Donald Trump’s plan to take over the federal government is already making waves. As he prepares for his return to the White House, sources say he’s ready to dismantle what he calls the “deep state.” His allies are backing him with bold, controversial moves to reshape Washington.
Day one shake-up
Trump could kick off his plan on his very first day in office. One insider revealed that an executive order targeting about 50,000 federal employees is in the works. This order, known as “Schedule F,” would strip job protections, allowing Trump to replace these career workers with loyal appointees. This is part of a larger effort to install political allies in critical government positions.
Loyalists first
Sources confirm Trump’s team is racing to fill thousands of political appointments. The goal? To embed loyalists deeper into the government than any president before him. Trump’s administration has already asked for the resignation of three senior diplomats at the State Department, signaling a broader purge to come.
Targeting the bureaucracy
Trump’s allies blame federal bureaucrats for blocking his agenda during his first term. They accuse these workers of slowing down his initiatives in agencies like the Justice Department and the Department of Education. To prevent this, nearly a dozen top appointees for his second term have been tasked with shaking up the federal workforce. Personnel announcements and media interviews reviewed by Reuters reveal that these appointees are ready to act.
Key players
Russell Vought, a central figure in crafting Schedule F in 2020, is set to return as director of the Office of Management and Budget. This time, he’ll have more power to reclassify federal jobs, making it easier to fire career employees. Vought will work closely with Sergio Gor, nominated to head the White House personnel office.
Other major players include Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, potential FBI Director Kash Patel, and Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio. Trump’s team also includes high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who will lead efforts to improve government efficiency.
Critics push back
Critics argue there’s no such thing as a “deep state” and accuse Trump of spreading conspiracy theories to justify his power grab. James Eisenmann, a federal workforce expert, warns that Schedule F could create fear among employees. He believes it would stifle creativity and job performance. Steve Lenkart, head of the National Federation of Federal Workers, says the policy resembles a “secret police” system designed to enforce political loyalty.
Supporters stand firm
During Senate confirmation hearings, Vought and Bondi defended Schedule F. Vought claimed parts of the federal government are “weaponized” against conservative policies. Bondi pointed to investigations into Trump as proof of bias in the Justice Department. She promised not to target individuals based on politics but avoided questions about investigating Trump’s rivals.
Names on the list
Trump’s team is already identifying targets within the federal bureaucracy. The American Accountability Foundation, a conservative group, sent a letter to Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth naming 20 military leaders they claim are too focused on diversity. The group also published a “Top 10 Targets” list of Homeland Security and Justice Department employees opposing Trump’s border policies. More names are expected to follow, according to the group’s spokesperson.
The Trump administration’s plan to reshape the federal government is clear. Critics fear it’s an unprecedented power grab, while supporters see it as a necessary move to drain the swamp. Either way, Trump’s strategy ensures his influence will be felt across every corner of Washington.
