Exploring the challenges faced by career civil servants under the Trump administration, the podcast discusses limited resistance within the bureaucracy, the impact of vacancies at the top of federal agencies on job satisfaction and retention, and efforts to increase presidential control over federal employee appointments.
Limited resistance from bureaucrats under Trump administration despite concerns, with commitment to agency goals.
Upper-level bureaucrats report higher satisfaction during political vacancies, indicating lesser desire to leave.
Chaos at the top doesn't necessarily lead to wholesale degradation, highlighting the impact on agency dynamics.
Deep dives
Challenges and Ethical Obligations in Bureaucracy
Working in the state involves navigating numerous ethical obligations such as upholding the constitution, supporting law, and agency missions. Career civil servants faced challenges in balancing these obligations, particularly under the Trump administration which demanded higher loyalty standards. The study highlighted the complexities involved in maintaining professional ethics and duties amidst political pressures.
Research Setup and Data Collection for Insightful Interviews
The researcher encountered difficulties in gaining trust and participation from federal civil servants during the Trump administration. Through strategic networking, 66 career civil servants and contractors were interviewed, providing insights from various executive and independent agencies. The research highlighted the struggles and dilemmas faced by employees working in highly politicized and contentious departments.
Impact of Trump Administration Chaos on Bureaucratic Experience
The chaotic leadership and conflicting directives within the Trump administration created challenges for employees in making decisions and carrying out tasks. Reports of unclear communication from top leadership, incidents of incompetence, and fractured appointed leadership added to the complexities faced by civil servants. Employees found themselves entangled in a web of challenges and conflicting demands.
Resistance and Effects on Agency Continuity
Instances of resistance within the bureaucracy varied, with forms including framing language, backroom conversations, and documentation of perceived wrong actions by appointees. However, deliberate resistance was limited, with only a small number exhibiting what was termed as 'moral courage.' The study emphasized the dedication of career civil servants to their roles and the importance of agency continuity and stability amidst political changes.
Effects of Federal Vacancies on Employee Retention and Morale
Analyzing data on federal vacancies and employee job satisfaction, the research found that higher-level vacancies might lead to increased satisfaction and retention among employees. Contrary to common concerns, vacancies at the top did not necessarily result in negative outcomes and even provided some freedom from political pressures. The study highlighted the multifaceted impact of vacancies on agency dynamics and employee attitudes.
With the prospect of a second emboldened Trump administration on offer, the administrative state is under attack. How well did the bureaucracy deal with Trump appointees? Was there really a resistance in a "deep state"? And how much are career civil servants affected by chaos and turnover in the political class that sit above them? Jaime Kucinskas finds limited and ineffectual resistance of administrators under Trump, even among those alarmed by his actions, with employees still highly committed to the goals of their agencies. Amanda Rutherford finds that upper-level bureaucrats actually report higher satisfaction when they face political vacancies and they are less likely to want to leave. That suggests chaos at the top may not lead to wholesale degradation.
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