• Incoming Trump officials are questioning civil servants about their political affiliations and social media activity.
• Non-political staff at the National Security Council (NSC) are being prompted to consider leaving.
• Experts warn that mass staff changes could mean a loss of vital knowledge and experience during policy challenges.
• Current NSA Jake Sullivan advocates for retaining experienced civil servants to maintain operational continuity.
• Concerns arise from past whistleblowing incidents during Trump's first term, leading to his impeachment.

In a striking move, incoming officials from President-elect Donald Trump’s administration have commenced an extensive vetting process of career civil servants associated with the White House National Security Council (NSC). These officials are being quizzed about their political affiliations, who they supported in the 2024 election, and any online posts that could potentially reflect poorly on Trump's agenda, according to sources familiar with the situation (source: SCMP). With indications that they would remain at their posts, many non-political staff members are now packing their belongings after being questioned about their **loyalty** to the new administration.

Mike Waltz, Trump’s appointed national security adviser, has expressed a desire to replace all non-political appointees at the NSC by Inauguration Day, ensuring that the new leadership aligns closely with Trump’s objectives. Critics note that a mass dismissal of foreign policy and national security experts could significantly diminish the strategic knowledge and experience of the NSC as the U.S. navigates complex policy challenges in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East, as highlighted in a recent report (source: India Times).

The vetting process began last week, with officials indicating they find it entirely appropriate to seek individuals who share the Trump administration's vision. The inquiry into civil servants' past political contributions and social media presence is ongoing, and these actions have ignited palpable unease within the government agencies (source: SCMP). Recently, Jake Sullivan articulated the importance of retaining experienced NSC civil servants, noting that **Operation continuity** is vital as the new administration prepares for potential global crises.

Reflecting on the legacy of past whistleblowing incidents where career military officers voiced concerns regarding Trump's dealings with Ukraine, some fear the incoming team's strategy could lead to a chilling effect on the willingness of experts to express critical viewpoints. Election-related whistleblower scandals are now a part of Trump's historical narrative, directly linked to his impeachment (source: India Times).

As the landscape of the National Security Council is set to experience significant changes, the implications of such personnel decisions remain critically important in determining how future policies will be framed and executed, both in domestic and overseas contexts.