The measures taken are related to protests against Trump's policies, threats directed at officials and their families, as well as acts of political violence, including the murder of activist Charlie Kirk. Relocating to military bases provides civil servants with protection from the U.S. Armed Forces, the article states.
Among those who moved to the bases were Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, as well as Trump's domestic security advisor Stephen Miller and his wife Katie, who represents the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The Atlantic also mentions the presence of another official, whose name is not disclosed "for security reasons related to a specific threat." This employee was strongly advised to relocate to a military base after the tragic incident involving Kirk.
However, the mass relocation of officials has created challenges regarding housing availability on the bases for both high-profile officers and other administration representatives. One source told The Atlantic that there were not enough spots at Fort McNair for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Journalists note that in previous eras, only a few officials sought refuge on military bases.
"The fact that high-ranking officials felt the need to distance themselves from society is a troubling indicator of polarization in the country, to which the Trump administration itself has also contributed," the publication concludes.
