THE ENEMY WITHIN

How Trump could turn the federal government into an instrument of repression

- David Corn

Mr. Smith, please come in, have a seat. Our records show you've been with the State Department for 17 years, the past five in the Bureau of National Security and Nonproliferation. Now it has come to our attention through an anonymous tip to the America First Compliance Program that you made a derogatory comment about the president. A subsequent internal investigation discovered your wife donated $125 to Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. Through further inquiry—with the assistance of the TrumpX social media team—we located a deleted post from your daughter's timeline that included a photograph of her and your wife knocking on doors in west Philadelphia for Kamala Harris. Under the new Loyal Americans in Government executive order, we are terminating your employment as of this moment. As you might know, your position has been reclassified and no longer enjoys the civil service protections of the past. There is no right of appeal. My secretary will provide you the separation paperwork. You may leave now.