Trump's Order to End Government Weaponization Is The Beginning Of His 'Retribution Campaign', Former Advisor Warns

Charles Kupperman warns that 'payback' is coming for federal workers

By
Donald Trump Executive Orders
President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. IBTimes US

The deputy national security adviser during Donald Trump's first term says it appears that the president is planning to go after government workers he feels are not loyal to him.

Trump signed an executive order titled "Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government" shortly after being sworn in on Monday.

The action claims there was "a systematic campaign against its perceived political opponents" during the Biden administration. While the order claims to be undoing that so-called weaponization of the government, critics say it is doing the opposite.

Charles Kupperman told the New York Times, "It looks like the beginning of a retribution campaign."

The order directs the attorney general to review the activities of all departments and agencies including the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission.

A separate order stripped security clearances from some former intelligence officials.

"This is not the right outlet for him to play this out. It plays to his MAGA base, but it's not the right one for the country," Kupperman told the Times.

Trump signed a wave of presidential orders on Monday that test the powers of the presidency and are expected to face legal challenges including one aimed at limiting the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship.

Law professor John Yoo, who worked for George W. Bush told the Associated Press the executive orders were "unprecedented in terms of the sweeping scope of the orders and in the sheer number."

Originally published on IBTimes

Tags
Donald Trump, Executive order

© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.

Join the Discussion
More Law & Society
Police Chief Spiked Officers' Coffee With Viagra, Left Body Hair

Police Chief Terrorized Staff by Pooping on the Floor, Spiking Coffee with Viagra and Sprinkling Body Hair on Food: Complaint

Texas Man Rammed Parked Tesla

Texas Man Rammed ATV Into Parked Tesla 'at Full Speed,' Keyed 'Elon' Into Side of Others: Police

Dumpster Diving Pedo_03282025_1

Binders of Child Porn Discovered in Dumpster by Homeless Duo Leads Man to Admit to Molesting Dozens of Children: Police

Prisoner Kills Man in Knife Attack Hours After Being Released

Prisoner Kills Man in Knife Attack Hours After Being Released From Jail Early