Summary
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency has triggered sweeping purges and retributions against officials he deems disloyal.
He revoked Secret Service protection for former national security figures, fired Department of Justice lawyers investigating him, dismissed 30 inspectors general without notice, and reassigned career officials.
Federal employees face pressure to demonstrate loyalty or face removal.
An executive order mandates reviewing agencies involved in Trump-related investigations, fueling concerns of systemic retaliation.
Insiders describe the atmosphere as “shell-shocked” and worse than expected.
I’m genuinely flabbergasted at how many people are clearly surprised by what he’s doing and how he’s doing it. He did it the first time, only he and his buddies had no idea how anything worked. This time they got a bunch of interns to do their homework for them, so they’re obviously going to have more success in their efforts this time around.
Also, anyone with even a half dozen brain cells should be able to understand he’s a vindictive shitass malignant narcissist. You are simply not allowed to be surprised by that. It’s literally a core part of what his first term entailed.