Trump skirting Congress to install loyalists in the Pentagon

[Nevilledog]

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/17/trump-loyalists-pentagon-366922


The White House is taking advantage of a loophole to install loyalists to President Donald Trump in acting senior roles at the Pentagon, effectively skirting the Senate confirmation process.

While the number of vacancies isn't new — one-third of the Defense Department's 60 Senate-confirmed positions are filled on a temporary basis — the White House in recent months has been sending over people to fill open spots, as opposed to the more traditional method of tapping people within the Pentagon.

The White House on Monday announced that it was assigning Michael Kratsios, a 33-year-old White House chief technology officer, as the head of research and engineering for the entire DoD. Kratsios, who has a bachelor's degree in political science, is replacing Michael Griffin, a former NASA administrator with a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering.

The administration has also discussed installing Anthony Tata, the controversial Fox News regular who has been nominated to be the Pentagon’s top policy official, in a different senior DoD role on an acting basis, according to an official familiar with the discussions. The move would head off what is expected to be a bruising confirmation hearing focused on now-deleted Islamophobic tweets.

*snip*

[Kid Berwyn]

1. A glorious thing, patriotism.

We need to identify the chiseler’s helpers and hold them up for public inspection.

Then, again, it may be too late. Did they swear the Oath of Allegiance to Hair Furor?

[sandensea]

2. If I didn't know better, I'd almost say he was setting the stage for a self-coup in November.

Nah!

[Mike 03]

3. It's extremely troubling.

He could do all sorts of dangerous things if he could contaminate the Pentagon the way he has the D.O.J. and other institutions.

[sandensea]

5. It's definitely crossed his mind, that's safe to say.

It's always been said that Cheeto is the closest the U.S. has ever had to a 3rd world-style despot - and if (when!) he loses in November, he may just up the ante that much more.

[SheltieLover]

10. This!👆

[dustyscamp]

6. People still refuse to believe that he could do something like this

[sandensea]

8. +1

That's exactly what makes him so dangerous.

And then, of course, there are many of us who know that he can - but still believe that our military and courts would never allow it.

I sometimes wonder if I'd be wrong to assume that.

[Thekaspervote]

9. He is dangerous for sure and will and has tried all kinds of illegal treasonous moves

I would point out that military leaders came out of the woodwork to denounce his moves in DC. They were quick to remind all military personnel that there were lawful orders and there were unlawful orders. A soldier that acts unlawfully regardless of being ordered to do so will face prosecution with possible life imprisonment. They cannot legally claim a defense of i was ordered to do so.

[sandensea]

11. Absolutely

Plus, we've seen how - like Dubya - he's been steadily pushing the envelope against constitutional rights.

As the elections draw closer, I shudder to think what else he'll try next:

Link to tweet

[intrepidity]

4. Democratic lawmakers should be complaining daily on all news outlets

the way the Repubs do about everything. It so often feels like our side has just given up trying to do anything. Learned helplessness, a Trump family legacy now passed on to us all.

[gratuitous]

7. Gee Mitch, is this something a president should do during the last year of his term?

Anything from that smug Kentucky hypocrite?

[Thekaspervote]

12. Anyone but me asking why Portland?

Just MHO, yes it’s a test, but he damn well knows he would not get away with these kinds of shenanigans in Chicago, NY or LA!!