David Brooks highlights the remarkable energy and assertiveness of the Trump administration, likening its vigor to a supercar in contrast to its seemingly passive opponents. Trump’s administration operates with a revolutionary zeal, driven by a desire for power and a disdain for the establishment, seeking to impose its will on the nation. Brooks argues that this initiative forces opponents into a reactive stance, destabilizing their plans and overwhelming them with unexpected challenges. The piece questions whether America’s institutional defenders can muster the morale, clarity of purpose, and strategic acumen to counter this audacity. Brooks emphasizes that Trump's lack of prudence, while a strength, also leads to risky and self-destructive actions, suggesting that his opponents should focus on creating friction and defending America's historical accomplishments instead of complacency or passive resistance.

David Brooks admires the Trump administration's high energy and initiative, comparing it to a 1,000 horsepower supercar that outpaces its opponents, reminiscent of Franklin D. Roosevelt's dynamic early presidency.

Trump's administration is characterized by a bold and audacious approach, driven by powerful desires such as resentment and a quest for retribution, which is contrasted with the perceived passivity of America's established leadership.

This administration is seen as a revolutionary vanguard, seizing control with decisiveness and clarity of purpose, similar to historical movements like the Bolsheviks or Mao's Communist Party, which lacked superior resources but thrived on boldness.

Brooks argues that Trump's opponents are often unprepared and forced into a defensive mode, as Trump's constant initiatives create a sense of disorientation and challenge their ability to respond effectively.

The article questions whether the defenders of America's institutions possess the necessary morale, purpose, and strategy to counter the Trump administration's aggressive tactics, emphasizing the importance of defending democratic values and historical accomplishments.

Trump's greatest strength—his initiative—is also his greatest weakness, as his reckless behavior leads to global risks and self-destructive actions, requiring his opponents to maximize friction and challenges to disrupt his plans.

Brooks suggests that Trump's opponents should focus on creating strategic obstacles and defending the achievements of American history, rather than relying on traditional rhetoric or waiting passively for him to falter.