Pentagon preparing for Trump's possible orders on military and staff changes

Pentagon officials are discussing how the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) would respond if former President Donald Trump issues orders to deploy active-duty troops on U.S. soil and fire many non-political government workers. 

These talks are taking place informally as officials worry about the changes Trump has suggested.

Trump has said that he might use the military for domestic issues like law enforcement and mass deportations. He has also talked about filling the government with loyalists and removing those he calls “corrupt actors” in national security. This has raised concerns inside the Pentagon about what could happen if such orders are given.

During his first term, Trump often had a strained relationship with his military leaders, including General Mark Milley, who tried to limit Trump’s power over nuclear weapons. Trump also criticized U.S. military leaders, calling them “weak” and “woke.” 

These past tensions have left many in the Pentagon unsure about what to expect in his potential second term.

Preparing for the Worst-Case Scenario

Defense officials are taking steps to prepare for all possibilities. One official said, “We are all preparing and planning for the worst-case scenario, but we don’t know exactly how things will go.” 

A big question is what happens if Trump gives an unlawful order, especially if some of his appointed officials do not push back.

Military members are required by law to disobey illegal orders, but it’s unclear how the military would handle a situation where leaders might have to resign or refuse to follow orders. “The question is what happens next,” one official said.

Trump’s View on Using the Military at Home

Trump has also spoken about using the military to handle what he calls “the enemy from within.” 

He recently said the military might need to step in to deal with protests or other situations if local authorities cannot handle them. This has led to growing concerns about the use of military force within the U.S.

Some former military leaders who served under Trump have raised alarms. General Milley and former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly have warned about Trump’s authoritarian ideas. Kelly has even said Trump’s actions fit the description of a fascist.

Legal Limits and the Military’s Role

While the Pentagon can give advice on the legality of orders, the law allows the president to send troops into U.S. cities in extreme cases. 

The Insurrection Act, for example, lets a president deploy troops under certain conditions, like to handle rebellion or terrorism. However, there are checks on this power, such as the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military use for law enforcement.

Trump had considered using the Insurrection Act in 2020 to stop protests following the death of George Floyd. This raises concerns that Trump might again call on the military to act domestically if he feels the need.

Potential Impact on Federal Employees

In addition to the military, Trump has suggested he would reinstate a policy called Schedule F. This order would make it easier to remove federal workers who are not political appointees. The Pentagon is worried about how many civilian employees could be affected, as this could lead to a large number of firings.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has repeatedly said that the military and federal agencies must stay free from political interference. He emphasized that U.S. military members are expected to follow only lawful orders, no matter who is in charge.

Preparing for Change in Leadership

Pentagon officials are also thinking about who Trump might choose to lead the DoD if he becomes president again. 

There is concern that Trump will try to avoid a repeat of the tensions he had with military leadership during his first term. His choices for top positions will be closely watched to see if he aims for a more cooperative relationship with military leaders.