President-elect Donald Trump is set to wield unprecedented control over the federal government upon assuming office on Monday, as he moves forward with plans to dismantle what he and his supporters refer to as the “deep state,” according to sources familiar with transition discussions. Trump’s administration aims to implement these changes quickly, potentially starting on his first day as president with an executive order that would remove job protections for approximately 50,000 career federal employees, allowing for their replacement by handpicked loyalists. Additionally, the administration plans to swiftly fill political appointments across various government departments to embed political loyalists deeply within the government machinery, a strategy not seen to this extent in recent presidencies.
In a sign of the administration’s intentions, three senior career diplomats overseeing the U.S. State Department’s workforce and internal coordination have been asked to resign. Trump’s allies blame what they perceive as disloyal bureaucrats for impeding his agenda during his first term by delaying initiatives in departments like the Justice Department and the Department of Education. Many of Trump’s key appointees for his second term have been tasked explicitly with restructuring the federal workforce or have voiced support for such efforts.
Among those leading the charge to overhaul the “deep state” are Russell Vought, nominated to head the Office of Management and Budget, and Sergio Gor, chosen to lead the White House personnel office in Trump’s second term. These efforts may include reviving an executive order known as Schedule F, which would enable agencies to reclassify positions from career to political appointments, thereby allowing for the dismissal of career employees without cause. The administration’s plan for the shakeup involves other key figures, including Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, potential FBI director Kash Patel, Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz, education nominee Linda McMahon, and government efficiency leaders Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.
Critics, as well as federal worker unions, reject the notion of a “deep state” and argue that Trump and his allies are promoting a conspiracy theory to justify consolidating power within the executive branch. While Trump’s transition team declined to provide specifics on the timeline for these changes, the administration emphasized its commitment to appoint individuals who prioritize defending American rights, placing American interests first, and maximizing the efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
The potential termination of federal workers under Schedule F has raised concerns about a possible culture of fear and silence within the government. Critics worry that employees may hesitate to voice opinions or suggestions out of fear of losing their jobs, ultimately impacting job performance.
Eisenmann, a concerned voice in this debate, emphasized the chilling effect Schedule F could have on individuals within the federal workforce. He expressed, “People are going to be afraid to speak up or even suggest something helpful out of fear of getting fired. When people are afraid, it’s not easy to get them to do stuff.”
Steve Lenkart, the executive director of the National Federation of Federal Workers, shared apprehensions regarding the new classification, describing it as an attempt to establish “a secret police” within the federal government. Lenkart warned that the incoming administration’s utilization of Schedule F could subject professional employees to loyalty tests and result in the removal of those deemed undesirable.
During recent Senate confirmation hearings, officials like Vought and Bondi voiced support for the policies linked to Schedule F. Vought highlighted his belief that certain segments of the federal government had been “weaponized,” emphasizing the need to reclassify career employees to align with the president’s agenda. Bondi, in a similar vein, criticized what she perceived as partisanship within the Justice Department, vowing not to target individuals based on their political affiliations.
Amidst these developments, concerns have been raised about the identification of federal employees whose perspectives may clash with the priorities of the incoming administration. An organization known as the American Accountability Foundation, with ties to the conservative Heritage Foundation, has targeted individuals in the military, Department of Homeland Security, and the Justice Department for their focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Outgoing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has defended the importance of diversity efforts within the military, asserting that a diverse military mirrors the diversity of the nation. However, the American Accountability Foundation has identified specific employees within the federal agencies who they believe are hindering increased border-security initiatives, publishing a “Top 10 Targets” list on their website. The group has indicated that more names are yet to be disclosed, signaling a continued scrutiny of federal employees deemed resistant to certain policy directions.
As the debate surrounding Schedule F and potential targeting of federal employees unfolds, stakeholders across the political spectrum continue to express divergent views on the implications of these actions. The effects of these policies on the federal workforce and the broader functioning of government agencies remain subjects of ongoing scrutiny and debate.
(Reporting by James Oliphant and Steve Holland; Additional reporting by Nandita Bose and Gram Slattery; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Suzanne Goldenberg)
