Why Trump Deserves Credit as a Coalition Builder

Author

Bubba
10 Dec

President-elect Trump’s most recognizable political traits might be his brashness and willingness to lay into his political opponents, but don’t underestimate his ability to build a big tent. (NYT)

The latest: Trump has apparently set aside his feud with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, his bitter rival from the GOP presidential primary.

  • The president-elect is reportedly considering DeSantis as a replacement for his original defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth, who is facing allegations of sexual misconduct.

  • Trump has also invited the Florida governor to the Army-Navy game this weekend, which would mark the second time this month the two appeared together.

There’s more: Trump’s embrace of one-time former primary opponent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expanded his base of support.

  • His recent Cabinet and staff picks cater to a wide range of political tastes: for the establishment, there’s Doug Burgum at the Interior, FBI Director nominee Kash Patel offers red meat for the base and, of course, there are anti-establishment options like Tulsi Gabbard (Director of National Intelligence) and RFK Jr. (Health and Human Services secretary).

  • Trump’s also done an admirable job bringing less explicitly political groups — Silicon Valley tech bros and podcast fans — into the “MAGA” fold.

The results: Trump’s inclusive approach likely contributed to him picking up ground with virtually every demographic in the 2024 election.

Bubba’s Two Cents

There’s no denying Trump can be petty and a loudmouth. But he’s also shown real savvy in building up the Republican coalition — whether it’s burying the hatchet with former rivals like DeSantis (ensuring intraparty conflicts don’t distract or weaken the GOP) or broadening support by welcoming interest groups without a home (RFK Jr. supporters). Contrast that with Kamala Harris’ approach — the vice president reportedly snubbed RFK’s attempts to meet and turned down an appearance on the mega-popular “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast because her progressive staffers thought it would be too icky.