Argentina was a 20th-century economic powerhouse, considered too modern and successful to fail. A series of incompetent government leaders and disastrous policies led to an economic downfall now sounding remarkably prophetic for the U.S.
To stimulate growth Argentina blocked imports (tariffs) causing an export crisis. Frequently changing regulations created economic chaos quashing business confidence. In the 80’s, a DOGE-like “shock program” instigated sudden, sweeping reform — stopping government subsidies, privatizing state-owned industries and lowering government spending. Increased centralization of capital (oligarchy) and privatization of economic sectors diminished the middle class. After decades of failed leadership, military coups, inflation and stagnation, Argentina is starting a mild rebound.
Incompetence on a national level has long-term effects. Appointing seasoned, knowledgeable, educated, committed, ethical professionals experienced at leading large, complex organizations is imperative. The Trump Cabinet should give us pause.
Trump’s first pick for attorney general, Matt Gaetz, was dropped after viable accusations of his having paid for sex with minors. Trump’s second nominee, Pam Bondi, refused to join a lawsuit against him after Trump donated to her campaign. The Leadership Council on Civil and Human Rights opposed her nomination, and she may soon be held for criminal contempt for defying court orders. A law degree does not guarantee ethical behavior and the attorney general is charged with upholding the nation’s rule of law, not defying it.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth served in the National Guard. He “left” Concerned Veterans of America after allegations of mismanagement and alcoholism, followed by several highly publicized events of public drunkenness and sexual misconduct. Ten years working for Fox News resulted in more allegations and lawsuits. His broadcast of classified attack plans (Signalgate) potentially put American soldiers’ lives at risk. Military training does not guarantee honorable behavior and, more importantly, Hegseth is failing to manage an organization critical to American safety.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, charged with overseeing children’s education, has no educational experience but is a former professional wrestling promoter. She and her husband founded Titan Sports and both were named in a 2024 lawsuit as defendants accused of negligence in a “ring boy” scandal, and for nurturing an environment of sexual abuse within World Wrestling Entertainment.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an environmental lawyer, convicted felon (heroin possession) after 14 years of heroin use and has no medical expertise. Over 17,000 medical doctors with the Committee to Protect Health Care, as well as 75 Nobel Laureates urged Congress to oppose Kennedy’s nomination saying he is a danger to national healthcare. They are being proven correct.
Secretary for Homeland Security Kristi Noem has government experience, but other than supporting suspension of refugee programs and Muslim travel bans she has no experience in law enforcement or public security. Under her watch, people are being illegally deported to El Salvadoran prisons with no due process — in direct conflict with the Constitution — while she poses for photo-ops in front of prisoners jailed in abhorrent conditions.
DOGE czar Elon Musk was neither nominated or appointed by the Senate — another direct conflict with the Constitution that mandates Senate approval of government officials with broad authority. Thankfully, he’s diminishing his government service after taking a chainsaw to several departments critical to America’s well-being.
In his book, “The Fifth Risk,” author Michael Lewis asks “what are the consequences of people given control over our government who have no idea how it works?” Written during Trump’s first term, the book highlights the looming disaster of willfully ignorant, unqualified and uninformed appointees who undermine and subvert the value of people who’ve dedicated entire careers to public service. A competent government needs leaders with ethical standards, relevant expertise, and capacity to manage large organizations who inspire respect and loyalty. Coerced loyalty is a sign of failed leadership.
Our three branches of government ensure checks and balances to uphold democracy and deter dictatorship. We are in dangerous territory. It may take decades to recover socially and economically from a chaotic, incompetent executive branch willfully ignoring the Constitution and rule of law. America’s future is at stake and it’s time for the two other pillars of democracy — our Congress and judiciary — to stand up.
• Deborah Craig is a Juneau resident retired from public service who describes herself as an independent, fiscal conservative and social liberal.
