Inside Trump’s Cabinet Choices: Prioritizing Loyalty Over Experience?

Former President Trump’s allies are gearing up for a potential return to power, with a massive operation underway to ensure loyalty and ideological alignment in a future administration.

At a Glance

Trump’s allies are pre-screening potential government appointees for loyalty
A pro-Trump army of up to 54,000 loyalists is being prepared for government positions
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is orchestrating the effort with a 920-page policy book
Artificial intelligence is being used to screen social media histories of candidates
The plan aims to centralize power and implement unprecedented changes in government

Massive Pre-Transition Operation Underway

In a strategic move to solidify power, allies of former President Donald Trump are orchestrating an extensive pre-screening operation for potential government appointees. This effort, unprecedented in scale, aims to install a pro-Trump workforce of up to 54,000 loyalists across various levels of government if he secures victory in the 2024 presidential election.

The operation, spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, has already published a comprehensive 920-page policy book with contributions from over 400 individuals. This initiative is backed by 80 partners, including influential conservative organizations such as Turning Point USA and the Center for Renewing America.

Donald Trump's transition team co-chair warns prospective appointees must prove "loyalty" https://t.co/D24S4hhAsB

— The Hill (@thehill) October 7, 2024

Technological Advancements in Candidate Screening

In a notable technological advancement, the screening process is being aided by artificial intelligence provided by Oracle. This AI technology is being utilized to scrutinize the social media histories of potential appointees, ensuring their alignment with the Trump administration’s ideology and goals.

“Never before has the entire movement … banded together to construct a comprehensive plan to deconstruct the out-of-touch and weaponized administrative state, ” said Paul Dans, director of Project 2025.

The Heritage Foundation has already amassed over 4,000 entries in its “Presidential Personnel Database,” with an ambitious goal of recruiting 20,000 individuals for the next administration. This database focuses on political philosophy rather than traditional metrics such as experience or education.

Potential Cabinet Members and Key Positions

As the planning for a potential second Trump administration progresses, several names have emerged as contenders for key cabinet positions. Susie Wiles, Trump’s campaign manager, is considered a top candidate for chief of staff. Other potential high-profile appointments include Tulsi Gabbard and Steve Bannon.

In the realm of foreign policy, defense, and national security, names such as Marco Rubio, Doug Burgum, Richard Grenell, Mike Pompeo, Robert O’Brien, Bill Hagerty, and Tom Cotton are being considered. John Ratcliffe and General Keith Kellogg are mentioned for potential leadership roles in the CIA or defense department.

Interestingly, about a quarter of Trump’s previous cabinet members could potentially return, with some possibly receiving promotions. The selection process heavily emphasizes loyalty to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, ensuring a unified approach to governance.

Implications and Criticisms

While this extensive pre-transition operation demonstrates a high level of organization and strategic planning, it has also drawn criticism. Some view it as an attempt to centralize power and potentially undermine the traditional checks and balances within the government system.

Critics argue that prioritizing loyalty over experience or qualifications could lead to a less effective government. However, supporters of the plan contend that it ensures a cohesive administration capable of implementing Trump’s vision for the country without internal resistance.

As the 2024 election approaches, the scale and ambition of this pre-transition operation underscore the high stakes and deep divisions in American politics. Whether this strategy will resonate with voters and translate into electoral success remains to be seen.