Houston Keene, The Blaze; The Information Age brought rapid technological progress and unprecedented access to knowledge. But one rule still holds true: Once it’s on the internet, it’s there forever.

It shouldn’t have to be said, but here we are: No, it is not normal for federal employees — whether career staff, political appointees, or otherwise — to defy the direction of the president of the United States.

Imagine you are the brand-new chief technology officer of a large company. The CEO has asked you to lead a portion of the company, one of the largest. Now, you are taking the helm of a department that you are passionate about, which needs change from its leadership after decades of mismanagement.

Six months into the second Trump administration, and after four years of sustained rest, we have returned to the sweeping crescendos and vibrant movements of the legacy media’s symphony of sympathy. Now, the tune has been adapted for departing federal employees as President Trump moves to streamline the federal government — and fast-track its firings for those who abuse their roles as stewards of the taxpayer.

Imagine an investment bank owned by several generations of a family. This bank has been a profitable institution for the family, and the people it serves have viewed it as a trustworthy, knowledgeable institution for many years. Moreso, this family’s community knows it can trust the family’s bank as a fiduciary — an institution bound by law to make the best choices for the family’s clients’ assets on the clients’ behalf.