Incoming senior Trump administration officials have begun questioning career civil servants who work on the White House National Security Council about their political leanings, voting history, and social media activity related to the 2024 election. This move has raised concerns about potential loyalty tests and the removal of nonpolitical employees from the NSC.
Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, Trump's pick for national security adviser, has indicated his intention to replace all nonpolitical appointees and career intelligence officials on the NSC by Inauguration Day to ensure alignment with Trump's agenda. However, this could result in a loss of expertise and institutional knowledge at a critical time for U.S. foreign policy.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has advocated for retaining career government employees at the NSC to maintain continuity and readiness in addressing global challenges. The NSC staff members under scrutiny are subject matter experts loaned from federal agencies, such as the State Department, FBI, and CIA, for temporary duty.
The vetting process, initiated in the last week, has caused unease among NSC employees who were previously encouraged to stay on in the new administration. The Trump transition team's focus on appointees who align with the president's vision has sparked debate over the importance of diversity in policy discussions and decision-making.
Notably, the NSC has historically retained experts across administrations, regardless of party affiliation. Sullivan emphasized the value of experience and capacity in selecting NSC personnel, highlighting the contributions of past staff members from various government agencies.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential chilling effect on policy staff and the risk of self-censorship or reluctance to offer objective advice due to loyalty tests. The case of two career military officers who raised concerns about Trump's actions in Ukraine serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between political alignment and professional integrity within the NSC.
As the transition unfolds, the future composition of the NSC remains a subject of scrutiny and debate, reflecting broader discussions about the role of career civil servants in shaping national security policy.
