So you’re going to work for Trump…

Some advice from a Trump 1.0 vet

Dear Friend,

Congratulations! You just got a job in the Trump Administration. I know how exciting it is to work in the White House and with the President of the United States. I spent over two years as a national security advisor to Vice President Mike Pence in the White House and was there on day one at the Department of Homeland Security for the first Trump Administration. Yup, I worked for Trump 1.0

Now, I know you’re probably super-MAGA right now. You’re all in on America First and maybe even Project 2025, and you believe Donald Trump and his inner circle are just the team for the job. Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but I’d be willing to bet serious bank that you’ll bear witness to something that changes your mind. Because if you love America, your patriotism will instinctively kick in at some point, and you’ll see Trump for who and what he truly is. And then you’ll be left with a quandary.

Don’t take my word for it. It happened to Stephanie Grisham, Anthony Scaramucci, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Michael Cohen, Miles Taylor, Sarah Matthews, Cassidy Hutchinson, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Lev Parnas…to name just a few. All were true believers at one time. All worked closely with the President-Elect in some capacity. All were committed to him and his agenda. And all were left facing the same line in the sand I faced: how do I continue to serve in an administration that I know is flagrantly harming Americans?

So when it’s your quandary—and if you’re a patriot, trust me, it will be—here’s some advice on how to deal with it.

1. Remember who you serve. You serve at the pleasure of the President, but you don’t serve the President. You serve the American people, and your oath is to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. So don’t compromise your ethics for anyone, not even the President, and especially not in situations where his actions or directives conflict with the Constitution or jeopardize the health and safety of the American people.

2. Give it the smell test. You owe it to your country to be vigilant against any efforts to weaken checks and balances, the rule of law, and the independence of other governmental authorities. We don’t have a king, and that is by design. However, we have a natural tendency to excuse (or not notice) bad behavior on our own side of the fence. So listen to your gut and routinely ask yourself: would I be okay with a Democratic president doing x? If not, it’s probably not right.

3. Expect the unexpected. The Trump White House is erratic and unpredictable, to say the least. There will be sudden shifts in direction, so be prepared to navigate an environment where consistency and logic not only aren’t prioritized but are openly mocked. Most importantly, stay focused. These distractions are often purposeful, to mask politically or financially motivated activities that could ultimately compromise our national security.

4. Be brave. There will be tremendous pressure on you to keep your mouth shut. Much more than in the first Trump Administration. Don’t let it stop you from speaking out when necessary. If you witness actions that put the country directly at risk, you have a moral obligation to blow the whistle. If you need help, know that there is a support structure—we will be there for you.  

5. Play the long game. Speaking out will hurt. It will be scary. You will be called a traitor and worse. You might even feel like a traitor. I get it. But remember: the long-term health of the nation always supersedes short-term policy goals or loyalty to a political leader—particularly if those goals conflict with the public good, or if that leader threatens the Constitutional order.

If you’re a woman working in the Trump White House, you’re going to face an extra set of challenges. There’s a good reason why so many of us who have spoken out against Trump are women.

1. Be strong. The Trump White House’s chauvinistic male-dominated culture will be exacerbated by the presence of Elon Musk, JD Vance, Donald Trump Jr., Matt Gaetz, Pete Hegseth, and other “bros” in positions of authority or influence. It will be an intimidating environment, but stay true to your values, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. Remember, you have only yourself to face in the mirror every day.

2. Set boundaries. Even if you aren’t easily offended by locker room talk, it’s still vital that you set clear professional boundaries. Know your red line and don’t cross it. Trump’s leadership style fosters disrespect for women (and really everyone), and if you give an inch, he and his pals will take a mile. If necessary, don’t be afraid to assert your authority, especially if the male gaze becomes intolerable, while your work contributions are undervalued or overlooked.

3. Build support networks. This is an absolute necessity. Form a strong support group of women and allies who share similar values within the administration. You will rely on these trusted colleagues for solidarity and help through difficult situations. I cannot stress this one enough.

4. Use your voice. If there’s one good thing about working for Trump 2.0, you never have to feel like you’re not good enough. If you ever doubt yourself, just look around you. You’ll be surrounded by incompetent and entitled people who either failed their way up or bent the knee for power. So be empowered to use your voice on behalf of all American women. Your views are no less informed or valid than anyone else’s—and in fact, there’s a very good chance they’re more credible.

5. Don’t compromise your self-worth. Trump values loyalty above all else, usually at the expense of individual dignity. I urge you not to sacrifice your personal and professional integrity in exchange for political power or proximity to the President. He isn’t worth it. Ask anyone who’s been thrown under the bus for Trump. And be willing to walk away with your head held high if your principles are undermined. That’s what I did, and I’ve never once regretted it.

I’m not going to lie to you. No matter who you are, you are entering a hostile environment. I was fortunate—Mike Pence was a decent, respectful island in Trump’s sea of contempt. It will be much, much worse this time. I implore you as a fellow American to stand firm in the face of adversity, defend our democratic principles, and always put the best interests of the nation, rather than the President, first. You are quite literally our last line of defense in the White House.

No one expects to be a hero, but sometimes we are called to it. It may happen to you. And when that day comes, I and so many others who’ve gone before you have your back. Promise.

Good luck. America is counting on you.

Best,

Olivia Troye