Overview

• Job applicants for the Trump administration are undergoing extensive loyalty tests, including evaluations of social media activity and political alignment with the 'MAGA' movement.
• Candidates are required to demonstrate enthusiasm for Trump's policies and may be asked about their 'MAGA revelation' or prior support for his campaigns.
• Federal workers and career diplomats fear that loyalty is being valued over competence, potentially undermining institutional expertise during global conflicts.
• The White House has dismissed over 160 National Security Council detailees from the Biden administration as part of its loyalty-driven personnel review.
• Critics argue that the administration's approach prioritizes political allegiance over merit, while officials defend the strategy as essential for implementing Trump's agenda.