## Documented Actions: 2020-2021

1. 2018–2021: Served as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Coordination and Vice-Chair of the Presidential Transition. New Zealand-born business executive with prior roles at Microsoft and General Motors.

2. January 6, 2021: Was “horrified” by the Capitol attack and discussed resignation with confidants and fellow senior officials including National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien. Multiple reports confirmed he seriously considered leaving the administration.

3. January 6–7, 2021: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called Liddell and other senior staffers asking them to hold off on resigning, at least through the immediate crisis, to prevent further destabilization of the government.

4. January 7–20, 2021: After “a great deal of persuasion,” chose to remain in his position for the final 12 days before Biden’s inauguration. Stated: “I’m intending to stay and try and do the right thing for the country. It is actually critical I keep my job for the next 12 days.” As Vice-Chair of the transition, he managed the presidential handover.

5. January 20, 2021: Was the last person to leave the White House for the incoming Biden team, ensuring the orderly completion of the transfer of power — a transfer that many in the Trump orbit sought to prevent.

## Pattern Analysis

Liddell represents the small cohort of Trump administration officials who, when confronted with the reality of January 6, chose institutional duty over personal loyalty or self-preservation. His decision to stay — specifically to ensure the transition of power — stands in contrast to officials who either participated in the insurrection effort, looked away, or resigned without completing their duties. Washington Monthly called him “the Trump official who did the right thing.” His case demonstrates that individual choices within authoritarian-leaning administrations can still preserve democratic processes.

### Severity Assessment

Immediate harm: CONSTRUCTIVE — Actively worked to ensure the peaceful transfer of power after January 6

Democratic erosion: Liddell’s actions mitigated erosion in a critical moment; however, his continued service throughout the Trump administration prior to January 6 contributed to normalizing the broader Trump project