The Trump Presidency 2.0

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I suppose this could just be a limited-effect attempt to secure some downsizing from people who care more about remote work than their jobs, or who probably see the writing on the wall anyway and see this as an 8 month headstart on finding new employment.

The goal is supposedly 10% reduction. I doubt they'll hit the target with the offer but really a no offer deal. IMO they really should offer targeted, real buyout packages based on years of service, level etc.

Don't know the legalese with any unions or contracts, but I'm thinking this is a setup to do mass reorganizations, terminations after Sep 30.

[Ksyrup]

I think the ultimate goal is to put this out there with all of the noise about purging liberals and overall reduction in the federal workforce and see if they can scare enough people into taking the deal. Like you, I don't have any knowledge of the union/contract aspect of actually firing a bunch of rank-and-file federal employees who are not political appointees. I assume, like most everything else Trump is testing the waters on right now, we'll be finding out.

[HerRealName]

With Trump just golfing all the time, who is actually issuing these Executive Orders? It's obviously someone at the Heritage Foundation but it would be interesting to see who the aspiring king of America is at this point.

[Ksyrup]

The architects of P2025 that Trump said wouldn't be involved in his administration. Plus some form of AI writing assistance, it appears.

[Mota]

If a federal job starts to become a 4 year position, you're going to struggle finding top people to work these jobs.

Imagine you're working a desk job, and you have to "bend the knee" to the current president or get fired. That's so weird.

[Ksyrup]

I think that's the long-term intent. Of course, given that we've got GOP legislators floating amendment scenarios so Trump can stay in office (or at least run again) perpetually, the idea is to purge the liberals and reset what's left of the government with right-wingers who would have some manner of job stability (especially since the Dems have shown no inclination to throw out norms like the GOP, so even if they win in 2028, they'd probably leave all of the right-wingers in their positions).

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

(especially since the Dems have shown no inclination to throw out norms like the GOP, so even if they win in 2028, they'd probably leave all of the right-wingers in their positions).

/waves to Postmaster General

[Edward64]

Haven't seen this in MSM but ... FAFO. Didn't want to compromise with Joe as lesser of 2 evils? You'll figure it out pretty quick. Looking forward to your TikTok posts decrying this fascism.

Trump launches anti-Semitism crackdown as he orders deportation of pro-Hamas students who terrorized campuses | Daily Mail Online

President Donald Trump will launch an anti-Semitism crackdown on Wednesday when he signs an executive order instructing federal agencies to find ways to deport anti-Jewish activists who violated laws, including students on college campuses.

The executive order will allow the deportation of resident aliens — including students with visas — who broke laws as part of anti-Israel protests following the October 7th attacks in Israel, DailyMail.com confirmed.

Trump, during his presidential campaign, called for the deportation of pro-Hamas students who are in the United States on visas.

[Edward64]

Elon clarifying some on the buyout. If true, great deal for someone who wants & is able to leave before Sep 30. But I really did not read this in the memo so I'd stay put unless there is a formal FAQ or clarification ...

And from Elon Musk on Wednesday morning, who posted on X: "Those deciding to take the deferred resignation deal can do anything they want for the next 8 months are not required to work at all whatsoever."

[Ksyrup]

I'd say the delta between what the letter says and what Musk/others are saying is their lack of attention to detail/competency.

[Lathum]

This is insane. No one elected Elon musk to shitcsn a bunch of civil servants.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I'd say the delta between what the letter says and what Musk/others are saying is their lack of attention to detail/competency.

You're too nice. I think its strategic ambiguity (aka has X paid Twitter executives their severance yet or still hung up in courts?).

But if true, then a pretty sweet deal for some with the right timetable.

[miami_fan]

My wife is in a virtual meeting now for the VA federal employees. Whooo boy, folks are HEATED!

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by miami_fan

My wife is in a virtual meeting now for the VA federal employees. Whooo boy, folks are HEATED!

The General for our agency put an email out this morning and it's clear she isn't happy but is trying to walk a fine line.

None of my employees seem to be taking it seriously. They mostly see it as a joke.

[NobodyHere]

Originally Posted by Lathum

This is insane. No one elected Elon musk to shitcsn a bunch of civil servants.

Have you listened to Jon in this thread?

[miami_fan]

Ok, we are about 20 minutes in and three people have mentioned that they voted for the President before going on a diatribe and/or asking questions about the current situation. Is this some sort of code to save their jobs? They do understand that once we reach the RIF stage, supporters of the current administration will lose their jobs as well, right?

EDIT: To be clear, I don't mean this in a FAFO sort of way. I just don't understand throwing out your voting bonifides in a Q/A session where there are still very little answers.

[SirFozzie]

It's because Trump's goons are asking when people had their "MAGA Conversion" moment to judge who's sufficiently loyal.

