Incoming Donald Trump officials are reportedly questioning career National Security Council (NSC) staff about their voting choices in the 2024 election, political contributions, and social media activity, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter, as reported by the Associated Press. Some staff members who were initially told they could remain in their roles are now choosing to leave.
Why It Matters
The removal of career NSC staff could deprive the administration of essential expertise in foreign policy and national security. Such actions may also discourage new policy experts from voicing their perspectives on critical issues, potentially undermining informed decision-making.
What To Know
The NSC, established by President Harry Truman, provides guidance on national security matters and traditionally retains staff across administrations to ensure continuity. Trump's pick for national security adviser, Florida Representative Mike Waltz, has stated his intention to remove all nonpolitical appointees and career intelligence officials by Inauguration Day, aiming to fill the council exclusively with personnel aligned with Trump’s agenda.
The NSC staff members being questioned are primarily subject matter experts on temporary assignments from federal agencies like the State Department, FBI, and CIA. These assignments typically last one to two years. Many civil servants at the directorate level had expected to continue their roles in the new administration.
During Trump’s first term, the NSC became a source of contention when two career military officers raised concerns about his 2019 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which led to Trump’s first impeachment.
What People Are Saying
Representative Mike Waltz recently told Breitbart News that the NSC should be staffed with individuals “100 percent aligned with the president’s agenda.” He confirmed ongoing efforts to process security clearances and transition new staff.
Current national security adviser Jake Sullivan has emphasized the importance of continuity in NSC staffing to maintain stability during transitions. Sullivan noted that NSC officials are typically selected for their expertise and capacity rather than their political affiliations or policy positions. “Given everything going on in the world, having a team ready to serve immediately is really important,” Sullivan stated.
What Happens Next
Career NSC staff removed from their positions would return to their home agencies. Waltz has confirmed that clearance and transition processes are underway for the incoming administration’s personnel.
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