Trump Administration Under Fire for Alleged Loyalty Tests on Civil Servants
Reports have emerged that the Trump administration is conducting loyalty tests on prospective civil servants, sparking concerns about a rising authoritarian regime. According to the reports, the administration is vetting applicants’ digital footprint to ensure they are aligned with the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement.
Prospective job seekers have been asked to prove their enthusiasm for Trump by sharing their “MAGA revelation” moment, with some even considering purchasing Trump’s crypto meme coin to avoid harsh questioning. The administration has also been examining an applicant’s response to the question “What part of President Trump’s campaign message is most appealing to you and why?” on its website.
The move has left many federal employees and organizations on edge, with dozens of workers across several key agencies telling Politico that they are “terrified” for their livelihoods and the future of their organizations. The Trump administration has defended its actions, saying that anyone hired should align with the administration’s mission.
However, many officials and watchdog agencies are not buying the spin. “The Trump administration’s conduct and imposition of a political litmus or loyalty test betrays the oath that the president took to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution,” said Donald K. Sherman, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. He warned that the administration’s actions suggest that demonstrating loyalty is more important than merit.
Over 1,300 individuals have been hired by the administration, but critics argue that the process is far from transparent and is creating a culture of fear and intimidation in government agencies.