After years of criticizing the “deep state” and portraying security agencies as politically biased, the administration moves to reshape the chain of command across military and domestic enforcement agencies. This includes the Department of Defense, FBI, CIA, and DHS, targeting leadership perceived as disloyal, independent, or resistant to political interference.
Purges may be achieved through direct firings, forced resignations, non-renewal of appointments, or bureaucratic reassignments. Promotion pipelines are adjusted to prioritize loyalty over experience or apolitical professionalism. The goal is to ensure operational obedience to the executive, particularly during periods of protest, electoral crisis, or civil unrest.
This tactic mirrors strategies used in Putin’s Russia, where generals and intelligence officials were dismissed for perceived disloyalty; Erdoğan’s Turkey, following the 2016 coup attempt; and Germany under the Nazis, where military and police forces were subordinated directly to the Führer.
What to Watch For
- Sudden resignations or retirements of high-ranking military, FBI, or DOJ officials
- Nominees for national security or military leadership with strong political affiliations or no relevant experience
- Changes to military promotion or appointment protocols to emphasize ideological vetting
- Reports of loyalty oaths, personnel purges, or internal reassignments to marginalize critics
- Statements warning agencies against “political interference” while simultaneously politicizing their leadership
- Use of executive power to bypass Senate confirmation processes when possible