The adage “revenge is a dish best served cold,” is a proverbial phrase found in the lexicon of many cultures, making its ultimate origin hard to pin point. In simple words, it means the act of “getting even” should be postponed, perhaps until the offending party has forgotten the misdeed inflicted.
As the new presidential administration is underway, potential recipients of his wrath may take solace in the fact that the chief executive’s prior term in office has given them an inkling of what to expect. Simply put, Donald Trump’s second presidential term will surely include vengeance as a major component of his agenda.
“For those who have been wronged and betrayed … I am your retribution,” said Donald Trump in March 2023 at a campaign rally in Waco, Texas.
Retired Generals John F. Kelly, former White House Chief of Staff and US Marine Corps; Mark A. Milley, former U.S. Army general; and James N. Mattis. Former United States Secretary of Defense; all once in Trump’s favor eventually became the focus of his scorn. Trump has specifically suggested that Milley be demoted and stripped of his rank, court-martialed, or executed.
Those with any pattern of disagreement with the media personality turned politician have had security clearances revoked or live in fear of losing their hard earned federal pensions.
Diplomat John R. Bolton, a National Security Advisor under Trump, has expressed increased anxiety among groups who have crossed his former boss.
“Anybody who ever disagrees with Trump has to worry about retribution,” he observed.
Bolton, who incurred enemies across the globe during his tenure in the Trump administration, has had his security detail canceled by the Secret Service since the chief executive returned to office, even though Iranian operatives have placed a $ 300,000 bounty on Bolton’s head, if he is killed on American soil. Former representative to Iran Brian Hook and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have also had their protective details rescinded.
Aside from personal vendettas, belt tightening is the order of the day and a campaign promise sure to be kept. Enter the introduction of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by non-native Elon Musk. Hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration employees have been let go in its wake.
This new entity’s impact remains to be seen, although Social Security Commissioner Michelle King has already tendered her resignation. She resisted pressure by DOGE to release private taxpayer information related to the Social Security Administration, which provides benefits to over 70 million citizens including children, the disabled, and retirees.
After scores of workers for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) were laid off, this cost-cutting measure was rescinded as the government reversed field, in a sudden policy shift, possibly realizing the folly of diminishing the workforce in potentially essential public services.
