms to address these issues. By voicing your opinion, you contribute to the democratic process and can influence policy decisions.
- You can foster energy awareness by tracking your personal or household energy consumption and exploring ways to reduce it, reflecting the broader national conversation on energy independence.
- Use a simple energy tracking app or manually log your daily energy usage, including electricity, gas, and water. Set goals to reduce your consumption, such as lowering your thermostat by a few degrees in the winter or using energy-efficient appliances. Share your experience and tips with friends and family to encourage a community-wide effort towards energy conservation. This personal initiative mirrors the larger goal of reducing reliance on external energy sources and promotes sustainable living.
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Trump's cabinet appointments and the changing Republican party
President-elect Trump is moving quickly to assemble his cabinet, appointing members dedicated to his MAGA agenda and signifying a united Republican party ready to support his vision.
President-elect Trump is appointing cabinet members at a record-setting pace, filling key positions with individuals committed to his MAGA agenda.
Trump has made 12 cabinet appointments in the first 12 days since winning the election, a pace unprecedented in modern history.
In an unprecedented flurry of activity, Trump has made 12 cabinet appointments in his first 12 days as President-elect. This rapid pace of nominations is unmatched in modern political history.
Trump's cabinet picks reflect a united Republican party that is fully behind his vision, in contrast to the skepticism and in-fighting that characterized his first term.
The selection of cabinet members signals a shift from the skepticism and internal discord that marked Trump's first term in office, showcasing a Republican party that now seems firmly aligned with his leadership and objectives.
Notable recent cabinet appointments include North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Interior Secretary and energy czar, and fracking executive Chris Wright as Energy Secretary.
These appointments signal Trump's plan to aggressively pursue energy independence and increased domestic oil production.
Trump's appointments of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Interior Secretary and energy czar, along with fracking executive Chris Wright as Energy Secretary, are clear indicators of his intention to pursue energy independence vigorously and increase domestic oil production, aligning with his "drill baby drill" approach.
The appointment of 27-year-old Caroline Levitt as White House Press Secretary will make her the youngest person to ever hold that position.
Adding to the unique composition of his cabinet, Trump has appointed Caroline Levitt, who at 27 years of age, will become the youngest White House Press Secretary in history.
The nomination of Congressman Matt Gaetz for Attorn ...
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Trump's cabinet appointments and the changing Republican party
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The rapid pace of cabinet appointments may not allow for thorough vetting and consideration of each candidate's qualifications and potential conflicts of interest.
- A united Republican party in support of Trump's vision may not reflect the diversity of opinions within the party or account for dissenting voices concerned with the direction of his policies.
- Aggressive pursuit of energy independence and increased domestic oil production could have negative environmental impacts and may not align with global efforts to combat climate change.
- While having the youngest White House Press Secretary in history is notable, age alone does not necessarily equate to qualification or preparedness for the role.
- Resistance from Republican senators regarding Matt Gaetz's n ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your political literacy by tracking cabinet appointments and their policy implications using a simple spreadsheet. Create columns for each appointee's name, position, policy focus, and any notable controversies or support. This will help you understand the potential direction of government policy and its impact on areas like energy independence or legal reforms.
- Develop a habit of critical media consumption by comparing different news sources on the same political event, such as Gaetz's nomination. Note the language used, the information highlighted, and the perspectives presented. This practice can sharpen your ability to discern biases and build a more nuanced understanding of political dynamics.
- Engage in community discussions by start ...
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The turmoil in the legacy media industry following Trump's victory
The 2022 election has led to significant challenges for legacy media outlets like MSNBC and CNN, with concerns about their future and the credibility of traditional news media as a whole.
The 2022 election has dealt a major blow to the ratings and credibility of legacy media outlets like MSNBC and CNN.
MSNBC and CNN experience dramatic declines
The ratings for MSNBC and CNN have plummeted since the 2022 election. MSNBC experienced a 54% drop in primetime ratings, prompting its parent company Comcast to contemplate selling the network. This drastic fall in viewership demonstrates the volatility of audience engagement for the network. The substantial viewership decline at CNN is similarly stark, where the network has lost 36% since the election. Reports indicate that this has led to CNN planning widespread layoffs, potentially affecting their highest paid stars, signaling a crisis of viewership and financial stability.
The public's declining trust in the media and the rise of alternative news sources
Trust at an all-time low and alternative sources rise
The public's trust in the media is waning, reportedly at an all-time low. This growing distrust in traditional media coverage alongside the increased popularity of alternative news sources such as podcasts and social media platforms contribute to the struggles legacy outlets are facing. For example, Joe Rogan's podcast has demonstrated this shift robustly, with one Trump interview reaching an estimated 38 million viewers juxtaposed with the 6.3 million who watched Vice President Harris’s interview with CNN and the 3 million for their Trump town hall.
