Trump Begins Second Term with Mass Firings and Investigations

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump began his second non-consecutive term with a sweeping purge of federal officials, targeting perceived political enemies and launching investigations into the Biden administration. Within hours of his inauguration on January 20, 2025, Trump reassigned nearly two dozen senior Justice Department officials, State Department diplomats, and the commandant of the Coast Guard.

Trump’s actions are part of a broader effort to remove what he calls the “deep state” from the federal government. He has long accused anti-Trump officials, particularly within the Justice Department and intelligence community, of undermining his first administration. “Our first day in the White House is not over yet! My Presidential Personnel Office is actively in the process of identifying and removing over a thousand Presidential Appointees from the previous Administration, who are not aligned with our vision to Make America Great Again,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post early Tuesday.

Among the high-profile dismissals were former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley and celebrity chef José Andrés, who served on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Andrés, founder of the nonprofit World Central Kitchen, had been providing aid to wildfire victims in Los Angeles. In response to Trump’s post, Andrés stated he had already resigned, saying, “I hope @realdonaldtrump exercises his presidential authority so the council can continue to advocate for fitness and good health for all Americans.”

Trump also issued executive orders directing the Justice Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to investigate alleged “censorship of free speech” and “weaponization” of law enforcement under the Biden administration. Former President Joe Biden had issued a wave of pardons in his final hours, including for former House January 6 Committee members, in an effort to shield them from politically motivated investigations.

In his inaugural address, Trump vowed to end the “weaponization” of the justice system. “Never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents – something I know something about,” he said. However, critics argue that Trump’s actions represent a continuation of his confrontational approach to governance.

The shake-up extended to the FBI, where Deputy Director Paul Abbate announced his immediate retirement. Senior FBI special agent Brian Driscoll was named acting director, as the Trump administration plans to overhaul the agency. Colette Peters, director of the Bureau of Prisons, also left her position Monday, citing staffing shortages and institutional challenges.

Trump’s rapid personnel changes and executive actions signal a contentious start to his second term, with legal challenges already emerging. As the administration moves forward, the impact of these decisions on federal operations and political discourse remains to be seen.