Job seekers eager to become part of the fresh Trump administration are encountering rigorous loyalty assessments, as White House vetting teams are dispatched across federal agencies to vet candidates for their loyalty to the “Make America Great Again” movement and scrutinize their political affiliations and online activity.
President Donald Trump has expressed that one of the key missteps during his first term was hiring individuals he viewed as unsuitable. Consequently, his aides are taking significant measures to ensure that only steadfast supporters fill positions in the new administration.
Negative comments on social media can thwart job applications entirely. Applicants are required to demonstrate a strong commitment to Trump’s policies and are often queried about their personal “MAGA revelation” moment. One former federal employee mentioned contemplating investing in Trump’s cryptocurrency meme coin as a potential backup to fortify their standing with the administration.
This stringent vetting process has prompted some federal officials to express concern over whether loyalty is being prioritized over competence. Many are worried that experienced diplomats skilled in foreign policy and national security are being pushed aside, potentially depriving the administration of vital expertise at a time when global tensions are high.
Trump’s team has made it clear that they intend to construct an administration filled with individuals who align with the president’s vision. The evaluations of potential staffers began soon after Trump announced his candidacy and have persisted since his electoral victory.
The application process on the Trump transition platform includes questions like, “What aspect of President Trump’s campaign resonates with you the most and why?” and seeks insights into how candidates supported Trump during the 2024 election. Applicants are also asked to provide their social media handles.
Every candidate is supposedly subject to an interview process, with the White House personnel director, Sergio Gor, noting on a Fox News segment that if someone holds a political appointment within the federal government, their affiliation must come through the White House.
Some have dubbed the newcomers from the White House “MAGA commissars,” referencing Communist Party officials from the Soviet era. Most of these individuals appear to be younger and lack specific expertise related to the agencies they are assigned to, according to anonymous sources within the government.
These vetting teams seem to be scrutinizing potential hires for even the slightest deviation from Trump’s ideologies and policies, searching for anything from negative social media posts to associations with the president’s opponents.
One official revealed that colleagues were advised even after clearing initial screenings, they would have to affirm their commitment and enthusiasm to deliver Trump’s policies—requiring references from already loyal team members.
At the State Department, which has historically been a target of Trump’s administrations, the work environment is described as “tense” and “glum.” Longstanding civil and foreign service officers are hesitant to speak out regarding policies or any political matters for fear of repercussions from the newly appointed political leaders.
Transitioning to a group that intends to initiate sweeping changes in the department’s operations is found to be unprecedented and unsettling by veteran officials, who noted the usual anxiety that accompanies any administration change is magnified this time around.
Plans for a thorough vetting procedure have been established by Trump’s team to ensure individuals within the administration, particularly those influencing policy, are aligned with his vision. One experienced government worker reported an interaction with a senior official who stated that they would refine their vetting approach.
All potential appointees will face rigorous questioning to ascertain their full commitment to Trump’s agenda. Discussions have taken place among staff at the National Security Council (NSC) probing their voting record and political donations, aimed at identifying any posts that could be viewed as problematic.
Recently, about 160 NSC detailees from the Biden administration were notified that they would be sent back to their original positions while Trump’s team undertook a review to ensure compliance with his agenda. The chief of staff to national security adviser Mike Waltz defended the administration’s prerogative to cultivate a staff that aligns with the goals for which they were elected.
White House representatives assert their approach to hiring aligns with standard practices in the private sector, where individuals who do not align with corporate missions are not typically brought on board. They emphasize that while over 1,300 people have been appointed, they are also upholding high competency standards.
Every new administration seeks to fill governmental roles with political appointees to reward supporters and allies, and questions regarding political affiliations are standard practice. However, Trump’s administration delves deeper into candidates’ political histories, distinguishing itself markedly from conventional Republican alignments, placing emphasis more on individual loyalty.
Critics, such as the executive director of a prominent watchdog group, have voiced concerns, stating that this approach undermines the constitutional oath undertaken by the president and prioritizes loyalty over merit. In response, the personnel director acknowledged that efforts would also be made to dismiss employees deemed disloyal to Trump to initiate a new beginning.
