{"id":2174152,"date":"2024-02-12T13:18:02","date_gmt":"2024-02-12T18:18:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trumps-2017-inquisition-style-meeting-laid-groundwork-for-2024-army-of-shock-troops-report\/"},"modified":"2024-02-12T13:23:45","modified_gmt":"2024-02-12T18:23:45","slug":"trumps-2017-inquisition-style-meeting-laid-groundwork-for-2024-army-of-shock-troops-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trumps-2017-inquisition-style-meeting-laid-groundwork-for-2024-army-of-shock-troops-report\/","title":{"rendered":"Report: Trump&#8217;s 2017 meeting set stage for 2024 &#8216;shock troops"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Ftrumps-2017-inquisition-style-meeting-laid-groundwork-for-2024-army-of-shock-troops-report%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2174152&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><h2>Trump&#8217;s Demand for Loyalty Sets the Stage for &#8220;Shock Troops&#8221; in 2024<\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p>A meeting held \u200cby former President Donald Trump in 2017 in which he demanded loyalty from his aides and advisers \u2063set him up for establishing\u200c a group of\u200d \u201cshock troops\u201d to transform the\u200d federal government \u2062to his wishes in 2024.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>In 2017, \u200dshortly after being elected as president, Trump went around the Oval Office \u201cinquisition-style\u201d and asked each aide to declare allegiance to him, a person who was present at the meeting told NBC News.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe was\u200d quizzing people in \u200cthe Oval if they were loyal to him or\u200b previous bosses,\u201d the person said, recalling the event.<\/p>\n<p>However, Trump was met \u2063with disappointment all around as more advisers, aides, and his own vice president chose their\u2063 reputation or the Constitution over the former president\u2019s desire to stop the outcome of the 2020 election. Now that disappointment \u200cis fueling the\u2064 fire for Trump to find \u201cshock troops,\u201d a phrase used by Steve\u200c Bannon, who will swear fealty to him \u2014 and those\u2063 close to the former president said it will be a major factor in choosing appointees.<\/p>\n<p>Trump has fixated on his perception \u200cthat there is \u2062a lack\u200b of loyalty in\u200d politics, mostly to him, throughout his presidential campaign. He repeatedly knocked Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and former U.S. Ambassador \u200dNikki Haley, his Republican primary rivals who used to be his allies, for betraying him and breaking bonds of loyalty by running against him.<\/p>\n<p>In turn, he has praised people such as Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) \u2064and Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND) for endorsing him after they dropped out. \u200bTrump even retired\u200b his prized nickname\u200c for DeSantis, \u201cDe-Sanctimonious,\u201d after the Florida governor dropped out and endorsed Trump.<\/p>\n<p>If Trump secures the 2024 Republican nomination and wins the general\u200b election in November, eyes will\u2064 be on the\u2064 slate \u2062of advisers, Cabinet members, and aides that the former president selects to run his administration \u2014 and whether the hires will be loyal\u2063 to \u200dthe \u200cinstitution or \u2063its leader.<\/p>\n<h3>Conservative Groups Prepare for Loyalty Tests<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cYou have four years. You have three or four major things you \u200dcan accomplish \u2014 major things \u200c\u2014 and you have to have the full support of a team that\u2019s\u2064 loyal,\u201d an\u200c outside adviser to Trump said to NBC News. \u201cI think the president is going to have that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Conservative groups are already lining up opportunities for\u2064 presidential appointee-hopefuls to prove their loyalty\u200d to the former president.\u2064 The Association \u200bof Republican Presidential Appointees is holding a two-day \u201cpresidential appointee boot camp\u201d on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20 in the Washington area.<\/p>\n<p>The boot camp will provide would-be appointees with insight into \u201cthe operating context in which\u200c appointees work to implement the\u200c president\u2019s agenda\u201d\u200d and \u201ctactics \u200dappointees can \u200cuse to help the president gain control over the levers of power and thwart\u200d a \u200dhostile bureaucracy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Other groups have released their own programs to prepare administration appointees. The \u200dHeritage Foundation launched Project 2025, which\u2062 looks to build the \u201cnext conservative presidential administration.