Recent developments regarding informal discussions within the US Department of Defense about the possible response to orders to deploy active troops on the national territory, as well as Donald Trump’s desire to dismiss many apolitical officials, raise legitimate concerns and raise crucial questions about the future of the relationship between the executive branch and the military establishment.
The possibility that President Trump is considering using the armed forces for domestic law enforcement or mass deportations, as well as his desire to “purge” the US security apparatus of what he considers corrupt actors, raise legitimate doubts about the nature of the orders he might give and how military and civilian leaders would respond to them.
The tumultuous relationship between Donald Trump and part of the military’s top hierarchy during his previous term, as well as his attitude towards certain generals, leave uncertainties about how he plans to govern in a possible second term. The president-elect’s comments about U.S. generals as “woke,” “weak,” and “ineffective leaders” underscore the potential for mistrust between the administration and the military.
Pentagon officials are struggling to anticipate and plan for a variety of scenarios while preparing for a possible restructuring of the institution. The possibility of unlawful orders raises major ethical and political questions, including the loyalty of senior military officials to the Constitution and the rule of law.
The appointment of the Pentagon’s future leaders will be crucial to determining the nature of the relationship between the executive branch and the military, and to avoiding a repeat of the tensions that marked the previous president’s term. The potential implications of reintroducing Schedule F, which could allow for the easy dismissal of many nonpolitical federal employees, also raise concerns about the independence and stability of government institutions.
In this context of uncertainty and tension, it appears crucial that democratic principles and constitutional values are respected, and that political and military leaders demonstrate vigilance and firmness in the face of any possible authoritarian drift. Protecting democratic institutions and ensuring respect for the rule of law must remain absolute priorities for all actors involved in the management of public affairs.