Trump Is Only Hiring “Loyal” National Security Council Staff

Trump administration’s loyalty-based vetting for National Security Council staff raises concerns about expertise loss and national security implications.

After what happened last time, why would people be surprised that he wants people who won’t try him to get locked up for crimes he didn’t commit?

At a Glance

  • Trump’s team questioning NSC civil servants about political loyalties
  • Mike Waltz plans to remove all nonpolitical appointees from NSC by Inauguration Day
  • Potential loss of expertise and institutional knowledge at critical time for U.S. foreign policy

Trump Administration’s New Approach to NSC Staffing

The incoming Trump administration is implementing a significant change in the staffing process for the White House National Security Council (NSC). Officials are now questioning civil servants about their political loyalties, including voting history and social media activity. This unprecedented move has led to some nonpolitical employees starting to pack up, despite earlier indications they would remain in their positions.

That sounds…like a good thing.

Mike Waltz, Trump’s pick for National Security Adviser, has announced plans to remove all nonpolitical appointees and career intelligence officials from the NSC by Inauguration Day. This decision marks a stark departure from the traditional practice of carrying over experts from one administration to the next, regardless of party changes.

Potential Impact on National Security

The removal of experienced staff from the NSC could lead to a significant loss of expertise and institutional knowledge at a critical time for U.S. foreign policy – but could also make Trump’s team more streamlines. Current national security adviser Jake Sullivan has advocated for retaining career government employees at the NSC during the transition, highlighting the importance of continuity in national security matters.

“Given everything going on in the world, making sure you have in place a team that is up to speed, and, you know, ready to continue serving at 12:01, 12:02, 12:03 p.m. on the 20th is really important,” Jake Sullivan said.

He would, of course, say that. He doesn’t want people loyal to him to leave.

The NSC staff being questioned are subject matter experts from various federal agencies on temporary duty. Their potential removal raises concerns about the administration’s ability to effectively handle complex national security issues.

Loyalty-Based Vetting Process

The vetting of civil servants began recently, with some being questioned by Trump appointees who had previously asked them to stay. This process has raised eyebrows among observers who worry about the potential politicization of national security roles.

A Trump transition official defended the approach, stating it is appropriate to seek officials who share the president’s vision. However, critics argue that this loyalty-based vetting could compromise the objectivity and expertise necessary for effective national security decision-making.