\u201d The group releases videos through its Presidential Administration\u2064 Academy that serve as \u2063a \u201cone-of-a-kind \u200beducational and skill-building program\u201d to \u201cequip future political\u2063 appointees to be ready on Day One\u201d for Trump\u2019s administration.<\/p>\n<p>Allies of Trump are taking these outside efforts seriously as an attempt \u2063to \u201cweed out those that would employ subterfuge\u201d in \u200ca bid to take out\u2063 the former president from the inside, a former White House official said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is a\u2064 sharp-elbowed sport, and we know that there will be people that want to \u200dundermine the president,\u201d they added.<\/p>\n<p>Trump\u2019s campaign has taken \u2064care to separate themselves from the efforts of outside groups.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe efforts by\u200b various non-profit groups are certainly appreciated and can be \u200cenormously helpful,\u201d senior\u2062 advisers Susie Wiles and\u2063 Chris LaCivita said in a statement to NBC News last year. \u201cHowever, none of these groups or individuals speak for President Trump or his campaign. We will have\u2062 an official \u2064transition effort to be announced at a later date.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Concerns \u200band Comparisons<\/h3>\n<p>Former\u200b Trump officials are raising concerns\u200b as \u2062to what a new Trump administration would look \u2063like, \u200bwith some envisioning a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/uk-may-ease-ccp-virus-lockdown-from-march-foreign-secretary-says\/\" title=\"UK May Ease CCP Virus Lockdown From March, Foreign Secretary Says\">worst-case scenario<\/a> that could threaten democracy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe starting point\u2062 for a second Trump term will be \u2063the last year of his \u2064first term. \u2062\u2026 Loyalty will be the attribute Trump will be seeking above\u2063 all else,\u201d Mark Esper, whose tenure as \u200cdefense secretary was cut short following \u200bTrump\u2019s 2020 loss, told NBC News. \u201cHe won\u2019t pick people like Jim Mattis or me who will push back on him. So the question becomes: What harm might occur over four years?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Others have equated Trump\u2019s obsession with loyalty to the world of popular book and \u2062TV series Game of Thrones.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt reminds me of Game of Thrones,\u201d a former Trump adviser said. \u201cThey want you to bend the \u200dknee. And if you \u200bdon\u2019t bend the knee, they \u2064take your property. They take your title. They take your reputation, and they throw you into the gulag.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The demands for loyalty have played \u200cinto Democrats and Trump critics\u2019 \u200chands, particularly after the former president faced backlash for him claiming he\u2019d be a dictator \u201con day one.\u201d He has said in the months following that he meant the comments in jest, but it has fueled fears that Trump\u200b could have been foreshadowing the next four years of an administration under his control.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat\u200b I fear is\u2062 this idea of loyalty means \u2018stop questioning,\u2019\u201d the \u200bformer adviser said. \u201cThere\u2063 will be consequences if you do, and that\u2019s why I think there\u2019s some credence to\u200b the \u200bidea that he\u2019s a so-called\u2064 authoritarian. I\u200b don\u2019t think he is\u200c authoritarian, but he\u2019s \u200dopening himself up to this criticism.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHis idea of loyalty is one-way,\u201d the adviser added.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2> How can blind loyalty and obedience within &#8220;shock troops&#8221; undermine the democratic \u2062process\u200c and principles?<\/h2>\n<p><span>  Wson said in a joint statement. \u2063\u201cHowever, our\u2062 team will make determinations on personnel based on merit,\u200d qualifications, and loyalty to the president\u2019s agenda.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>The Danger of &#8220;Shock Troops&#8221;<\/h3>\n<p>While loyalty is often seen as a desirable quality in politics, the establishment of &#8220;shock\u200d troops&#8221; who are \u2063solely dedicated to fulfilling the desires of one individual poses \u2062significant risks to the functioning of a\u200b democratic \u2063government.