Trump Cabinet poll/ Hegseth approval ratings/ Gabbard nomination/ Marco Rubio secretary of state/ Robert F. Kennedy Jr. health secretary/ WASHINGTON/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ An AP-NORC poll reveals low approval for President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks, including Pete Hegseth for defense secretary and Tulsi Gabbard for intelligence chief. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Marco Rubio received higher recognition but remain divisive figures. With the GOP holding a narrow Senate majority, Trump’s nominations face critical scrutiny.
AP-NORC Poll Findings on Trump’s Cabinet Picks Quick Looks
- Pete Hegseth: Approved by 2 in 10 Americans, with 36% disapproval; Republicans are lukewarm.
- Tulsi Gabbard: Approved by 2 in 10; slightly more support among Republicans.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: More recognized, with 4 in 10 disapproving of his nomination for health secretary.
- Marco Rubio: Divided opinions; 6 in 10 Republicans support his nomination for secretary of state.
AP-NORC Poll: Americans Divided on Trump’s Key Cabinet Picks
Deep Look
Pete Hegseth: Controversial Defense Secretary Nominee
Hegseth, a former Army veteran and Fox News commentator, has struggled to gain public support amid allegations of misconduct, including excessive drinking and a sexual assault accusation he denies.
According to the AP-NORC poll:
- Only 2 in 10 Americans approve of Hegseth’s nomination.
- 36% disapprove, while about 4 in 10 are unsure.
- Among Republicans, approval rises slightly to one-third, but many remain undecided.
Hegseth’s lack of overwhelming support among Republicans reflects broader concerns about his suitability for the role, though Trump continues to stand by his nominee.
Tulsi Gabbard: Intelligence Chief Pick Draws Mixed Reactions
Poll results show:
- 2 in 10 Americans approve of her nomination, with 3 in 10 disapproving.
- Around 4 in 10 remain unsure or neutral.
- Republican approval is slightly higher, with 4 in 10 supporting her nomination and fewer expressing disapproval.
Gabbard’s controversial political history and proximity to Trump’s campaign have shaped perceptions of her role in the intelligence community.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: High Recognition, Low Popularity
Kennedy, a well-known environmental lawyer and vaccine skeptic, has sparked debate over his nomination as health secretary.
Poll findings indicate:
- 4 in 10 Americans disapprove of Kennedy’s nomination, while 3 in 10 approve.
- His support among Republicans is significantly stronger, with 6 in 10 approving.
Despite his Democratic lineage, Kennedy has emerged as a divisive figure, especially given his controversial views on vaccines and health policy.
Marco Rubio: Divided Views on Secretary of State Nominee
Senator Marco Rubio, a former Trump rival turned ally, has garnered mixed reactions for his nomination as secretary of state.
Key poll insights:
- 3 in 10 Americans approve of Rubio’s nomination, with similar disapproval levels.
- Among Republicans, 6 in 10 support Rubio, making him one of Trump’s most popular picks within the party.
- Rubio received higher approval among Hispanic adults compared to other nominees, though disapproval remains significant.
Rubio’s close relationship with Trump on foreign policy and his Cuban American background have influenced perceptions of his suitability for the role.
Political Implications for Trump’s Cabinet Picks
Challenges for Confirmation
With a narrow GOP majority in the Senate, Trump’s nominees face a difficult path to confirmation. Republican dissent could derail key appointments, as seen in the cautious responses to Hegseth.
Broader Party Dynamics
Trump’s Cabinet selections reflect his push to consolidate party loyalty while elevating figures with strong personal ties. The public’s mixed reactions, however, signal potential challenges in rallying bipartisan or even unanimous Republican support.
Public Sentiment
The poll highlights significant gaps in public awareness and approval of Trump’s nominees, underscoring a need for broader engagement and transparency in the confirmation process.
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