In a bold start to his second term, President Donald Trump announced the dismissal of four prominent Biden-era appointees on his first full day in office, with plans to remove over 1,000 more in the coming weeks. Among the initial firings was retired General Mark Milley, signaling Trump’s intent to reshape key advisory councils and distance his administration from Biden’s policies.
Sweeping Personnel Changes Underway
Trump revealed the move early Tuesday on Truth Social, writing, “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.”
The dismissals come after a whirlwind Inauguration Day filled with formal ceremonies, the signing of multiple executive orders, and celebrations at three inaugural balls that went late into the night.
Milley Removed from Key Role
General Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was fired from his position on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, where he had been advising the president on the security of critical infrastructure. Milley had become a controversial figure among Republicans during his tenure, drawing criticism for his support of progressive policies, including the teaching of critical race theory at military academies.
In a highly publicized 2021 congressional hearing, Milley defended studying systemic racism in the military, famously saying, “I want to understand white rage, and I’m white,” in reference to the January 6 Capitol riots.
Milley had also clashed with Trump, refusing to back the then-president after the Capitol riot and later calling him a “total fascist” during the 2024 presidential campaign. The strained relationship between the two reached its peak Tuesday morning when the Pentagon removed Milley’s official portrait just hours after Trump took office.
Before leaving office, former President Joe Biden issued a preemptive pardon for Milley, shielding him from potential legal or military retribution for actions dating back to 2014.
Other High-Profile Dismissals
Joining Milley on the list of early dismissals were:
José Andrés, celebrity chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, who served on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Andrés, whose term had already ended, said he had submitted his resignation last week and wished the new administration well.
Brian Hook, former special envoy for Iran and trustee of the Wilson Center for Scholars.
Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Atlanta mayor and member of the President’s Export Council.
In characteristic fashion, Trump ended his Truth Social announcement with his signature phrase: “YOU’RE FIRED!”
Looking Ahead: A New Vision
The Trump administration is expected to unveil significant policy shifts in the coming days. One major initiative, Make America Healthy Again, will focus on public health and wellness under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The initiative signals a pivot toward promoting fitness, nutrition, and overall health as a cornerstone of the new administration.
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