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Concerns Arise Over Trump Administration’s Intent to Vet NSC Staff

As the new Trump administration prepares to take office, incoming officials have reportedly begun scrutinizing career civil servants at the White House National Security Council (NSC). Questions regarding voting affiliations in the upcoming 2024 election, political contributions, and residents’ social media activity have raised alarms among nonpolitical employees, prompting some to pack their belongings amid fears of job security, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The inquiries, seemingly aimed at assessing loyalty to President-elect Donald Trump, come as many of these civil servants were initially reassured about remaining in their positions under the incoming administration. This sudden shift has left employees uncertain about their futures at the NSC, where they provide essential expertise in national security matters.

Representative Mike Waltz of Florida, the choice for national security adviser, has expressed intentions to replace all nonpolitical appointees and career intelligence personnel by Inauguration Day. The move is designed to ensure that the NSC is filled with individuals who are aligned with Trump’s agenda, a strategy that could significantly impact U.S. foreign policy capabilities right from the start of the administration.

A mass departure of seasoned foreign policy experts and security professionals from the NSC could result in a loss of vital knowledge and experience, particularly as the U.S. navigates ongoing challenges in areas such as Ukraine and the Middle East. The new administration’s approach to personnel could inadvertently stifle open dialogue among incoming experts, especially if they feel pressured to conform to a singular viewpoint.

Jake Sullivan, the current national security adviser, has argued strongly for the retention of experienced government employees to continue their critical work during the transition. He emphasized the necessity of having a knowledgeable team prepared to address urgent global issues immediately following the change in administration.

The civil servants under scrutiny are typically subject matter experts detailed to the NSC from various federal agencies, including the State Department and intelligence agencies. If not retained, these personnel will return to their original positions, further complicating the continuity of government operations.

The vetting process reportedly commenced recently, with several staff members receiving questions about their political alignments from Trump appointees who previously encouraged them to remain on board. Numerous civil servants expected to transition into the new administration are now facing uncertainty about their continued employment.

Waltz has indicated that his aim is to create a team at the NSC that operates in complete alignment with Trump’s policies. He noted recent efforts to facilitate security clearances and the transition for his chosen personnel while also stipulating that provisional staff would return to their home agencies.

An unnamed official involved in the transition expressed the view that it is entirely justifiable for the new administration to seek out personnel aligned with the president’s strategic objectives.

The NSC, established during President Truman’s tenure, serves a crucial role in advising the president on national security and foreign policy matters, in addition to coordinating interagency efforts. Historically, it is common for qualified experts to serve across different administrations, regardless of political affiliation.

Sullivan has refrained from discussing the staffing matter with Waltz directly, commenting instead on the importance of the incoming administration’s approach and stating, “The professionals assigned to the NSC are chosen based on competence and capability, not political beliefs.”

He reflected on his own experiences when President Biden took office, highlighting the value of retaining experienced NSC staff from the previous administration.

Amid these developments, Alexander Vindman, a former NSC official who became a whistleblower during Trump’s initial term, has raised concerns about the potential chilling effect on policy discussions and the willingness of staff to present opposing views. He argued that capable individuals might opt out of serving in government roles for fear of retaliation for presenting independent insights.

The Vindmans have faced various perceptions regarding their actions, with some viewing them as patriotic acts while others have branded them as insubordinate. Eugene Vindman recently won a seat in Congress as a Democratic representative, marking a significant development in his political career.

Source
abcnews.go.com