Donald Trump

Benjamin Haddad, research fellow at Hudson Institute in Washington D.C., reviews Wess Mitchell’s nomination for Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian affairs. According to Haddad, as U.S. President Donald Trump struggles to appoint leaders to his administration, Wess Mitchell, who awaits the U.S. Senate’s confirmation, could be a wise choice.

After the audacity of hope, the rage of hopelessness has thus propelled Donald Trump to the White House. In a tamed but still tragic repetition of history, the economic crisis of 2008 has eventually produced its eventual political outcome, embodied in a farcical show-businessman who proudly cultivates contempt for the liberal institutions of Washington while supporting the authoritarian politics of Moscow. The consequences of this Trump moment will be profound for America, they may be even more crucial for Europe. That American elections are a global phenomenon is not new. But for the first time since World War II, an overtly nationalist, proud protectionist and self declared neo-isolationist will become the leader of the free world.

The announcement of Mike Pence as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s running mate on July 15 was decidedly lackluster, if not downright awkward. Far from his normal persona of self-assurance to the point of hubris, Trump seemed uncomfortable and even nervous throughout, shifting plans and issuing contradictory statements in the days leading up to his running mate’s finalization.

As Pence’s name began to circulate last week, Trump signaled his malaise by insisting that the leaks were not a “final, final decision,” revealing his inability to confidently stick to Pence. Trump cancelled his first joint event with Pence scheduled for Friday, citing a desire to pay tribute to the victims of the attack in Nice, France the day prior; regardless, Trump drew attention back to himself and announced his choice on Friday evening anyway, via Twitter. Insiders reported that Trump sought assurance from advisors that Pence was the man for the job, even as Trump’s campaign fielded a last-minute appeal from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

The selection of Pence represents Trump committing himself to the Republican Party and its unification. Alliance building is Trump’s strategy, but drawing in Republicans is risky as it requires shunning others. A polarizing candidate is what Trump feels his campaign needs but comes with the unease of sacrificing his ability to say or do whatever he pleases, Trump’s characteristic trademark.