A senior official within the Trump administration's trade sector has been quietly removed, with speculation suggesting his departure is tied to perceived support for the author of a controversial anti-Trump Op-Ed from 2018.
George E. Bogden, who served as the executive director of the Office of Trade Relations at Customs and Border Protection, was reportedly dismissed last week, as detailed by The Washington Post.
According to The Washington Post, Bogden's presence at the 2019 wedding of Miles Taylor, the individual behind the anonymous Op-Ed published by The New York Times, may have contributed to his removal. The Post further noted that Bogden attended Taylor's subsequent wedding in 2023. The report, based on unnamed sources, suggested that a Facebook photo from the 2019 event circulated among Trump officials, raising eyebrows.
Taylor's 2018 Op-Ed alleged a significant resistance movement against President Donald Trump during his first term. Taylor only disclosed his role as the author in 2020. Despite the controversy, Bogden expressed pride in his contributions to Trump's administration, stating on social media, "I continue to support President Trump and I remain fully behind the policies that are delivering real results for the American people."
The Washington Post also highlighted that Bogden was involved in discussions with other Trump officials about promoting the tariffs imposed by the President at the time of his dismissal. Meanwhile, Taylor's security clearance was recently revoked, with the White House suggesting the 2018 Op-Ed influenced this decision. The White House criticized Taylor for "stoking dissension by manufacturing sensationalist reports" and accused him of betraying public trust.
In contrast, a report from Politico presented an alternative explanation for Bogden's exit. It linked his dismissal to the impending conclusion of a policy that allowed low-value goods to bypass screening or tariffs. Politico, citing unnamed sources, indicated that the Department of Commerce aimed to remove the top political appointee overseeing customs before the policy's expiration on May 2.
This situation underscores the complexities and internal dynamics within the administration, as officials navigate the challenges of policy implementation and political allegiances. The differing accounts of Bogden's departure reflect the multifaceted nature of governance and the intricate interplay of personal and professional relationships in the political arena.
Login