[Ksyrup]

Seems to be par for the course. Some Florida Man's Guatemalan wife got nabbed as an illegal and he posted an open plea on social media for Trump to contact him so they can work out a deal to let her stay since he voted for him.

[miami_fan]

The federal aid freeze trial balloon has been pulled back.

[RainMaker]

Dems didn't even get around to their emergency meeting either.

He handed them such an easy layup and I think the only person who really made a stink was JB Pritzker. Enormous missed opportunity.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by Mota

If a federal job starts to become a 4 year position, you're going to struggle finding top people to work these jobs.

Imagine you're working a desk job, and you have to "bend the knee" to the current president or get fired. That's so weird.

State jobs generally are better anyway. The only reason I've stayed federal is so that my 9 years active duty goes toward my retirement. Better pay, better benefits, far less bullshit, and at least in Washington they support full time telework and remote work if it fits your job. Our hospital has bled a lot of our best employees, whether it's provider, nurse, or admin to the state over the years.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

Have you listened to Jon in this thread?

And I really hate to break the news to people but I'm a moderate compared to many of the true believers.

The simplest example is that I recognize the need for some sort of FBI-like organization, under some sort of rebranding/refined mission, etc. I have to be ... judicious ... in saying that aloud in some circles, lest I be drawn into an argument I simply lack the energy to bother having.

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by miami_fan

The federal aid freeze trial balloon has been pulled back.

Maybe? The Press Secretary is saying the funding freeze is still in place.

Who knows with these charlatans?

[cuervo72]

I mean, the FBI basically (really boiled down) came about because of a) organized crime, b) rampant unlawfulness/cronyism/corruption at state/local levels (basically, organized crime with a badge or office; "murder? what murder we didn't see any murder...")

It's not a surprise some people don't like the idea of such an organization.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

Maybe? The Press Secretary is saying the funding freeze is still in place.

Who knows with these charlatans?

Yeah, someone from HS is a long-time Fed parole officer and was both a little freaked out by the email, but also annoyed with the media for not getting the story straight. Girl, when the gov't itself is shifting messages constantly, it's not completely the media's fault if they're not getting the story quite right.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

Yeah, someone from HS is a long-time Fed parole officer and was both a little freaked out by the email, but also annoyed with the media for not getting the story straight. Girl, when the gov't itself is shifting messages constantly, it's not completely the media's fault if they're not getting the story quite right.

No one knows what's going on right now. Our 3 star is trying to get answers for people.

The most straightforward of these EOs was the one on DEI and even that one's a mess. We're no longer an Army agency but we still work closely with them and most Army EEO offices had pulled DEI in under their umbrella for efficiency since they're closely related. Trying to define what falls under DEI and what falls under EEO is nearly impossible but they've been ordered to pull all DEI materials and related content.

[Atocep]

reuters.com

WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Wednesday to combat antisemitism and pledge to deport non-citizen college students and others who took part in pro-Palestinian protests, a White House official said.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by Atocep

No one knows what's going on right now. Our 3 star is trying to get answers for people.

The most straightforward of these EOs was the one on DEI and even that one's a mess. We're no longer an Army agency but we still work closely with them and most Army EEO offices had pulled DEI in under their umbrella for efficiency since they're closely related. Trying to define what falls under DEI and what falls under EEO is nearly impossible but they've been ordered to pull all DEI materials and related content.

I mean, I assume they want to get rid of EEO too.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

I mean, I assume they want to get rid of EEO too.

EEO and SHARP offices are exempt and are sticking is the official word. So no one knows anything.

[Ksyrup]

Good thing they got rid of DEI policies just as Tucker Carlson's son is hired as deputy press secretary for JD Vance!

[NobodyHere]

Didn't we have anti-nepotism laws for the federal government?

[Passacaglia]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

And I really hate to break the news to people but I'm a moderate compared to many of the true believers.

The simplest example is that I recognize the need for some sort of FBI-like organization, under some sort of rebranding/refined mission, etc. I have to be ... judicious ... in saying that aloud in some circles, lest I be drawn into an argument I simply lack the energy to bother having.

So who are those people and how come none of them are here?

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

So who are those people and how come none of them are here?

Is this a serious question? The sheer fact that he IS here makes him suspect/moderate in many circles. There's a good chunk of folks who regard anyone who has ANY civil online interaction with non-MAGA people (aka "the enemy") as being too soft.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

So who are those people and how come none of them are here?

I'm not sure how many gamers are included in that group off-hand. Definitely no sportsgamers that I can think of.

I mean, I know roughly a dozen people who were in DC for the inauguration, several who spent weeks on the "caravan tours" (whatever they call those), etc

I know a lot of the "ready for sainthood" supporters.

[Danny]

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

So who are those people and how come none of them are here?

