Democrats Should Cut a Deal With Trump
Instead of revenge, the party should seek lasting reforms.
On Election Night, incoming Democratic House Oversight Committee Chairman Robert Garcia suggested investigating the "Trump Crime Family," urging constituents to "lawyer up." Instead, Democrats should seize the opportunity to capitalize on the cracks developing between President Trump and his party. Following their losses, Republicans see Trump as an obstacle.
Trump has shown little interest in GOP priorities beyond tax cuts, immigration, and Supreme Court appointments. Democrats should take advantage of this and pursue their legislative goals.
The Democrats should propose a deal with Trump, focusing on policy gains backed by broad public support, such as health-care reform, electoral reform, and measures to lower energy costs and break up monopolies in the health-care sector. They could also attempt to secure immigration reform. To entice Trump, Democrats could promise reforms that appeal to his self-image as a dealmaker and leader who can solve complex problems. In exchange, Democrats should curb investigations into Trump's family and associates.
Although this may not be easy, particularly after the White House counsel's claim that such investigations would be an "abuse of power," Democrats should seize the moment. They should also allow Trump to build monuments to himself, despite the cost to taxpayers. Democrats should focus on persuading Trump to sign legislation that will have a lasting impact. This strategy has proven effective in the past, as seen when Trump worked with Democratic leaders on a budget deal.
Such a deal with Trump could restore political norms and reverse the Trumpification of the American government. Democrats could pass new disclosure rules, limits on self-dealing, and guardrails on executive pardons and emergency powers, with these measures taking effect after Trump leaves office. While the idea of not pursuing justice against Trump and his family may be distasteful to some, the potential benefits in terms of transformative policy reforms outweigh the sacrifices involved.
Written by urgent.news from The Atlantic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
