Trump's transition team has reportedly instructed those in charge of maintaining America's nuclear arsenal to pack up and go on Jan. 20. An unnamed Department of Energy official, speaking withGizmodo Monday, said that Trump ordered Under Secretary for Nuclear Security Frank Klotz and deputy Madelyn Creedon Friday to vacate their posts whether or not a replacement plan was in place.
"There are scores more appointees within the department," the source toldGizmodo Monday, noting that the empty spots may include roles from the top down. "Secretarial and administration appointments that don't require Senate confirmation, mostly performing policy, liaison, and strategic advisory capacities in support of the agency they're at. They serve at the will of the head of their agency. Those people are, theoretically, also out on inauguration day unless otherwise directed, which hasn't happened yet to my knowledge."
The move marks the first time in the history of the National Nuclear Security Administration that it will, even temporarily, be in operation without the guidance of those in appointed leadership roles. The agency is tasked with maintaining and enhancing the safety of the U.S. nukes stockpile, prompting Gizmodo's source to later offer the following: "I'm more and more coming around to the idea that we're so very very fucked."
Much of the planet, seemingly, would agree:
Worth noting? Both Klotz and Creedon are Obama appointees. Also worth noting? North Korea announced on Sunday that it is capable of launching a intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) "at any time" and from any location. The announcement was preceded by comments from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on ICBM testing, prompting a tweeted promise from Trump:
For the full rundown of Trump's nuclear ousting decision, including its potential impact on the agency's ability to propose a new budget to Congress, just click right here, preferably with a strong drink in your hand.
