Senator John Curtis on the State of Government and Leadership

The interview with Senator John Curtis of Utah, aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on February 23, 2025, provided a unique glimpse into the senator’s perspective on the current state of government, leadership, and the challenges facing the nation. Curtis, a Republican, shared his thoughts on President Trump’s recent decision to dismiss several senior military officers, the need for dramatic change in Washington, and the ongoing debate over government efficiency and federal workforce management.

The "Stop the Car" Moment: A Call for Dramatic Change

Senator Curtis began the conversation by framing the recent developments in Washington as a "stop the car moment," a phrase he borrowed from a colleague. He explained that this concept, drawn from the experience of parents dealing with disruptive children on a family vacation, encapsulates the frustration and urgency many Americans feel about the current state of affairs. Curtis argued that the 2024 election was a clear mandate from the American people for dramatic change, driven by dissatisfaction with issues such as border security, economic management, and government spending. He likened the situation to a family vacation where the kids are so disruptive that the parents decide to "stop the car" to address the problem before continuing. In the same vein, Curtis suggested that the American people are demanding a pause and a re-evaluation of the direction of the country, particularly in response to what they perceive as a lack of progress in Washington. This sentiment, he claimed, is what is driving the bold actions being taken by the Trump administration, including the dismissal of senior military leaders and the push for government efficiency.

Trust, Leadership, and the Dismissal of Military Officers

One of the most contentious topics discussed during the interview was President Trump’s decision to dismiss the Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and five other senior military officers. Brennan raised concerns about the potential politicization of the military, citing a statement from former Chair General Martin Dempsey, who warned that removing senior officers for perceived disagreements rather than issues of leadership, integrity, or performance could harm the apolitical nature of the military profession. Curtis acknowledged the gravity of the situation but framed the dismissals as part of the broader mandate for change that Trump received from the American people. He emphasized that Trump, as the elected commander-in-chief, has the discretion to make such decisions and that the dramatic shake-ups should not come as a surprise, given the president’s campaign promises. Curtis also downplayed concerns about the potential disruption caused by the dismissals, stating that the American people have lost confidence in many institutions and are demanding bold action.

Geopolitical Risks and Institutional Knowledge

Brennan pressed Curtis on the potential risks associated with such dramatic changes at the Pentagon, especially during a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. She noted that the dismissal of experienced military leaders could lead to a loss of institutional knowledge, which might complicate the transition and decision-making processes. Curtis responded by reiterating the "stop the car" narrative, arguing that the American people have already tried subtle changes and are now demanding more dramatic action. He expressed confidence that the system would adapt and that the president’s decisions were necessary to restore trust and confidence in government institutions. While he acknowledged that the transition might be challenging, he did not appear overly concerned about the potential complications, focusing instead on the need for change.

Government Efficiency and the Treatment of Federal Employees

The conversation also touched on the controversial measures being taken to improve government efficiency, including an initiative led by Elon Musk to streamline federal operations. Brennan highlighted the recent email sent to federal employees, requiring them to report their accomplishments in five bullet points by midnight Monday, with the implicit threat of termination for those who failed to comply. Curtis, who represents Utah, a state with 33,000 federal employees, acknowledged that while the need for efficiency was urgent, the approach being taken was overly harsh and lacked compassion. He shared his own experience as a mayor, where he had to make difficult personnel decisions but always did so with empathy and respect for the individuals affected. Curtis called for a more balanced approach, emphasizing the importance of treating federal workers with dignity while addressing the need for greater accountability and efficiency.

The Role of Congress and Constitutional Checks

Brennan also raised questions about the constitutional implications of President Trump’s actions, particularly his unilateral decisions to cancel funds appropriated by Congress. Curtis, while acknowledging the importance of the Constitution, framed the situation as a natural tension between the branches of government. He argued that the system was working as intended, with the courts and Congress playing their roles in checking the executive branch. However, he also placed some blame on Congress for failing to address key issues such as the budget and border security, which he claimed had led to the president’s efforts to take bold action. Curtis expressed confidence in the constitutional process and called on Congress to step up and fulfill its responsibilities.

Balancing Change with Compassion

Throughout the interview, Senator Curtis sought to balance his support for the need for dramatic change with a call for compassion and empathy in how that change is implemented. While he acknowledged the frustration among the American people and the need for bold action, he also emphasized the importance of treating federal employees and military personnel with dignity and respect. Curtis’s op-ed in the Deseret News was cited as an example of his commitment to finding a middle ground, where efficiency and accountability are pursued without losing sight of the human impact of such policies. He concluded by reinforcing the idea that the current moment is not just about making changes but about doing so in a way that reflects the values of compassion and fairness that Americans hold dear.

In summary, Senator Curtis’s interview on "Face the Nation" provided a candid look at his perspective on the challenges facing the nation and the need for dramatic change. While he expressed support for President Trump’s bold actions, he also called for a more compassionate and balanced approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of treating individuals with dignity and respect, even in the face of significant challenges.