Less than a month after his victory, President-elect Donald Trump has assembled a team ready to carry out two of his biggest priorities: retribution against his political adversaries and a wholesale reshaping of the U.S. government.
Trump's pick of former White House deputy Kash Patel to lead the crime-fighting FBI brought into sharper focus the president-elect's seriousness about striking back at those he believes have wronged him. Patel is an outspoken critic of the bureau who has vowed to go after Trump's perceived enemies.
He is also the latest of a host of nominees who reflect Trump's preference for outsiders with a wrecking-ball mentality over practiced Washington hands, people who could disrupt the system from the inside and transform government in a way that may be unprecedented in modern times.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's choice for Health and Human Services secretary, wants to purge the agency of corporate influence. Pete Hegseth, nominated for secretary of defense, has denounced "woke" policies at the Pentagon and called for an overhaul of senior leadership. Linda McMahon looks set to dismantle the Department of Education she has been chosen to lead, fulfilling one of Trump's campaign pledges.
"They're chosen for their hostility to the institutions, their loyalty to Trump, their promise that they're going to shake everything up," said Elaine Kamarck, an expert on governance at the Brookings Institution.
Trump supporters say Washington needs a shake-up. Many view the federal government as an unaccountable, corrupt and self-perpetuating bureaucracy that hampers economic growth, targets citizens unlawfully and fails to keep the country secure.
"The federal government employs 60,000 people who send out Social Security checks every month," Kamarck said. "What happens when Grandma's check gets lost and there's nobody to answer the phone?"
Not Just Bluster
During the presidential election campaign, Republican Trump vowed to settle scores with Democratic opponents and perceived enemies in government and media. He accused the Justice Department and FBI of "weaponizing" federal law enforcement against him.
"We will go out and find the conspirators -- not just in government but in media ... we're going to come after people in media who lied about American citizens," Patel said in 2023 during an interview with Steve Bannon.
Kash Patel has said that as FBI director he would shut down its Washington headquarters on "Day One" returning it solely towards fighting crime rather than gathering domestic intelligence.
"Kash Patel is going restore integrity into FBI returning it mission keeping Americans safe," stated Alex Pfeiffer spokesperson Trump transition team.
A Break from Presidential Norms
If confirmed by Senate hearings alongside Pam Bondi Attorney General nominee both embracing false claims regarding stolen elections critical what they call "deep state."
Billionaire Elon Musk former candidate Vivek Ramaswamy head commission charged trimming bureaucracy working incoming head White House Office Management Budget Russ Vought architect Project 2025 conservative blueprint next administration developed Heritage Foundation advocating reclassification parts workforce giving authority fire tens thousands employees decision stack administration like-minded loyalists another break norms past presidents assembled teams range viewpoints reassure non-voters choices opposite intentionally antagonistic Chervinsky explained executive director George Washington Presidential Library historians noted rhetoric wasn’t mere bluster suggesting radical overhaul indeed underway through appointments made thus far illustrating intent pursue agenda vigorously despite challenges potentially faced implementation phase ahead awaiting confirmation processes unfold future holds remains seen dynamic evolving political landscape current scenario continues develop rapidly amidst backdrop changing societal expectations ongoing discourse surrounding governance accountability transparency within public sector operations nationwide context broader implications potential impacts policy directions pursued moving forward collectively shaping trajectory nation’s path years come unfolding narrative reflects broader shifts occurring across globe highlighting interconnectedness complex issues facing humanity today requiring collaborative solutions address pressing concerns confronting societies worldwide increasingly interdependent world order necessitating innovative approaches tackle multifaceted problems effectively efficiently sustainably ensuring equitable outcomes all stakeholders involved process achieving shared goals common good ultimately driving progress advancement civilization overall betterment humankind entire planet earth inhabitants alike striving brighter future generations follow footsteps predecessors leaving lasting legacy positive impact 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