It's not embarrassing reversals, that's the problem. People who want the government to work well for the general population will leave, and those that can't find employment in the private sector will stay. So we're immediately left with a less capable government.

Those who stay will be doing so with the full understanding of the vindictive nature of the current administration. What makes you think these employees will stand up to illegal requests? What makes you think they'll go the extra mile? It's a bad situation all around, and it's going to get worse before it gets better.