Understanding Trump's Presidency as a Mirror of Bad Governance

It is often argued, albeit exceedingly rare, that Donald Trump's presidency reflected a model of good governance and a well-functioning bureaucracy. However, examining the actions and policies of his administration through the lens of scholarly works such as Francis Fukuyama's Political Order and Political Decay and Mort Halpern and Priscilla Clapp's Bureaucratic Politics and Foreign Policy, it becomes evident that his tenure was the antithesis of these ideals. A prime example of this can be seen in the implementation of the Muslim ban policy, an instance where the lack of proper legal and administrative frameworks resulted in chaos and ineffectiveness.

Implementing the Muslim Ban: The Mirage of Good Governance

One of the hallmark policies of the Trump administration was the travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries. This policy was initially announced with little to no established legal and administrative procedures, creating a chaotic and disconnected framework for its implementation. As detailed in the second volume of Francis Fukuyama’s Political Order and Political Decay, effective governance requires the establishment of a set of institutional rules and procedures to ensure that policies are implemented smoothly and without major disruptions. The Muslim ban policy, however, lacked such fundamental structures, leading to its constant editing, multiple legal challenges, and significant disruptions at airports.

The courts repeatedly struck down the policy, further illustrating the absence of a properly functioning legal and administrative apparatus. The constant revisions and loopholes identified by judicial scrutiny stifled the intent of the policy and allowed for ongoing resistance from both lawyers and civil society organizations. These entities were instrumental in limiting the impact of the policy and causing irritation among the frontline bureaucrats responsible for its execution. The disruptions and legal challenges undermined the effectiveness of the policy and set the stage for further political conflicts, notably in states with significant Democratic control such as New York and California.

A Mirror Image of Corrupt Governance

The implementation of the Muslim ban policy serves as a textbook example of what political scientist Francis Fukuyama might have called "bad governance." His work focuses on the importance of proper institutional frameworks and rule adherence to ensure effective governance. Trump's presidency, on the other hand, was characterized by a lack of these essential structures, resulting in a chaotic and governless environment.

Moreover, the impeachment process and subsequent legal actions against the Trump administration highlight further instances of poor governance and potential corruption. The Bureaucratic Politics and Foreign Policy by Mort Halpern and Priscilla Clapp discuss the importance of bureaucratic integrity and adherence to established procedures. Yet, under Trump, the administration failed to uphold these standards, leading to a series of missteps and controversies that eroded public trust and the effectiveness of government operations.

Crucial Lessons in Good Governance and Political Order

Francis Fukuyama's work emphasizes the crucial role of political order, which is the set of institutional structures and rules that ensure stability and effective governance. Trump's presidency, however, demonstrates the breakdown of these essential frameworks. His administration was marked by cronyism, corruption, and a lack of commitment to the rule of law, creating a chaotic and unpredictable political environment.

This analysis is not merely theoretical; it has profound implications for the current and future governance of the United States. The Muslim ban policy, for example, illustrates the importance of robust legal and administrative systems in ensuring that policies are implemented effectively and without significant disruptions. The lack of such structures under Trump's administration led to confusion, legal challenges, and the failure of the policy to achieve its intended goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Donald Trump's presidency serves as a stark example of what good governance and a well-functioning bureaucracy should not be. The implementation of the Muslim ban policy, in particular, stands out as a case study in the failure of proper legal, administrative, and bureaucratic procedures. For anyone seeking a model of effective governance and political order, Trump's presidency provides a cautionary tale rather than a blueprint for success.