The fear was palpable late last Tuesday night as the impending doom of Donald Trump’s return to the White House loomed over Kamala Harris’s crumbling blue wall. Intelligence officers, typically apolitical, were filled with trepidation. Their prior experiences from Trump’s first term highlighted their concerns about the future.
The aversion to the "deep state" and promises to dismantle it fueled Trump’s vendetta against the national-security workforce he believed was undermining his presidency. Trump’s rhetoric, painting government employees as corrupt and dishonest, sent shockwaves through the intelligence community.
Exploring the scenarios feared by current and former intelligence officials, three chilling possibilities emerged:
1. Trump attacks "targets."
Targeting individuals on Trump’s list of perceived resisters poses a significant threat. Lesser-known officials and employees risk falling victim to public shaming and potential harassment by Trump and his supporters. Lists compiled by organizations could lead to witch hunts and a purge within the national-security establishment, jeopardizing national security.
2. Trump fires employees a lot.
The possibility of firing thousands of experienced government workers, replacing them with untested allies, poses a grave risk to U.S. national security. The "loyalty test" Trump seeks would undermine agencies’ effectiveness and erode public trust in their legitimacy.
3. Officials leave under pressure.
Employees who cannot morally justify working under Trump may resign en masse, creating leadership vacuums during a critical transition. Fear of public exposure and jeopardized sources could further drive their decisions.
Though hope remains in the appointments of potentially less divisive leaders, signs of a more extreme direction under Trump emerge. Rejection of moderate candidates, calls for recess appointments, and the rise of hard-core loyalists signal a vengeful campaign to purge dissenters and instill blind loyalty across the government.
The appointment of Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff symbolizes a potential crackdown on Trump’s "disloyal" personnel, reminiscent of his harsh immigration policies during his first administration.
As Trump embarks on this path of retribution and power consolidation, the future of the national-security and intelligence community hangs in the balance. Vigilance and readiness to defend institutions and values against authoritarian overreach are paramount in such uncertain times. Let us not succumb to fear but stand united in safeguarding democracy and the rule of law.
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