Nikki Haley/ Tulsi Gabbard, RFK Jr./ Trump cabinet picks/ Trump administration/ GOP criticism/ foreign policy controversies/ vaccine conspiracies/ national intelligence/ health secretary./ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Nikki Haley criticized Donald Trump’s cabinet picks, Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for their lack of qualifications and controversial views. Haley labeled Gabbard as a sympathizer of adversarial nations and RFK Jr. as unfit for health secretary. The picks have sparked backlash from both parties, with critics raising concerns about national security and administrative capabilities.
Haley’s Critique of Trump’s Cabinet Picks: Quick Looks
- Tulsi Gabbard Under Fire: Haley accused Gabbard of sympathizing with Russia, China, Iran, and Syria, citing her controversial foreign policy stances.
- RFK Jr. Criticized: Haley questioned Kennedy’s qualifications as health secretary, citing his anti-vaccine stance and lack of relevant experience.
- Bipartisan Backlash: Trump’s picks have drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, including national security experts.
- Past Controversies: Gabbard’s positions on Ukraine, Syria, and Iran and RFK Jr.’s conspiracy theories fuel concerns.
- Haley’s Position: As a former Trump ally and Republican rival, Haley’s critiques highlight growing divisions within the GOP.
Nikki Haley: Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr. Are Wrong for Trump’s Cabinet
Deep Look: Haley Calls Out Trump’s Cabinet Choices
Nikki Haley, former UN ambassador and Republican presidential hopeful, is not holding back on her criticism of Donald Trump’s controversial cabinet picks. Haley took aim at Tulsi Gabbard, selected for director of national intelligence, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s choice for health secretary, accusing both of being unfit for their roles due to their controversial pasts and lack of qualifications.
Haley’s Criticism of Tulsi Gabbard
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman turned Republican, is no stranger to controversy. Haley labeled her a sympathizer of adversarial nations, citing her history of statements and actions that align with Russian, Chinese, Syrian, and Iranian interests.
Gabbard has faced criticism for years over her foreign policy views, including a 2022 claim that U.S.-funded laboratories in Ukraine were creating bioweapons, a narrative Russia has promoted without evidence. Gabbard later clarified that her concern was about securing such labs, but the remarks fueled accusations of her being a “Russian asset.”
Her meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also drew bipartisan condemnation, as Assad is widely accused of committing war crimes. Gabbard has defended the meetings as efforts to promote peace but has also accused the U.S. of supporting terrorist groups in Syria.
Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer and Democratic congresswoman, echoed Haley’s concerns, calling Gabbard’s selection a “national security risk.” Even former Trump administration officials like John Bolton and Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger joined the chorus of criticism, with Kinzinger bluntly stating, “I served with Tulsi Gabbard, and yikes.”
Haley’s Concerns About RFK Jr.
Haley also criticized the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary, pointing out his lack of experience in health policy and his history of promoting conspiracy theories.
“RFK Jr. has no background in healthcare but will oversee 25% of our federal budget,” Haley said. “His anti-vaccine stance and calls to defluoridate drinking water raise serious red flags about his ability to lead the Department of Health and Human Services effectively.”
Kennedy, a scion of the famous political family, ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination before switching to an independent campaign. His controversial views, particularly his opposition to vaccines, have alarmed public health experts. Critics worry that his appointment could undermine federal health initiatives at a critical time.
Broader Cabinet Backlash
Trump’s cabinet selections have sparked outrage across the political spectrum. Other controversial choices include far-right congressman Matt Gaetz as attorney general and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense.
Critics argue that Trump’s appointments prioritize loyalty and media optics over qualifications, potentially jeopardizing national security and government functionality. The New York Post, a traditionally pro-Trump outlet, urged the president-elect to reconsider Gabbard and Gaetz, calling them “distracting chaos agents.”
Haley’s Balancing Act
Haley’s remarks reflect her complicated relationship with Trump. After serving as his UN ambassador, she became one of his fiercest critics during the Republican primary, accusing him of being unfit for office. Despite losing to Trump in the race, she endorsed him after he secured the nomination, though no cabinet offer has followed.
Her criticism of Trump’s cabinet picks positions her as a prominent voice in the GOP’s internal debate about the party’s future direction. While Trump remains the party’s dominant figure, Haley’s critiques highlight significant concerns among Republicans about the quality and implications of his leadership choices.
What’s Next?
As Trump finalizes his cabinet, the appointments are likely to face heightened scrutiny. Both Gabbard and Kennedy are expected to undergo intense questioning during confirmation processes, though a Republican-controlled Congress may smooth their paths.
Meanwhile, Haley continues to position herself as a principled conservative voice, challenging Trump’s decisions while navigating her political future within a deeply divided GOP.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.