Loyalty Over Merit: Military Appointments in the Trump Era

This chapter investigates the controversial military appointment strategies used by the Trump administration, emphasizing the prioritization of loyalty over qualifications. It discusses the implications for civil-military relations and the ethical concerns that arise when military leaders feel pressured to align with political directives. Through an analysis of recent Senate confirmations, the chapter critiques the potential consequences of appointing individuals with questionable backgrounds to critical roles within the military and government.