Donald Trump is making it clear: retribution is high on his priority list. The former president is moving quickly to follow through on his campaign promises, shaking up the government and targeting officials who’ve crossed him in the past.

Just this week, over a dozen career officials at the Justice Department were fired. These individuals, who had civil service protections, were reportedly let go because they couldn’t be trusted to support Trump’s agenda. This follows a wave of similar actions, including the dismissal of inspectors general and the launch of a special project to investigate prosecutors involved in January 6 cases.

Trump’s approach isn’t subtle. He’s sending a strong message: those who oppose him or his policies risk losing their jobs—or worse. On the flip side, those who’ve acted in his favor, even if controversially, are being shielded. For example, thousands of January 6 rioters have already received pardons or commutations.

But it’s not just about personnel changes. Trump’s administration is also revisiting past policies, freezing foreign aid and putting senior officials at USAID on immediate leave. Critics argue these moves could undermine oversight and accountability within the government.

Supporters, however, see it differently. Many conservatives believe Trump is simply doing what he promised—clearing out a bureaucracy they view as hostile to his agenda. They argue that after winning the election, he has every right to reshape the government to reflect his vision.

Still, Trump’s actions are raising questions about the limits of presidential power. Legal experts note that while presidents have broad authority, there are rules—like the 30-day notice required for dismissing inspectors general—that Trump’s team seems to be ignoring.

As the dust settles, one thing is certain: Trump’s retribution agenda is in full swing, and its impact on the government and the nation will be felt for years to come. Whether it’s seen as a necessary shakeup or a dangerous overreach depends largely on where you stand.