New White House survey questions potential employees about Trump’s appeal

The White House is using a new survey to question potential employees about President Trump’s appeal, according to multiple reports this week.

A person striving for a political appointment in the Trump administration will now have to answer questions relating to Trump and his campaign, according to a copy of the survey first published by CNN.

The White House’s Presidential Personnel Office reportedly sent the survey to federal departments on Monday as part of an effort to ensure those working in the administration are loyal to Trump.

The applicants are specifically asked “What part of Candidate Trump’s campaign message most appealed to you and why?”

This questionnaire would be utilized for political appointments in the administration, not for those applying for career positions, CNN noted. 

CNN noted that the White House previously asked if candidates had appeared in the media, adding that the new survey includes a question regarding whether they “ever appeared in the media to comment on ‘Candidate Trump, President Trump or other personnel or policies of the Trump administration.’ ”

The new questionnaire covers the candidate’s personal “political evolution” and asks them to list “thinkers, authors, books, or political leaders” who have “influenced you and led you to your current beliefs.” 

It also asks the applicant to list all campaigns they have “worked on or volunteered for,” according to CNN, which added that an earlier questionnaire asked whether they had run for office themselves. 

“The purpose of this document is to expedite Presidential Personnel’s vetting process,” the new survey says, before asking for all social media accounts and references. 

CNN notes it is not atypical for White House surveys to ask about political alignment, adding that the new survey uses Trump’s name five times in the questions while it was not mentioned in the last questionnaire. 

“Every President has the right to appoint people who are in line with their agenda and policies.” Stephanie Grisham said in a statement obtained by CNN.

Two former Obama White House officials told CBS News they did not ask applicants about political leanings or opinions.