Federal employees should be prepared to quit
7 April 2025
Those who work for the federal government, directly or indirectly, should be prepared to quit if they are ordered to do something illegal or offensive. They are also allowed to disobey illegal orders although they should anticipate prolonged litigation.
There is a reason that so many lawyers representing Trump have been disciplined by their State bar organizations. Trump pushes lawyers and others to do what he wants, regardless of the law. If they disobey, they may get fired. If they obey, the next time Trump (or his staff) may order them to do something even more illegal or offensive.
This pattern of behavior is common among evil people other than Trump. It is why I have written so many essays about staying away from evil:
Stay away from evil, part 1, 12 June 2023
Stay away from evil, part 2, 28 March 2024
Stay away from evil, particularly regarding money, 30 August 2024
How to fight evil (financially), 12 November 2024
These warnings are most relevant to those working for ICE (kidnapping people and sending them overseas without due process), the Department of Justice or DOGE. It may also apply to the military:
The stage has been set to put the soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and the guardians of the United States in an untenable position: to force them to choose between following orders or upholding the Constitution. In fact, the military might very well be democracy’s last line of defense.
The test is coming—and it’s coming fast. Source
What can happen to federal employees if they commit illegal activities (since the Trump administration doesn’t seem to care)?
Civil lawsuits from those damaged by these activities.
Criminal charges from State prosecutors.
Federal charges from the next administration (it is unlikely that Trump will pardon these employees).
Vigilantes may target those who played a part in their family or friends being killed or injured.
An international tribunal might be set up as was done against the Nazis after World War II for atrocities that have not yet happened but seem possible under Trump (Nuremberg was for crimes against peace, crimes against humanity and war crimes).
Since Trump appears to be deranged, if not insane, there is no limit on what he and his staff may order federal employees to do, so they should be prepared.
The index to my prior essays (mostly post 5 November 2024) is here.
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