I am beginning this “normalization watch” on the
premise that having a “normal” presidency is less likely for Donald Trump,
someone who has never been a politician or public official, has no prior policy
interests or expertise, and has been operating a substantial business while a
presidential candidate. Evidence is
indeed accumulating that constituting a normal presidency may be quite
difficult, even from the outset, for President-elect Trump. There are a number of articles now on his
enormous conflict of interest problems: two of the most informative are here and here. Trump apparently does not want
to divest himself of ownership of any of his businesses, yet ownership (not
management, as he apparently thinks) is the essence of the problem. In addition, he is clearly having trouble
assembling a foreign policy team. If
Trump is forced to employ second and third string policy professionals to
staff the White House and State Department, this may well weaken the
presidency in national security matters, contrary to the expectations of many.