Call for change among executives
Media executives, too, are recognizing the need for change. Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos has penned an op-ed acknowledging that their usu ...
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The turmoil in the legacy media industry following Trump's victory
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The decline in ratings for MSNBC and CNN could be part of a broader industry trend affecting all cable news, not just these networks, and may not solely be a result of the 2022 election.
- Ratings often fluctuate due to various factors, including news cycles, and may not necessarily reflect long-term credibility or viability of the media outlets.
- The assertion that the public's trust in the media is at an all-time low may need to be contextualized with historical data on media trust levels.
- The rise of alternative news sources does not inherently mean that these sources are more balanced; they may also exhibit biases and may not always adhere to journalistic standards.
- The popularity of figures like Joe Rogan could be attributed to entertainment value or celebrity rather than a direct comparison to traditional news media.
- Efforts by media executives to diversify perspectives could be seen as a positive step towards balance rather than a sign of weakness or a reactionary move.
- The shift in editorial stance by outlets like the Los Angeles Times could b ...
Actionables
- Diversify your news sources by creating a personalized news feed that includes independent journalists, local news outlets, and international perspectives to get a well-rounded view of current events.
- By curating a mix of sources, you can challenge your own biases and gain a broader understanding of the news. Use apps or websites that aggregate content from various publishers, and actively seek out reporters and commentators who offer different viewpoints from the mainstream media.
- Engage in conversations with people who have different media consumption habits to understand their perspectives and discover new content.
- This can be as simple as asking friends or family members what they read, watch, or listen to and why they trust those sources. It's a chance to learn about alternative media platforms that others find valuable and to see how diverse media diets influence opinions and knowledge.
- Start a media lite ...
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The ongoing issues with the Department of Defense's financial audits and the plans for reform under the new administration
The Department of Defense (DOD) continues to face scrutiny over financial accountability after failing its seventh consecutive annual audit.
The Department of Defense has failed its 7th consecutive annual audit, unable to fully account for its $824 billion budget.
Amanda Prestigiacomo reports that the DOD, with its substantial $824 billion budget, has yet again failed to provide enough information to pass a federal audit. Undersecretary and CFO Michael McCord has not labeled the latest audit as a "failure" but acknowledges that only half of the DOD’s reporting entities have received clean opinions. Despite this setback, McCord remains optimistic about achieving a clean audit by 2028, a goal outlined in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
Increasing demands for Pentagon accountability and reform
In light of the audit difficulties, there have been growing calls for reform and increased accountability at the Pentagon. Senator Grassley released a press statement regarding a bill that he believes could help address wasteful spending within the DOD, such as the noted $14,000 toilet seats and misplacement of entire warehouses of parts.
McCord has voiced the need for internal reform and exploring various solutions to the persistent audit problems. However, he also stresses the importance of maintaining continuity within the department, as sudden and significant shifts might jeopardize existing progress.
The incoming Trump administration's "Doge" government efficiency task force pledges to tackle the DOD's financial management challenges.
Vive ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The ongoing issues with the Department of Defense's financial audits and the plans for reform under the new administration
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The goal of achieving a clean audit by 2028 may be overly optimistic given the DOD's track record of failing audits for seven consecutive years.
- While internal reform is necessary, the DOD's focus on continuity could be seen as resistance to the level of change needed to address the deep-rooted issues in financial management.
- Senator Grassley's bill and calls for reform might not address the systemic issues within the DOD that contribute to wasteful spending and may require a more comprehensive approach.
- The "Doge" task force's approach to tackling the DOD's financial management challenges may not be sufficiently informed by the complexities of defense spending and could benefit from a more nuanced understanding of the DOD's operations.
- The emphasis on maintaining continuity within the DOD might hinder the adoption of innovative practices that could lead to more effective financial management and accountability.
- The administration's aim for the DOD to pass its audit by 2028 could be criticized for not setting more immediate milestones to ensure progress is being made in the short term.
- Vivek Ramaswamy's leadership of the "Doge" task for ...
Actionables
- You can track your personal or household budget with the same rigor as a government audit to understand and improve your financial health. Start by categorizing all your expenses and income streams, then review them monthly to identify any discrepancies or areas where you can cut costs. This mirrors the thoroughness of an audit and can help you become more accountable for your spending.
- Encourage transparency and accountability in organizations you're part of by suggesting the implementation of a 'clean audit' goal. If you're involved in a community group, a non-profit, or a small business, propose setting a target date to achieve a clean financial review. This initiative can foster a culture of financial responsibility and could lead to more efficient use of funds within the organization.
- Advocate for financial literacy in your community by organi ...
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