The American Republican Party, whose symbolic color is red, has taken control of the White House and both houses of Congress, thus creating a political situation known as the red trifecta.

President-elect Donald Trump has a political power base that makes it easier for him to make appointments and pursue the policies he wants. The problem is how he will use this power.

The Republican Party regained a majority in the 100-seat Senate and retained its majority in the 435-seat House of Representatives. Congress controls budget development and legislation, and the Senate has the power to approve treaties and the appointment of top government officials.

Trump is trying to fill key positions in his new administration with those close to him. During his first term, he placed prominent politicians and military figures in key positions, but replaced them several times due to conflicts with them. This time it’s obvious that he chooses people based on their loyalty rather than their skills and experience.

Matt Gaetz, the nominee for attorney general, is known as a hard-line conservative loyal to Trump and has suggested retaliation against political opponents involved in the prosecution of Trump. He also allegedly had sexual relations with a minor.

Trump plans to nominate vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

If Trump, who has acquired immense power, spirals out of control, will his administration and his many yes-men be able to stop him? We can’t help but have concerns.

Given that some Republicans are reportedly questioning his nominations, Trump is willing to resort to suspended nominations that would bypass the Senate confirmation process. However, he should refrain from adopting an authoritarian approach that could be perceived as an abuse of power.

What will have a particularly significant impact on Japan and the world are the foreign and security policies of the new administration.

Senator Marco Rubio, who will be named secretary of state and leader of American foreign policy, is known for having adopted one of the hardest lines against China in Congress. He took the initiative to draw up sanctions against China, citing the suppression of human rights of ethnic minorities as the reason. He himself was sanctioned by the Chinese government and banned from entering the country.

If relations between the two major powers, the United States and China, become excessively tense, Japan’s security environment will inevitably deteriorate. Japan should urge both countries to exercise restraint and improve relations.

Still, Trump is unlikely to change his emphasis on his “America First” stance and making “deals.” It is essential to pursue Japan’s national interests based on the premises of Trump’s policies.

One way to do this would be to make the new administration aware of the value of alliances and international cooperation. This could, for example, lead Japan to consider options that would also contribute to its own energy security, such as increasing imports of liquefied natural gas from the United States or strengthening its cooperation framework with other country.

(From the Yomiuri Shimbun, November 21, 2024)