As reported by the media, National Security Council representative Brian Hughes explained that this move is aimed at ensuring that employees "will be committed to implementing the program" of the new U.S. President Donald Trump, "America First," particularly in terms of national security protection and the prudent use of taxpayer dollars in the States.
Decisions are made based on personnel evaluations, the publication notes.
As WP adds, on January 22, officials were informed that they needed to leave the building. They were instructed to return only at the request of their supervisors – senior directors appointed by the administration of President Donald Trump.
Walt's decision was unexpected, which led some officials to be unable to exit the White House grounds immediately, as their access badges no longer worked, the media emphasizes.
The article highlights that the mass dismissal of so many staff members during the transition period could complicate the new national security team's efforts to address significant issues.
The Associated Press reported on January 13 that new officials in the Trump administration began questioning career civil servants working in the White House National Security Council even before his inauguration. Employees were asked whom they voted for in the 2024 elections, about their political contributions, and whether they had posted on social media content that the team of President-elect Donald Trump might consider compromising, the journalists added.