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When President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in on January 20, 2021, he will inherit many of the problems of Donald Trump’s tenure. Although a covid-19 vaccine may be ready for initial use at this time, the pandemic will continue to be a problem for the country with the most infections (10 million) and deaths in the world (238,000).
According to Bloomberg, Biden needs to start building a modern, expertly run civil service and bring talent back to the executive branch. In total, there are five things the president-elect must do to “rebuild” the government and America after four years of Donald Trump.
1. Empower scientists
On November 9, the president-elect announced the creation of a council of experts on the novel coronavirus, made up of doctors, infectious disease experts and former federal public health officials. Raising scientific voices, Biden sent an important signal of change.
Among all the shortcomings of the Trump administration in handling the pandemic, we point out the weakening of the government scientists, namely Anthony Fauci, one of the leading infectious disease specialists in the US.
White House officials lobbied the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration to influence public health guidelines and expedite trials and the vaccine approval rate.
Trump challenged medical professionals and released false information about tests, covid-19 death rates, and alleged “cures” for the disease. This increased distrust and credibility in science and public health, which in turn makes it even more difficult to defeat the pandemic. In this sense, Biden has to re-train scientists.
2. Report career professionals
Trump’s effort to discredit, marginalize and remove career professionals has been effective. During the first year of his administration alone, the attrition rate among members of the Superior Executive Service – the most experienced government officials – increased by 82%. Compared to previous presidents, Trump has installed a large number of his candidates in leadership positions at key agencies, at the expense of qualified public officials.
In the US Department of State, all positions of assistant secretary of state are currently held by current officials or political candidates; more than half of embassies are occupied by political appointees rather than career diplomats, almost double the average rate of previous administrations. In addition to undermining staff morale, Trump’s trust in loyalists has caused institutional instability. Biden needs to reverse this trend.
3. Leave the file watchdogs do your job
Among the initial decisions facing the new president is the investigation of his predecessor. Regardless of how Biden chooses to handle the allegations against Trump, he must take steps to enforce the rules on financial disclosure and transparency. And that includes defining and strengthening the White House’s proper role in relation to federal agencies.
The new administration needs to make it clear that it will be subject to close congressional oversight e watchdogs (guardians) inside and outside the government. It is possible to sign legislation backed by Congressional Democrats that expands whistleblower protection for federal workers and protects them from reprisals.
4. Modernize the government
The federal government of 2 million has grown slightly under Trump, but only 6% of workers are under the age of 30, while 44% are 50 or older. A third of workers will be able to retire in 2023, and the number is double for senior executive service members.
According to Bloomberg, government can be modernized, for example, by expanding internship programs, recruiting on college campuses, attracting young talent through agencies, etc. The challenges faced by the new administration require systemic organizational change. Addressing emerging threats effectively requires a diverse and more agile workforce that reflects the country’s diversity.
5. Gather the world
The more complex rebuilding work Biden expects is what he has focused much of his campaign on: repairing America’s global image and bringing together countries with like interests to unite to solve common challenges. But the international outlook will be very different from four years ago.
Trump’s hostility to multilateral organizations and contempt for traditional alliances have left the United States more isolated and less influential. To cope with the escalating geopolitical conflict, the threat of nuclear proliferation and the emergence of a more assertive China, the United States will need to strengthen its relations around the world. However, even among America’s allies, any collateral Biden gives will be treated with caution after the volatility of the Trump years.
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