In a sweeping demonstration of executive authority, President Donald Trump wasted no time reshaping the federal government on January 20th, 2025.
The 47th President announced the removal of thousands of Biden administration appointees, marking the beginning of what conservatives are calling a long-overdue restoration of proper governmental control.
Trump’s Day One Housecleaning
“Our first day in the White House is not over yet!” Trump declared on Truth Social, announcing that his Presidential Personnel Office is “actively in the process of identifying and removing over a thousand Presidential Appointees from the previous Administration.”
The President made it clear that anyone not aligned with the MAGA agenda would be shown the door, starting with several high-profile dismissals including Jose Andres, Brian Hook, and Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Milley’s Trail of Betrayal
Among the most notable removals was former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, whose dismissal from the National Infrastructure Advisory Council represents a definitive response to his previous actions.
During Trump’s first term, Milley made unauthorized calls to Chinese military leadership, specifically General Li Zuocheng of the People’s Liberation Army. He promised this foreign entity that he’d warn them if the U.S. planned any military action. Um… treason, much? Yep! I wouldn’t be surprised if prosecution was coming.
The former general’s relationship with the Trump administration further deteriorated through his pointed criticism following January 6th.
In his final hours serving under the Biden administration, Milley accepted a preemptive pardon – a decision that conservative leaders quickly identified as tacit acknowledgment of improper conduct.
Swift Justice at the Pentagon
In a development that crystallized the changing tide in Washington, Milley’s portrait, which had been unveiled with considerable ceremony on January 12th, was swiftly removed from its prominent position in the Pentagon hallway.
Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley's portrait has been removed from the Pentagon hallway where it was hanging as late as 12:46 pm today, when the earlier photo was taken. The portrait was just unveiled Jan. 12. It is not clear where the portrait was removed to. pic.twitter.com/bWnCh6Yl76
— Tara Copp (@TaraCopp) January 20, 2025
The removal, confirmed at 12:46 PM on Trump’s first day back in office, serves as a powerful symbol of the administration’s commitment to accountability. Where did it go? We can’t be sure. Perhaps it was sent to Milley’s house with a note attached: “You better lawyer up, bucko!”
We can at least dream.
Restoring Constitutional Order
The removal of Biden appointees extends far beyond symbolic gestures. Trump signed a comprehensive executive order specifically designed to streamline the removal of federal employees in policy-making roles who resist executive leadership.
The order addresses what the administration describes as “numerous and well-documented cases of career Federal employees undermining the constitutional chain of command.”
“Accountability is essential for all Federal employees,” the executive order states, “but it is especially important for those who are in policy-influencing positions.”
This decisive action has drawn praise from conservative leaders who have long advocated for more direct control over the federal bureaucracy.
Key Takeaways:
- Trump fires thousands of Biden loyalists, showing immediate action on campaign promises.
- Anti-Trump General Milley’s portrait was removed just days after its unveiling.
- New executive order enables swift removal of deep state operatives.
- Biden-era bureaucrats face consequences for abusing their power to oppose the will of the people.
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