U.S. News
24 Trump Officials Who Reigned the Swamp
By Matt De Vlieger · December 23, 2023
Trump and the Swamp
Did Trump Really 'Drain the Swamp'? Let's look back at controversial cabinet members and rough departures from his Administration. Office of U.S. President
Rex Tillerson
Fired for policy differences, the ExxonMobil CEO came with extensive business ties. Departure amid disputes over diplomatic strategies and conflicts with Trump's approach. Trump White House Archived/Public Domain
David Shulkin
Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin, a former healthcare executive, was dismissed amid ethical concerns. He faced scrutiny over ethics violations, including accepting Wimbledon tickets and taxpayer-funded travel expenses. Department of Veterans Affairs
Tom Price
Secretary of HHS Tom Price, a former Congressman and orthopedic surgeon, resigned amidst controversy over travel expenses. Price's private jet use for official travel raised concerns about the intersection of personal interests, government roles, and taxpayer funds.
Jeff Sessions
This long-serving Senator resigned following criticism by Trump for recusing himself from the Russia investigation and was accused by the "Demander in Chief" of disloyalty for not meddling in investigations. Gage Skidmore/Flickr
James Mattis
The Retired Marine Corps General departed over differing views on troop withdrawals and policy directions, highlighting conflicts in military strategies. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
Alexander Acosta
Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta resigned amid the Jeffrey Epstein case controversy. Acosta's return to academia post-resignation highlights questions about connections between legal and academic interests and government roles. Trump White House Archived
Kirstjen Nielsen
The former DHS official, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, faced criticism for implementing 'zero-tolerance' immigration policies, including family separations at the border. Nielsen had previously worked in the George W. Bush Administration. After her government service, she started a consulting firm, which received lucrative government contracts, notably for "technical writing." Nielsen agreed with the enactment of the Presidential Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security Regarding Military Service by Transgender Individuals. However, she will most likely be remembered for her role in separating migrant families at dehumanizing detention centers at the border. Department of Justice
Kevin McAleenan
Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan, a long-time DHS official, resigned amid shifting immigration policies. He lasted about 6 months on the job. The Trump White House Archived
Patrick Shanahan
Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, a former Boeing executive, resigned before confirmation hearings. Shanahan's return to the private sector post-resignation raises questions about ties between defense industry interests and government roles. Joint Cheifs of Staff
Rick Perry
Secretary of Energy Rick Perry resigned amid questions about his role in the Ukraine scandal. Perry's post-resignation activities bring attention to potential connections between political roles and private initiatives involving Ukraine. Governor Rick Perry/Flickr
Thomas Modly
Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly resigned over the USS Roosevelt handling. Modly's return to the private sector post-resignation prompts scrutiny about connections between defense industry interests and government decisions. Cpl. Hailey Clay/Communication Directorate
Richard V. Spencer
Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer was forced to resign over the Eddie Gallagher case. Spencer's post-resignation contributions to defense and security discussions highlight ongoing ties between government roles and private interests. William Pratt/US Army
Chad Wolf
Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf resigned amid legal challenges to the validity of his appointment. Wolf's post-resignation legal and regulatory concerns underscore questions about connections between private interests and government decisions. Glenn Fawcett/United States Department of Homeland Security
Elaine Chao
Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao resigned amid Capitol Riot fallout. Chao's ties to businesses and potential conflicts of interest post-resignation raise questions about the intersection of personal interests and government roles. Trump White House Archived
Betsy DeVos
Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos resigned amid Capitol Riot criticism. DeVos' controversies regarding ties to businesses post-resignation prompt examination of the relationship between private interests and government decisions. Trump White House Archived
Ryan Zinke
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke resigned amid ethics investigations. Zinke's post-resignation discussions on natural resource management highlight connections between industry interests and government roles. Creative Commons
Sonny Perdue
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue completed his term without major controversies. Perdue's post-service engagement in agricultural and policy discussions raises questions about ties between government roles and industry interests. Perdue shared a commonality with Trump in their significant conflicts of interest and reluctance to fully divest from them. Perdue, a former Georgia Governor, faced criticism during his eight-year tenure for failing to divest from personal farming businesses and receiving state tax relief through a bill pushed by his personal lawyer. Despite a past history of ethical issue. He agreed to place his assets in a blind trust, prompting calls for ongoing congressional scrutiny to ensure his authority over a $150 billion agency without personal interests interfering. Perdue is not associated with the chicken company. US Dept. of Agriculture
Wilbur Ross
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross completed his term amid controversies. During his four years as Secretary of Commerce for Donald Trump, Wilbur Ross reported a minimum outside income of $53 to $127 million, with potential earnings higher due to unspecified amounts over $1 million. Ross faced ethical scrutiny, including a $2 billion wealth discrepancy and allegations of insider trading and conflicts of interest. A December 2020 inspector general report cleared him of insider trading but found violations of the appearance of ethical standards, and since leaving the Trump administration, Ross has started an acquisition company backed by him, contributing to concerns about corruption. Trump White House Archived
Michael Flynn
National Security Advisor Michael Flynn resigned amid Russian contacts controversy. Flynn's legal proceedings related to interactions with foreign entities post-resignation raise questions about the intersection of personal interests and government roles. Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Stephen Miller
Senior Advisor to the President Stephen Miller played a significant role in shaping immigration policies during the Trump administration. Known for his hardline stance, Miller's influence raised concerns about the potential impact on human rights and the treatment of immigrants. His policies, such as the travel ban and family separation, faced criticism for their perceived harshness. Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Steve Bannon
Former Chief Strategist Steve Bannon was a key architect of Trump's populist and nationalist agenda. As the head of Breitbart News before joining the administration, Bannon's association with far-right ideologies generated controversy. While credited with shaping Trump's early policies, Bannon's departure raised questions about the administration's direction and ideological influences. Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Rudy Giuliani
Rudy Giuliani, Personal Attorney to President Trump, played a central role in the Trump administration. Known for his legal representation, Giuliani faced scrutiny for his involvement in efforts to gather information on political rivals, including the Ukraine scandal that led to Trump's first impeachment. His activities raised concerns about the intersection of personal legal counsel, diplomacy, and potential foreign influence. Giuliani's role in post-election legal challenges further fueled controversy and legal debates. Additionally, he gained attention for his involvement in promoting unfounded claims of election fraud, contributing to heightened tensions and debates over the integrity of the electoral process. Trump White House Archived
Scott Pruitt
Scott Pruitt served as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Donald Trump from February 2017 to July 2018. Pruitt, a former Attorney General of Oklahoma, faced scrutiny for his close ties to industry lobbyists and his approach to environmental regulations. During his tenure, he sought to roll back various environmental protections, arguing for regulatory reform. Pruitt resigned amid multiple ethics controversies, including allegations of excessive spending on travel, security, and a sweetheart rental deal. His time at the EPA sparked debates over the balance between industry interests and environmental conservation in government policy. Wikimedia Commons
John Bolton
John Bolton served as the National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump from April 2018 to September 2019. Known for his hawkish views on foreign policy, Bolton played a key role in shaping the administration's approach to issues such as North Korea, Iran, and Venezuela. His tenure was marked by policy disagreements with the president, ultimately leading to his resignation. Bolton later became a prominent figure with the release of his controversial memoir, "The Room Where It Happened," which provided damning insights into his time in the Trump administration. NATO/Flickr