Members of former President Donald Trump’s establishment appear to be asking civil servants at the National Security Council about their willingness to uphold his policies. This comes as Trump’s administration continues to exercise influence despite his departure from office.
While it is common for new presidential administrations to introduce policy changes, it is unusual for the former administration to question civil servants about their commitment to policies that are no longer officially in force. These recent events prompt concerns about potential infringement on the nonpartisan nature of civil service positions.
Policies once championed by the Trump administration are now under scrutiny, with a focus on the degree of loyalty civil servants in the National Security Council display towards these. This, in effect, has brought about a climate of uncertainty within the Council.
It is essential to underscore that, in the United States, the civil service is expected to maintain impartiality, serving the current administration regardless of their personal political views or affiliations. The potential interference from the former administration risks undermining this critical expectation.
The National Security Council is yet to officially comment on the matter. The news comes amidst a slew of controversies surrounding the Trump team’s actions post-January 20, 2021, and their attempts to assert influence within various governmental bodies.
Last modified: January 14, 2025