<\/p>\n<p>The \u2063concept of \u2064&#8221;shock \u200dtroops&#8221; implies blind loyalty and obedience, \u200bwhich can \u200blead to\u2063 a disregard\u200c for\u2064 the principles and norms that underpin the democratic process. Instead\u200b of\u200b basing \u200bdecisions on thoughtful analysis \u2062and the best interests of the \u2063country, these loyalists may \u2064prioritize personal loyalty to the leader, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/hillary-clinton-compares-donald-trump-to-hitler\/\" title=\"Hillary Clinton Compares Donald Trump To Hitler\">undermining\u2063 democratic values<\/a> and institutions in the process.<\/p>\n<p>The demand for loyalty and \u2062the creation of &#8220;shock troops&#8221; can\u200c also stifle dissent \u2062and limit the \u200bdiversity of\u2064 viewpoints that are essential for\u2064 a functioning democracy. If individuals are chosen solely based on their loyalty \u200cto\u200c the leader,\u200d there is\u200d a risk of\u2064 surrounding \u200coneself with yes-men and women, who are unwilling to challenge or provide alternative perspectives. This can lead to a lack of critical thinking and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/aoc-slams-pro-israel-aipac-as-racist-and-bigoted\/\" title=\"AOC criticizes AIPAC as 'racist and biased'.\">robust decision-making<\/a>, resulting in \u200bpolicies that may\u2062 not serve \u200cthe best interests \u200dof the American people.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, the \u200bestablishment of &#8220;shock troops&#8221; creates a cult-like atmosphere around the leader, fostering an environment\u200d in which blind loyalty is valued over principles, integrity, and the rule of law. This can \u2062lead to a erosion of democratic norms,\u200b as individuals\u200c may feel compelled to prioritize the wishes of the leader over their\u2063 duty to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, the demand\u2063 for loyalty and the establishment of &#8220;shock troops&#8221; in\u2063 2024 sets a dangerous precedent\u200b for \u2063the future of American politics. It undermines the principles of democracy \u2062and opens the\u2062 door\u2062 for authoritarian tendencies, limiting the ability of individuals\u2063 to think\u200d independently \u2063and act in \u200cthe best interests\u200c of the country.<\/p>\n<h3>The Importance of\u200b a Balanced\u2062 Approach<\/h3>\n<p>While loyalty can be a valuable\u200d trait\u2062 in politics, it is crucial that it is balanced with\u2062 other qualities such\u2063 as integrity, competence,\u2064 and\u2062 a commitment to democratic principles. A healthy\u2064 democracy requires individuals who are willing to challenge the status quo, \u2063provide alternative viewpoints, \u2062and prioritize the \u200dwelfare of the country over\u200d personal loyalty.<\/p>\n<p>Leaders should prioritize \u200cthe selection of individuals who demonstrate a commitment to upholding democratic values and institutions, as \u200bwell \u200das\u2062 a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and debate. By surrounding \u2063themselves with diverse perspectives and encouraging \u2062dissent, leaders can make more\u200d informed decisions\u200d and\u200c avoid the pitfalls of groupthink.<\/p>\n<p>In\u200d conclusion, the demand for loyalty and the establishment \u2062of &#8220;shock troops&#8221; in 2024 sets \u200ba concerning\u200b precedent for the future of American politics. It undermines the principles of democracy \u200band can lead to\u2064 a disregard for democratic values\u2062 and institutions. It \u200cis essential that \u200cleaders prioritize a balanced\u200c approach, valuing loyalty alongside integrity, competence, and a commitment to democratic principles. Only through such an\u200b approach\u2064 can we ensure the strength and longevity of American\u200c democracy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Former President Donald Trump&#8217;s 2017 meeting, where he sought loyalty from aides, paved the way for a future &#8220;shock troop&#8221; unit to reshape the federal government according to his desires in 2024. Soon after his election, Trump conducted an Oval Office &#8220;inquisition-style&#8221; tour<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2648,"featured_media":2315279,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[538],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2174152","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-washington-examiner"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2174152","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2648"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2174152"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2174152\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2315279"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2174152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2174152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2174152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}