Trump’s latest executive order should really freak everyone out. Donald Trump now has the ability to do serious damage within the government service. If he wins the election, he effectively controls the government narrative ala 1984. If he loses the election, he poisons the well for Biden coming into office.
Trump has signed an order that moves many career government employees into a new category that strips them of employment protections. The new category affects government scientists, economists, managers and other key decision makers who would have previously been in protected career positions. Now, Trump would be able to fire them at will.
For those not paying attention, this would include Dr. Fauci, who has been able to push back against Trump because of the current protections for his job. Now, Trump could just fire him for not towing the government (read: Trump’s) line. That should terrify everyone.
Basically, if Trump wins the election, this allows him to create a government filled with his political appointees. Appointees that will fill positions once held by non-partisan, career employees. This will also allow Trump to control the government narrative. His reality will be the reality that the government feeds us. 2020 and beyond will all become 1984. Remember, Trump has already stated that we should not believe our lying eyes.
If Trump loses the election, this executive order allows him to create chaos on a level we have never seen. The election is Nov. 3, 2020. The new government would not take office until Jan. 20, 2021. In the intervening months, Trump could fire anyone in the government he wants and shut down the entire apparatus. He could cripple government services for months.
Yes, there would be no doubt that Biden will reverse this, and many other of Trump’s executive orders, but he will not be able to prevent the damage, especially during a pandemic. We already know the GOP will just sit by and watch him do it, providing the cover he needs. Given that they are about to take the same shellacking from voters, they have no impetus to do anything but help him.