People Involved
Key figures in the Trump orbit — allies, appointees, targets, and those who publicly broke with him. Many former officials have spoken out about what they witnessed.
Cabinet Turnover & Loyalty Tests
Trump had the highest cabinet turnover of any modern president. Many who served him closest — his own hand-picked appointees — later described him as unfit for office, a fascist, or a danger to democracy. In the second term, loyalty has replaced competence as the primary qualification for senior positions.
29
Key Figures
11
Spoke Out Against
6
Current Loyalists
5
Revenge Targets
Mike Pence
Broke with TrumpVice President (2017-2021)
Refused to overturn 2020 election results on Jan 6. Trump supporters chanted "Hang Mike Pence." Pence later ran against Trump in 2024 primary and publicly stated Trump should never be president again.
James Mattis
Resigned / Spoke OutSecretary of Defense (2017-2019)
Resigned over Syria withdrawal. Later condemned Trump's response to George Floyd protests: "Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people."
John Kelly
Spoke OutChief of Staff (2017-2019)
Called Trump "the most flawed person I have ever met" and confirmed Trump praised Hitler: "Hitler did a lot of good things." Called Trump a fascist.
John Bolton
Fired / Wrote BookNational Security Advisor (2018-2019)
Published "The Room Where It Happened" detailing Trump's incompetence and corruption. Testified that Trump held Ukraine aid for political investigations.
Rex Tillerson
Fired / Spoke OutSecretary of State (2017-2018)
Reportedly called Trump a "moron." Was fired via tweet. Later stated Trump was "undisciplined" and didn't like to read.
Mark Esper
Fired / Wrote BookSecretary of Defense (2019-2020)
Fired after refusing to deploy active duty troops against BLM protesters. Published book describing Trump as unfit and reporting he suggested shooting protesters in the legs.
Bill Barr
Broke with TrumpAttorney General (2019-2020)
Initially a loyalist who shaped Mueller report narrative. Later stated there was no evidence of election fraud and called Trump's claims "bullshit." Still endorsed him in 2024.
Mark Milley
Preemptively PardonedChair of Joint Chiefs (2019-2023)
Reported to have intervened to prevent Trump from using the military domestically. Called Trump "fascist to the core." Biden preemptively pardoned him to protect from Trump retaliation.
Jeff Sessions
Fired / HumiliatedAttorney General (2017-2018)
First senator to endorse Trump. Recused himself from Russia investigation, which enraged Trump. Subjected to months of public humiliation via tweets before being fired. Tried to win back Trump's favor and failed.
H.R. McMaster
Replaced / Spoke OutNational Security Advisor (2017-2018)
Struggled to manage Trump's impulsive decision-making. In his book, described Trump as easily manipulated by flattery and vulnerable to autocrats like Putin and Erdogan.
Gary Cohn
Resigned / Spoke OutChief Economic Advisor (2017-2018)
Resigned after Charlottesville when Trump said there were "very fine people on both sides." Reportedly removed documents from Trump's desk to prevent him from signing harmful executive orders.
Nikki Haley
Ran Against / EndorsedUN Ambassador (2017-2018)
Called Trump "unhinged" and "not qualified to be president" during 2024 primary. Then endorsed him anyway. Represents the pattern of Republicans who criticize Trump then fall in line.
Mike Pompeo
Loyal / SidelinedSecretary of State (2018-2021)
One of the most loyal cabinet members. Ran for president in 2024 but dropped out early. Despite total loyalty, was eventually sidelined from the second term inner circle.
William McRaven
Spoke OutAdmiral (Ret.), SEAL Commander
Led the Osama bin Laden raid. Called Trump the "greatest threat to democracy in my lifetime" and urged Americans to vote him out. One of the most respected military voices to speak against Trump.
Cassidy Hutchinson
Testified / Wrote BookWhite House Aide (2020-2021)
Testified before Jan 6 Committee that Trump lunged for the steering wheel when Secret Service wouldn't take him to the Capitol. Described Trump throwing plates and ketchup against walls.
Elon Musk
Close AllyDOGE Advisor / Ally (2025-)
Leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the second term. Given broad access to government systems. His involvement has raised concerns about conflicts of interest and unelected power.
Kristi Noem
LoyalistDHS Secretary (2025-)
Leading aggressive immigration enforcement including mass ICE raids. Previously famous for shooting her dog. Implementing Trump's border policies with expanding deportation operations.
Kash Patel
LoyalistFBI Director (2025-)
Hand-picked to lead the FBI despite having no law enforcement experience. Has a documented "enemies list" of people he wants to investigate. Openly stated he would use the FBI to go after Trump's political opponents.
Pete Hegseth
LoyalistSecretary of Defense (2025-)
Former Fox News weekend host with no government or senior military experience. Nominated to lead the Pentagon despite allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking. Represents loyalty over competence.
Tulsi Gabbard
LoyalistDirector of National Intelligence (2025-)
Former Democrat who switched parties. Appointed to lead the intelligence community despite being flagged by intelligence officials for repeated promotion of Russian and Syrian talking points.
Matt Gaetz
Failed NomineeNominated for AG (Withdrawn)
Initially nominated for Attorney General despite an active House Ethics investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving a minor. Nomination withdrawn when it became clear the Senate would not confirm.
Jerome Powell
Target of AttacksFederal Reserve Chair
Repeatedly attacked by Trump for not lowering interest rates. Trump publicly threatened to fire him despite Fed independence being a cornerstone of economic stability.
Jack Smith
DismissedSpecial Counsel
Led federal prosecutions against Trump for Jan 6 and classified documents. Cases were dropped after Trump won 2024 election based on DOJ policy not to prosecute sitting president.
Liz Cheney
Target of RevengeRep. (R-WY), Jan 6 Committee Vice Chair
Led the Jan 6 investigation and voted to impeach Trump. Lost her primary after Trump backed her opponent. Trump has called for her to be prosecuted and jailed for her role on the committee.
Adam Schiff
Target of RevengeRep./Sen. (D-CA), Impeachment Manager
Led Trump's first impeachment as House Intelligence Chair. Trump has called him "Shifty Schiff" and "pencil neck." Now a senator, remains a primary target of Trump's rhetoric.
Fani Willis
Target of AttacksFulton County DA
Brought the Georgia RICO case against Trump for attempting to overturn the 2020 election. Trump has relentlessly attacked her, calling her corrupt and incompetent. Case has been hobbled by legal challenges.
Jared Kushner
Family / Inner CircleSenior Advisor (2017-2021)
Son-in-law given vast portfolio including Middle East peace and pandemic response with no relevant experience. After leaving office, received $2B from Saudi sovereign wealth fund despite their advisory panel objecting.
Ivanka Trump
Family / DistancedSenior Advisor (2017-2021)
Served as senior advisor despite anti-nepotism laws. Secured Chinese trademarks while serving in the White House. Largely distanced herself from Trump's 2024 campaign and second term.
Donald Trump Jr.
Family / Inner CircleCampaign Surrogate / Business
Met with Russian agents at Trump Tower in 2016 seeking "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. Continues to serve as Trump's most combative media surrogate. Runs the Trump Organization alongside Eric Trump.