Washington – Senior officials at federal agencies have criticized a recent US strike in Iran, suggesting that the decision may have originated from within what some refer to as the “deep state,” labeling it as “meaningless.”
Andrew Kloster, the general counsel at the Human Resources Administration, took to social media, expressing his disdain for the US’s historical actions concerning Israel and the nuclear threats posed by Tehran. He posted and then deleted multiple tweets that criticized the US for its past distribution of materials to Israel while seemingly ignoring the dangers of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
About half an hour after President Trump announced a successful airstrike on an Iranian nuclear facility, Kloster shared his thoughts on social media:
Kloster described the airstrike as “a bit pointless” in a follow-up post, responding to users who argued that attacking Iran’s nuclear sites could be beneficial for the US in the long run.
He also echoed the sentiments of another user, Vish Bula, who characterized the conflict as a “tribal fight” between Israel and Iran, referencing tensions that escalated after Trump’s administration. A ceasefire was expected to take hold shortly thereafter.
As of Tuesday morning, the tweets have been deleted.
It’s fairly unusual for high-ranking officials to express such candid opinions, likely due to the nature of their political appointments and the fear of being dismissed.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is also set to implement Trump’s “Schedule F” directive, aimed at ensuring that non-political appointees within the federal government align with the president’s policies.
Earlier, Trump urged that all government employees maintain high standards of performance in compliance with an executive order from his administration.
He emphasized that employees who do not support the president’s policies or engage in misconduct should lose their positions.
Kloster’s remarks reflect a deeper anxiety among Trump’s non-interventionist supporters regarding the potential for US military involvement in Iran. After years of entrenched conflict in the region, they worry about escalating costs and the outcomes of previous military interventions.
A White House spokesperson mentioned efforts to reassure Trump’s foundational support base, emphasizing the need for a strong, peace-oriented approach.
Just two days post-strike, Trump quickly reverted to his anti-war rhetoric.
Insiders have criticized Kloster’s tweet as foolish.
A former White House aide during Trump’s first term, Kloster also served in various legal and advisory roles before resigning from his position with then-Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Recent developments have indicated ongoing conflicts among Trump’s appointees in administering his administration.
Sources also mentioned that the presidential personnel official, who oversees applicants for government positions, has not completed the necessary documentation for standard security clearances. Some uncertainties about his background, including claims regarding his birthplace, have also surfaced.
Kloster is reportedly a close ally of this official, yet he did not respond to any requests for comment, and the White House has opted not to provide further details.
