Pentagon officials are quietly preparing for potential orders from President-elect Donald Trump that could push the military into uncharted territory.
At a Glance
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directed the military to ensure a smooth transition to Trump’s leadership
- Pentagon officials are evaluating scenarios including military deployment for mass deportations
- Concerns exist about the reinstatement of Schedule F, potentially impacting federal employee job security
- The military is reminded of its duty to the Constitution and to remain apolitical
- Former Trump appointees have expressed criticism, raising tensions for a potential second term
Pentagon Prepares for Potential Trump Orders
Pentagon officials are reportedly engaging in strategic discussions to address potential controversial orders from President-elect Donald Trump.
And it’s unclear whether they intend to be supportive or not.
These preparations come as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a memo emphasizing the military’s obligation to follow lawful orders from the next commander in chief. The discussions reflect growing concerns about the possible use of federal forces at the southern border and plans to replace career civilians with loyalists.
Concerns Over Federal Employee Job Security
A significant point of contention is the possible reinstatement of Schedule F, a Trump-era executive order that aimed to reclassify federal employees, potentially stripping them of job security protections. President Biden abolished this order, but Trump has expressed intentions to reinstate and aggressively implement it if he returns to office. This prospect has led to heightened anxiety among career civil servants and prompted the Biden administration to take preemptive measures to protect them from inappropriate political influence.
“As it always has, the U.S. military will stand ready to carry out the policy choices of its next Commander in Chief, and to obey all lawful orders from its civilian chain of command,” Lloyd Austin said.
The potential reinstatement of Schedule F raises serious questions about the stability of the federal workforce and the preservation of institutional knowledge within government agencies. Critics argue that such a move could lead to a politicization of the civil service, undermining its effectiveness and independence.
Military’s Role in Potential Mass Deportations
Perhaps most alarming are the discussions surrounding the potential use of the military to assist in mass deportations. This prospect has raised red flags among military leadership and legal experts, who question the legality and ethics of using armed forces for such domestic operations. The use of the military in this capacity could blur the lines between law enforcement and military duties, potentially violating long-standing principles of American democracy.
The contemplation of such scenarios underscores the delicate balance military leaders must maintain between following lawful orders and upholding constitutional principles. It also highlights the potential for significant shifts in U.S. domestic policy and the role of the military under a second Trump administration.
Trump is going to have a fight on his hands.
Tensions with Former Appointees
Adding to the complexity of the situation are the strained relationships between Trump and some of his former appointees. Notable figures such as Mark Milley and John Kelly have been openly critical of Trump, with Kelly going so far as to compare him to a fascist. These public disagreements have fueled speculation about how Trump might approach military leadership and decision-making in a potential second term.
Trump’s characterization of some Pentagon officials as “rogue bureaucrats” further heightens concerns about potential conflicts between the executive branch and military leadership. This rhetoric, combined with the strategic planning currently underway at the Pentagon, paints a picture of a military establishment bracing for significant challenges to its traditional roles and responsibilities.
Trump is going to war with the deep state, in other words.
Let’s see how this unfolds…
