Donald Trump, Uncertainty, and His Leadership Style

Donald Trump is a man beloved by his supporters and loathed by his critics.  Where supporters speculate on the success of his Presidency based largely on his “greatness” and critics foresee the apocalypse based on the controversies he tends to inspire, the truth is that no one can know whether US President Donald Trump will be a success or failure.  What makes it particularly difficult to predict Trump’s fortune is his tendency to be unpredictable when it comes to changing his positions and views. 
 
In regards to trade and diplomatic relations, the uncertainty Trump inspires offers the US leverage: President Trump is always prepared to walk away from a deal he finds disagreeable.  On the other hand, the uncertainty generated by Mr. Trump makes people nervous, which tends to lead to problems.  Although the specific policies and actions of the Trump Administration cannot be predicted, understanding the motivation and objectives behind Mr. Trump’s approach to governance can offer clarity and help foster constructive engagement with the Trump Administration.

In “Why We Want You To Be Rich,” which Trump coauthored with “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” author Robert Kiyosaki, Mr. Trump advocated for the poor and Middle Class to grow their incomes in order to keep pace with economic growth.  This work highlights Mr. Trump’s passion for helping people succeed.  In this particular work, Mr. Kiyosaki’s tended to be the one who offered and communicated critical ideas; whereas, Mr. Trump endorsed and supplemented the thinking of Mr. Kiyosaki.  This highlights the fact that President Trump is best suited to lead by capitalizing on the innovative thinking of others, which is how he succeeded as a businessman.  As such, who President Trump chooses to be in his Administration offers insights. 
 
Based on his selection of many affluent Right-wing figures, it appears Mr. Trump might be abandoning his pledge to clean up Washington in favor of shifting political control from the Left under the Obama Administration to the wealthy Right.  He is, however, also illuminating behind-the-scenes influence that poisons government. Secretary of Education-pick Betsy DeVos, for example, funds her own think tank while Trump’s choice for Deputy Secretary of Commerce Todd Ricketts is the co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, but he and his family fund their own political action committees.
 
Under normal circumstances, these figures and their influence on government remain hidden from public view. Because Trump’s nominees for key posts must be approved by Congress and face the scrutiny of a Press, which absolutely dislikes Donald Trump, the simple fact that someone might be considered for a post forces the names and agendas of clandestine political players into the spotlight.   Ultimately, this means the American People are able to learn more about those who seek to control America’s political system without public scrutiny, which empowers the American People to engage this figures and challenge their ideas in public debate. 
 
If the Press and Congress do their job, many of Trump’s more questionable picks will be filtered out then he will be forced to nominate more acceptable figures.  By picking tested and predictable officials, the uncertainty that Donald Trump creates will be mitigated.  After all, Presidents do tend to be strongly influence by their advisers, so Mr. Trump hires will determine how he governs.  When it comes to the US government in particular, the professional nature of the US political industry tends to compensate for the faulted leadership of elected officials.  The kind of uncertainty seen from Donald Trump will, therefore, originate from how much he decides to actively engage issues and public policy priorities.  Aspects Mr. Trump neglects will, in turn, be business-as-usual.