I have no doubt there is many. Just look at the most devoted religious fanatics and then apply that same fanatisicm to worshiping Trump.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Danny

I have no doubt there is many. Just look at the most devoted religious fanatics and then apply that same fanatisicm to worshiping Trump.

This is a discussion I've had with one friend in particular. Her husband is basically that level of supporter, she's more like me, capable of seeing the occasional flaw on a specific point(s). And we know that we have to carefully pick & choose our moments to express any of that.

[Lathum]

It's the largest cult in history. Is that even up for debate at this point?

[JPhillips]

Trump just announced a 30000 person internment camp at Guantanamo that would hold people for an indefinite length of time.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

Trump just announced a 30000 person internment camp at Guantanamo that would hold people for an indefinite length of time.

Calling them internment camps is the woke bullshit they claim to be fighting against. Call them what they are.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by Lathum

It's the largest cult in history. Is that even up for debate at this point?

it was fascinating/sad to watch one particular person on FB flip-flop on Tik Tok. His first post on the matter…

“Everybody on here whining and crying about Tik Tok. Who cares! Yall need to go fishing, or get you a better hobby. Maybe you should do your research on why this app has been banned. Glad it's gone!”

And then of course, not even 48 hours later…

“I tell you what, Trump gets stuff DONE! Biden tried to kill Tik Tok but Trump saved it!”

If he received any pushback for the contradiction, he deleted it. There’s none there now. Just some likes, hearts, and approving comments on both posts….some from the same people.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

Trump just announced a 30000 person internment camp at Guantanamo that would hold people for an indefinite length of time.

Wonder what DOGE and Musk say about the cost...

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Lathum

It's the largest cult in history. Is that even up for debate at this point?

Only for the sane people.

Not for the pathetic sacks of shit suffering from TDS

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Only for the sane people.

Not for the pathetic sacks of shit suffering from TDS

Mostly miserable people that get off and feel better when someone else suffers.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Atocep

Mostly miserable people that get off and feel better when someone else suffers.

There seem to be three main causes for TDS, ironically the same as the three main causes for liberalism

Ignorance
mental/emotional illness or defect
plain old evil

I tend to avoid trying to parse the percentages because in the end the cause doesn't really change the amount of damage done by the disease but in the case of TDS, it does seem to skew heavily toward the mental illness and plain ol' evil roots.

And I cannot begin to describe just how much better my coffee tastes for the past week when I can make it with the tears of the TDS crowd. Sooooo fucking tasty.

[Lathum]

I've hated Trump since he stiffed one of my dads best friends and almost bankrupted him building the Taj.

The man is human garbage and always has been.

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

There seem to be three main causes for TDS, ironically the same as the three main causes for liberalism

Ignorance
mental/emotional illness or defect
plain old evil

I tend to avoid trying to parse the percentages because in the end the cause doesn't really change the amount of damage done by the disease but in the case of TDS, it does seem to skew heavily toward the mental illness and plain ol' evil roots.

And I cannot begin to describe just how much better my coffee tastes for the past week when I can make it with the tears of the TDS crowd. Sooooo fucking tasty.

Jesus Christ Jon, or some people just see him for what he is and this is coming from a 60/40 GOP voter at one point

[HerRealName]

I'm plain old evil.

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

There seem to be three main causes for TDS, ironically the same as the three main causes for liberalism

Ignorance
mental/emotional illness or defect
plain old evil

I tend to avoid trying to parse the percentages because in the end the cause doesn't really change the amount of damage done by the disease but in the case of TDS, it does seem to skew heavily toward the mental illness and plain ol' evil roots.

And I cannot begin to describe just how much better my coffee tastes for the past week when I can make it with the tears of the TDS crowd. Sooooo fucking tasty.

Finding enjoyment in people suffering is mental illness. There's no way around that or to rationalize it another way.

It's also telling that the same people that speak about the bible and religion now find the teachings of Christ too woke. The same people now saying empathy is sin. If Christ returned tomorrow these people would send him to Guantanamo for not having his papers.

[JPhillips]

Facebook pays Trump 25 million to settle the suit relating to Trump being banned on Facebook. It's being reported that Trump said they had to pay if they wanted to be inside the tent.

We're already pretty damned close to being Hungary.

[PilotMan]

Originally Posted by Atocep

Finding enjoyment in people suffering is mental illness. There's no way around that or to rationalize it another way.

It's also telling that the same people that speak about the bible and religion now find the teachings of Christ too woke. The same people now saying empathy is sin. If Christ returned tomorrow these people would send him to Guantanamo for not having his papers.

Jon is nothing but a class act folks. A class act and perfect example of how Christ is in everyone. He's building a house for Jon right now. A heavenly house for lovers of trump and christ and Jon. Where they can all bond together in the shared love of humanity and the great, big wonderful world of straight, white, homophobic, xenophobic, you better get out of town before nightfall, America that we've been missing!