Former President Trump acknowledged on Wednesday the challenge of determining staff loyalty after hiring them, while discussing potential national security appointments for a second term and as Democratic critics took the stage at the party’s convention.
In an interview on conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt’s show, Trump was questioned about who he might appoint to key positions if re-elected. Though he refrained from naming specific individuals, Trump indicated his experience from his first term had given him insight into selecting the right people.
As Trump considers second-term appointments, he stresses the importance of loyalty, a recurring theme in his administration
“I’ve spent four years. I know people better than anyone in Washington,” Trump stated. “I understand their strengths and weaknesses, their loyalty and their treachery.”
Trump noted that loyalty, in particular, is hard to gauge until faced with certain situations, describing it as “a little bit of a hit and miss.” His comments reflect his longstanding emphasis on loyalty, often criticizing former aides and officials who have criticized him after leaving his administration.
These remarks coincided with several Republican critics addressing the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Stephanie Grisham, Trump’s former White House press secretary and aide to Melania Trump, spoke on Tuesday, alleging that Trump mocks his supporters and lacks empathy or honesty.
Other Republicans slated to speak include former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Olivia Troye, a former Homeland Security aide to Mike Pence, and former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan.
