Column: Trump wants to turn the federal bureaucracy into an ‘army of suck-ups.’ Here’s how that would be a disaster

Los Angeles Times ^ | Sept. 23, 2024 3 AM PT | Doyle McManus, Washington Columnist

[E. Pluribus Unum]

• Justice Department prosecutors would launch criminal investigations of those Trump views as enemies.

• IRS workers would likely be ordered to audit prominent Democrats’ tax returns.

WASHINGTON —  If former President Trump wins the November election, he says one of his actions on “Day One,” right after he begins deporting millions of undocumented migrants, will be enacting a radical plan to force the federal bureaucracy to bow to his demands.

Like any president, Trump would undoubtedly stock the top levels of the government with loyal appointees. But he also intends to enforce his will by making it possible to fire lower-ranking federal employees for their political views.

“We will pass critical reforms making every executive branch employee fireable by the president,” Trump said early in his campaign. “The deep state must and will be brought to heel.”

The effects would be far-reaching.

If Trump gets his way, Justice Department prosecutors would immediately launch criminal investigations of President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Obama and others who have incurred Trump’s wrath.

New appointees at the Internal Revenue Service would likely be ordered to audit prominent Democrats’ tax returns, an action Trump demanded during his first term.

Trump’s newest political ally, anti-vaccine crusader Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said last week that the nominee has asked him to oversee changes at the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health and other public health agencies.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Projection.

[ClearCase_guy]

Perhaps he would act like a Democrat? Oh, I can see why the Democrats are scared.

[Steely Tom]

Everyone knows the bureaucrats of the executive branch are supposed to resist everything the commander in chief wants to do. If he’s a Republican, anyway.

[Williams]

Unlike all the dissenters in the Democrat administration?

[struggle]

No,.just deport all the illegals and then government bureaucrat, after they’re fired, can take their jobs.

[Williams]

While Trump was persecuted, he and his DOJ did absolutely nothing to his political enemies.

I can’t think of a single example.

[Billthedrill]

That train sailed long ago. It’ll take a lot more than a single administration to fix the administrative state.

[wildcard_redneck]

How horrible that an unelected, overpaid and useless federal bureaucrats actually follow the orders of the People’s elected representatives. The federal bureaucracy must be humbled, defeated and replaced by all new employees.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

By “his DOJ” do you mean Jeff “Recusal” Sessions?

[Jim Robinson]

Why does that sound familiar?

[ZULU]

SOMEBODY BEAT HIM TO IT. BUT I’LL TAKE TRUMP’S SUCK UPS ANY DAY

[Lockbox]

Democrats say “our suck ups are very professional” while Trumps’ “suck ups” would bring back racist Nazis who want to roll back all of civilization’s advancements of the past 10,000 years….

[Grampa Dave]

When did Orwell say “In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act”?

George Orwell said in his book 1984 that in a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.

[NetAddicted]

‘IRS workers would likely ordered to audit prominent Democrats’ tax returns.’
LA Slimes believes this will turn voters against Trump? It probably adds 10% Democrat votes to Trump.

[blackdog]

Wow... The hypocrisy!

Following the nation's laws and labor regulations, is not "sucking up". That's minimum expectations in job performance. Remember that?

Beltway throws a temper tantrum.

[servo1969]

They’re already an army of _uck ups.

[central_va]

The premise used here is ludicrous.

[PghBaldy]

You can't spell "Doyle McManus," without an "a-n-u-s!"

[goo goo g'joob]

Justice Department prosecutors would launch criminal investigations of those Trump views as enemies individuals that commit crimes. IRS workers would likely be ordered to audit prominent Democrats’ tax returns suspected tax cheats. WASHINGTON — If former President Trump wins the November election, he says one of his actions on “Day One,” right after he begins deporting millions of undocumented migrants, will be enacting a radical plan to force the federal bureaucracy to bow to his demands to be efficient and accountable.Like any presidentUnlike Democrat presidents, Trump would undoubtedly stock the top levels of the government with loyal well qualified appointees.

Where can I apply for the editor's job?