Moulton Statement on Trump Administration Sending Home 160 National Security Staffers

Congressman Moulton reacted to the news that the Trump administration sent home 160 key national security staffers in order to conduct "personnel reviews." 

“Trump sent the entire professional staff of the Situation Room home. He cares more about total political loyalty than professional expertise – to the point that he is willing to put the national security of the United States in jeopardy. If something were to happen in the world today, the ability of the United States to respond would be slower.

Through every administration, Democrat and Republican, nonpartisan civil servants have formed the backbone of the National Security Council staff. They are career experts on some of the world’s most challenging geopolitical and national security issues, have critical relationships with foreign governments, and understand how to navigate the huge bureaucracies of DoD, State, and the Intelligence Community. They have sworn an oath to the Constitution, and have chosen to work extraordinarily intense jobs to serve their country. They represent the best of America. 

In a presidential transition, their role is even more critical – they ensure connectivity between the administrations as the incoming team gets up to speed. Sending them all home leaves America extraordinarily vulnerable.”