Report: Trump’s 2017 meeting set stage for 2024 ‘shock troops
Trump’s Demand for Loyalty Sets the Stage for “Shock Troops” in 2024
A meeting held by former President Donald Trump in 2017 in which he demanded loyalty from his aides and advisers set him up for establishing a group of “shock troops” to transform the federal government to his wishes in 2024.
In 2017, shortly after being elected as president, Trump went around the Oval Office “inquisition-style” and asked each aide to declare allegiance to him, a person who was present at the meeting told NBC News.
“He was quizzing people in the Oval if they were loyal to him or previous bosses,” the person said, recalling the event.
However, Trump was met with disappointment all around as more advisers, aides, and his own vice president chose their reputation or the Constitution over the former president’s desire to stop the outcome of the 2020 election. Now that disappointment is fueling the fire for Trump to find “shock troops,” a phrase used by Steve Bannon, who will swear fealty to him — and those close to the former president said it will be a major factor in choosing appointees.
Trump has fixated on his perception that there is a lack of loyalty in politics, mostly to him, throughout his presidential campaign. He repeatedly knocked Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and former U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley, his Republican primary rivals who used to be his allies, for betraying him and breaking bonds of loyalty by running against him.
In turn, he has praised people such as Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND) for endorsing him after they dropped out. Trump even retired his prized nickname for DeSantis, “De-Sanctimonious,” after the Florida governor dropped out and endorsed Trump.
If Trump secures the 2024 Republican nomination and wins the general election in November, eyes will be on the slate of advisers, Cabinet members, and aides that the former president selects to run his administration — and whether the hires will be loyal to the institution or its leader.
Conservative Groups Prepare for Loyalty Tests
“You have four years. You have three or four major things you can accomplish — major things — and you have to have the full support of a team that’s loyal,” an outside adviser to Trump said to NBC News. “I think the president is going to have that.”
Conservative groups are already lining up opportunities for presidential appointee-hopefuls to prove their loyalty to the former president. The Association of Republican Presidential Appointees is holding a two-day “presidential appointee boot camp” on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20 in the Washington area.
The boot camp will provide would-be appointees with insight into “the operating context in which appointees work to implement the president’s agenda” and “tactics appointees can use to help the president gain control over the levers of power and thwart a hostile bureaucracy.”
Other groups have released their own programs to prepare administration appointees. The Heritage Foundation launched Project 2025, which looks to build the “next conservative presidential administration.” The group releases videos through its Presidential Administration Academy that serve as a “one-of-a-kind educational and skill-building program” to “equip future political appointees to be ready on Day One” for Trump’s administration.
Allies of Trump are taking these outside efforts seriously as an attempt to “weed out those that would employ subterfuge” in a bid to take out the former president from the inside, a former White House official said.
“This is a sharp-elbowed sport, and we know that there will be people that want to undermine the president,” they added.
Trump’s campaign has taken care to separate themselves from the efforts of outside groups.
“The efforts by various non-profit groups are certainly appreciated and can be enormously helpful,” senior advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said in a statement to NBC News last year. “However, none of these groups or individuals speak for President Trump or his campaign. We will have an official transition effort to be announced at a later date.”
Concerns and Comparisons
Former Trump officials are raising concerns as to what a new Trump administration would look like, with some envisioning a worst-case scenario that could threaten democracy.
“The starting point for a second Trump term will be the last year of his first term. … Loyalty will be the attribute Trump will be seeking above all else,” Mark Esper, whose tenure as defense secretary was cut short following Trump’s 2020 loss, told NBC News. “He won’t pick people like Jim Mattis or me who will push back on him. So the question becomes: What harm might occur over four years?”
Others have equated Trump’s obsession with loyalty to the world of popular book and TV series Game of Thrones.
“It reminds me of Game of Thrones,” a former Trump adviser said. “They want you to bend the knee. And if you don’t bend the knee, they take your property. They take your title. They take your reputation, and they throw you into the gulag.”
The demands for loyalty have played into Democrats and Trump critics’ hands, particularly after the former president faced backlash for him claiming he’d be a dictator “on day one.” He has said in the months following that he meant the comments in jest, but it has fueled fears that Trump could have been foreshadowing the next four years of an administration under his control.
“What I fear is this idea of loyalty means ‘stop questioning,’” the former adviser said. “There will be consequences if you do, and that’s why I think there’s some credence to the idea that he’s a so-called authoritarian. I don’t think he is authoritarian, but he’s opening himself up to this criticism.”
“His idea of loyalty is one-way,” the adviser added.
How can blind loyalty and obedience within “shock troops” undermine the democratic process and principles?
Wson said in a joint statement. “However, our team will make determinations on personnel based on merit, qualifications, and loyalty to the president’s agenda.”
The Danger of “Shock Troops”
While loyalty is often seen as a desirable quality in politics, the establishment of “shock troops” who are solely dedicated to fulfilling the desires of one individual poses significant risks to the functioning of a democratic government.
The concept of ”shock troops” implies blind loyalty and obedience, which can lead to a disregard for the principles and norms that underpin the democratic process. Instead of basing decisions on thoughtful analysis and the best interests of the country, these loyalists may prioritize personal loyalty to the leader, undermining democratic values and institutions in the process.
The demand for loyalty and the creation of “shock troops” can also stifle dissent and limit the diversity of viewpoints that are essential for a functioning democracy. If individuals are chosen solely based on their loyalty to the leader, there is a risk of surrounding oneself with yes-men and women, who are unwilling to challenge or provide alternative perspectives. This can lead to a lack of critical thinking and robust decision-making, resulting in policies that may not serve the best interests of the American people.
Furthermore, the establishment of “shock troops” creates a cult-like atmosphere around the leader, fostering an environment in which blind loyalty is valued over principles, integrity, and the rule of law. This can lead to a erosion of democratic norms, as individuals may feel compelled to prioritize the wishes of the leader over their duty to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.
Ultimately, the demand for loyalty and the establishment of “shock troops” in 2024 sets a dangerous precedent for the future of American politics. It undermines the principles of democracy and opens the door for authoritarian tendencies, limiting the ability of individuals to think independently and act in the best interests of the country.
The Importance of a Balanced Approach
While loyalty can be a valuable trait in politics, it is crucial that it is balanced with other qualities such as integrity, competence, and a commitment to democratic principles. A healthy democracy requires individuals who are willing to challenge the status quo, provide alternative viewpoints, and prioritize the welfare of the country over personal loyalty.
Leaders should prioritize the selection of individuals who demonstrate a commitment to upholding democratic values and institutions, as well as a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and debate. By surrounding themselves with diverse perspectives and encouraging dissent, leaders can make more informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls of groupthink.
In conclusion, the demand for loyalty and the establishment of “shock troops” in 2024 sets a concerning precedent for the future of American politics. It undermines the principles of democracy and can lead to a disregard for democratic values and institutions. It is essential that leaders prioritize a balanced approach, valuing loyalty alongside integrity, competence, and a commitment to democratic principles. Only through such an approach can we ensure the strength and longevity of American democracy.
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