Trump’s Cabinet Picks Face Fire: From Gaetz to Kennedy Jr. \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Donald Trump’s second-term cabinet selections are sparking intense scrutiny, revealing cracks even within Republican support. The withdrawal of Matt Gaetz for attorney general highlights resistance to Trump’s preference for loyalists over qualified candidates. As controversies swirl around other nominees like Pete Hegseth for Pentagon chief and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary, allegations of misconduct and lack of expertise are drawing bipartisan concern. Trump’s disregard for traditional norms in favor of loyalty is setting the stage for fierce confirmation battles.
Trump’s Cabinet Picks Face Mounting Scrutiny
- Gaetz’s Withdrawal: Matt Gaetz withdrew as Trump’s attorney general nominee amid controversy.
- Loyalists Over Expertise: Trump’s focus on loyalty raises bipartisan concerns about qualifications.
- Other Contentious Nominees: Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. face allegations of misconduct.
- Norms Ignored: Trump’s refusal to conduct federal background checks sparks alarm.
- Confirmation Challenges: The GOP’s willingness to support controversial nominees will be tested.
Deep Look
The Fall of Matt Gaetz
Trump’s decision to nominate Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz as attorney general was met with immediate backlash. Gaetz’s lack of legal experience and a slew of allegations—including sex trafficking and paying women for sex—made his confirmation a tall order. While federal investigators closed the trafficking case without charges, leaked details revealed troubling allegations, including testimony that Gaetz had sex with a 17-year-old girl.
The controversy proved too much for Republican senators, with at least four to six members of the GOP caucus signaling they would oppose Gaetz’s confirmation. Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana noted that the “math got too hard,” and described the nomination as “like a leaky dike” that eventually burst under pressure.
Trump’s Approach to Cabinet Appointments
Gaetz’s failed nomination is emblematic of a broader trend in Trump’s second term: loyalty takes precedence over qualifications. Unlike his predecessors, Trump’s transition team has skipped federal background checks for nominees, raising red flags about the vetting process. While some of Trump’s picks have relevant experience, many are personal allies or media personalities who have gained Trump’s favor by flattering him over the years.
Contentious Nominees: Hegseth and Kennedy Jr.
With Gaetz out of the running, attention has turned to other controversial nominees, particularly Pete Hegseth for defense secretary and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary.
- Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army veteran, is Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon. However, Hegseth is under scrutiny for allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman in a California hotel in 2017. According to a police report, the woman claimed Hegseth blocked her from leaving the room and took her phone. While Hegseth denied the allegations and claimed the encounter was consensual, he paid the woman a confidential settlement in 2023. Republican senators appear to be rallying around Hegseth despite the controversy, but the allegations remain a point of concern.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces criticism not only for allegations of groping a former babysitter in the 1990s but also for his long-standing history of spreading vaccine misinformation. The babysitter, who was 23 at the time of the alleged incident, said Kennedy apologized to her via text after the accusation became public. Kennedy’s nomination raises fears among health experts about his suitability for leading a department critical to public health.
Other Controversial Picks
- Linda McMahon, Trump’s nominee for education secretary, faces allegations tied to her former company, World Wrestling Entertainment. A lawsuit accuses WWE of enabling the sexual exploitation of children by an employee as far back as the 1980s. McMahon has denied the claims.
- Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, is Trump’s choice for national intelligence director. Gabbard has drawn bipartisan criticism for her history of amplifying Russian propaganda, leading to concerns about her ability to manage sensitive relationships with U.S. allies.
Shifting Political Norms
Trump’s appointments reflect his broader disdain for Washington norms. Empowered by a voter base that values his disruptive style, Trump has shown little concern for the traditional qualifications or controversies surrounding his picks. His supporters see him as an agent of change, willing to break the mold to achieve his goals.
Democrats, meanwhile, view Gaetz’s withdrawal as a sign of cracks in Trump’s strategy. Sen. Richard Blumenthal described it as the first in a series of falling dominoes, predicting that scrutiny of Trump’s nominees will increase as more allegations and controversies come to light.
The Road Ahead
Trump’s determination to prioritize loyalty over qualifications may also erode trust in his administration. While some of his nominees, such as Hegseth, appear to enjoy broader Republican support, the cumulative effect of these controversies risks alienating moderates and intensifying partisan divisions.
The stakes are high not only for Trump’s cabinet but also for the broader political landscape. With the 2024 election cycle on the horizon, these battles could shape public perceptions of Trump’s leadership and the GOP’s ability to govern.
Trump’s Cabinet Picks
