In a bold first step back into office, President Donald Trump announced a sweeping removal of federal appointees from the Biden administration. Declaring his intent to realign the executive branch with his “Make America Great Again” vision, Trump specifically targeted individuals he described as resistant to his policies. The announcement, made via Truth Social, named four appointees already dismissed, with hundreds more expected to follow.
“Our first day in the White House is not over yet!” Trump posted, citing a list of four high-profile figures, including former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley. Others dismissed were Jose Andres from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, Brian Hook from the Wilson Center for Scholars, and Keisha Lance Bottoms from the President’s Export Council. Trump’s statement also included a pointed message: “YOU’RE FIRED!”
This dramatic move is part of a broader strategy to reshape the federal government’s leadership. Hook, notably a former special envoy to Iran during Trump’s first administration, and Milley, who had drawn Trump’s ire for his conduct in the final days of the previous administration, were among the most significant names on the list. Milley had made headlines for reportedly reaching out to Chinese military officials in a manner that Trump described as disloyal. These events, coupled with Milley’s public criticisms following the January 6 riot, made his dismissal a foregone conclusion in Trump’s eyes.
In addition to removing appointees, Trump signed an executive order on his first day aimed at easing the dismissal of federal employees in policymaking roles. The order focused on streamlining procedures to remove career federal employees who might undermine executive policies. “Accountability is essential for all Federal employees,” Trump wrote, emphasizing the need for “good administration” and the removal of those in influential roles who resist executive directives.
The executive orders signed Monday also reversed nearly 80 Biden-era policies, ranging from border security to energy initiatives. This approach underscores Trump’s belief in a hands-on method to overturn his predecessor’s policies. While sweeping personnel changes in the early days of an administration are not unusual, the scale and tone of Trump’s actions are notable, highlighting his prioritization of loyalty within the ranks of federal leadership.
The rapid pace of change and the emphasis on accountability reflect Trump’s determination to assert control over the federal government. For his supporters, these steps are a necessary correction to what they perceive as bureaucratic resistance.
