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Shift in White House National Security Council Staffing Raises Concerns
WASHINGTON (AP) — With the transition to a new Trump administration underway, there are reports of incoming officials scrutinizing career civil servants employed at the White House, particularly those within the National Security Council (NSC). Officials are inquiring about employees’ voting choices in the 2024 election, political donations, and even social media activity that could be deemed problematic by President-elect Donald Trump’s team, according to a U.S. official familiar with the situation.
Many non-political staff members have started to gather their personal effects after being questioned about their allegiance to Trump, contradicting earlier reassurances that they would continue in their roles at the NSC under the new administration, as noted by the source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.
The incoming national security adviser, Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, has expressed intentions to comprehensively overhaul the NSC staff by Inauguration Day, aiming to fill the council with individuals who are aligned with Trump’s political objectives.
The Implications of Staffing Changes
A complete reshuffling of foreign policy and national security personnel on the first day of the new presidency could lead to a significant loss of expertise within Trump’s team, particularly during a time when the U.S. confronts pressing international challenges, including issues in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East. This atmosphere of uncertainty may also discourage newly appointed policy experts from voicing dissenting opinions or raising concerns about strategic decisions.
Current NSC national security adviser Jake Sullivan has advocated for the retention of career government staff during the initial phases of the forthcoming Trump administration. “With the ongoing global developments, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable team ready to maintain continuity from 12:01 p.m. on January 20,” Sullivan stated.
The staff being evaluated for their loyalty are primarily subject matter experts temporarily assigned to the NSC from various federal agencies, such as the State Department, FBI, and CIA. Should these personnel be removed, they would return to their respective departments.
The vetting process reportedly commenced in the past week, with officials from Trump’s transition team questioning career employees at the NSC about their political affiliations. Many anticipated they would remain in their roles for the new administration.
Waltz indicated in a recent commentary to Breitbart News that he expects “everyone to resign at 12:01 on January 20,” further emphasizing his desire for the NSC to comprise individuals who are “fully aligned” with the president’s agenda.
Change in Approach to Staffing
A Trump transition official stated that the new administration considers it “entirely appropriate” to prioritize officials who share President Trump’s vision and goals.
Initially established during the Truman administration, the NSC serves as a critical advisory body on national security and foreign policy, often retaining staff members across different administrations, regardless of party changes. Sullivan mentioned that when Biden took office, most of his NSC personnel were inherited from Trump’s administration, highlighting the continuity in governance.
Addressing the current deliberations, Sullivan remarked that he had not discussed staffing issues with Waltz but noted that it is ultimately up to the new national security adviser to determine staffing strategies. He elaborated that personnel selections at the NSC are based on qualifications rather than political beliefs, indicating a varied range of perspectives among the staff.
Former NSC official Alexander Vindman expressed concerns regarding the implications of the Trump administration’s staffing approach, suggesting it could create an environment of self-censorship among policy staff hesitant to share frank advice due to potential repercussions.
Vindman noted that talented professionals may choose to withdraw from public service altogether if they feel their integrity or professional judgment could be challenged. This sentiment reflects a broader unease about the potential for civil servants to voice concerns under pressure within a politically charged atmosphere.
Both Vindman brothers faced significant political backlash for their actions when they were part of the NSC during Trump’s presidency. Alexander Vindman continues to advocate for transparency and integrity in policy discussions, warning against the dangers of politicizing national security advisory roles.
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