“You’re fired!” Trump’s “retaliation” continues one after another

According to multiple US media reports, US Treasury officials, including the Deputy Secretary, have been forced to resign or face investigations due to disagreements with President Trump, sparking a wave of retaliatory actions by the Trump administration against “defections,” critics, and political opponents. Deputy Treasury Secretary Falkind was forced to resign due to his views, which displeased Trump and led to disputes with close associates. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report stated that Trump was dissatisfied with Falkind’s alignment with former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who had recently been criticized by Trump for strongly recommending Powell for the Federal Reserve Chair position. Falkind also disagreed with Trump confidant and former IRS Commissioner Billy Long over the IRS’s operations. Ultimately, under pressure from Trump, Treasury Secretary Bensont notified Falkind of his departure, and Falkind resigned on the 21st. The US Treasury did not provide a reason for Falkind’s departure. Bensont issued a statement on the 22nd thanking Falkind for his “dedicated service.” Falkind did not respond to requests for comment. US Secretary of Defense Hegseth fired Lieutenant General Cruze, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. The DIA had previously released a preliminary report on the destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities that contradicted Trump’s account, angering him. Dissatisfied with the latest employment data released by the US Department of Labor, Trump announced on August 1st that he had ordered the dismissal of Erica McEntrapper, Director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accusing her of “manipulating employment data for political purposes.” Trump posted on the social media platform “Real Social” that day that he had just learned that McEntrapper, an appointee of former President Biden, was responsible for compiling US employment data. Trump accused her of falsifying employment data before the 2024 election to try to help then-Democratic presidential candidate Harris. However, Trump did not provide any evidence for this accusation. Trump’s “retaliation” is mainly aimed at three groups of people: first, “traitors.” On the 22nd, the FBI, with authorization from the Department of Justice, raided the home and office of former National Security Advisor John Bolton. Bolton recently described the Trump administration as a “revenge presidency.” Second, those who have investigated Trump. The Trump administration has launched an investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat. James previously sued Trump’s company for alleged record-breaking fraud. California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, who led the first impeachment of Trump, is also under investigation. A third target is a Democratic political rival. The Trump administration has accused New Jersey Democratic Representative LaMonica McIver of inappropriate behavior during an immigration protest in Newark, New Jersey.