Diplomatic Overhaul: Trump’s First Steps to ‘Clean Out Deep State’ Revealed

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Donald Trump’s team has directed three senior career diplomats, including a former ambassador, to resign ahead of his inauguration. This move is part of a plan to “break the deep state,” according to sources cited by Reuters.

Those asked to resign include Derek Hogan, Marcia Bernicat, and Alaina Teplitz. These diplomats have served under both Republican and Democratic administrations. The decision marks a departure from tradition, where career diplomats typically continue their roles across administrations.

An official from Trump’s transition team stated that the objective is to appoint like-minded officials committed to protecting the interests of American workers. The transition team’s agency review team reportedly issued the instructions to implement Trump’s agenda without internal resistance.

Trump had pledged during his campaign to “clean out the deep state,” referring to career bureaucrats he deemed untrustworthy. Experts believe this decision aligns with his plan to aggressively pursue foreign policies, including peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, increased support for Israel, and pushing NATO allies to boost defense spending.

Hogan is the executive secretary of the State Department, managing information flow between departments and the White House. Bernicat oversees global talent and staffing at the State Department. Teplitz, with over three decades in service, recently managed the department’s budget, procurement, and human resources.

Trump’s team is reportedly interviewing candidates to fill key roles, aiming to streamline decision-making and align the department’s operations with his priorities. This approach mirrors actions during Trump’s first term, where several senior officials were removed to consolidate control.

The administration’s push to reinstate the “Schedule F” executive order, which removes job protections for certain civil servants, has drawn criticism for potentially politicizing federal bureaucracy. Union groups have vowed to challenge the order if implemented.

Sources suggest that Trump’s allies aim to control information flow within the State Department and expedite staffing with loyal officials to implement the administration’s policies. Experts warn that this strategy could have significant implications for U.S. diplomacy and governance.