Following his decisive victory in the presidential election, Donald Trump has wasted no time assembling his cabinet, and his choices have already ignited controversy. Unlike his first term, where he appointed individuals with varied backgrounds and some political experience, his latest picks emphasise personal loyalty over everything else. While there are safe picks like Marco Rubio for secretary of state, bizarre choices like Matt Gaetz for justice department, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health and human services department, Pete Hegseth for defence department and Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence have forced even Republicans to express dismay and concern.
It has raised questions about the competence of some of his nominees and the implications for governance. Critics argue that many of these choices lack the expertise typically required for such high-level positions, while others express concern about how these selections reflect Trump's desire to reshape the government in his image and be accountable to no one.
One of the most striking features of Trump's latest picks is the emphasis on absolute loyalty. He is selecting individuals who have supported him throughout his political career, particularly during his battles with the establishment and the media. While loyalty is certainly an important factor in any administration, many of Trump's picks have sparked criticism due to their lack of experience in the roles they are set to fill.
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Take, for instance, Congressman Gaetz, who is named the next attorney general. His only qualification seems being a staunch defender of Trump and consistently aligning himself with the president-elect's controversial political positions. Gaetz has no background in law enforcement or the legal profession, and his history—particularly his involvement in an ongoing federal investigation related to sex trafficking allegations—raises serious concerns. The investigation has put him under a cloud of suspicion, making his nomination particularly contentious. Gaetz’s critics argue that his appointment is a clear example of Trump prioritising loyalty over competence, choosing someone who will act as a loyal enforcer of his political agenda, rather than someone with the experience and skills needed to run the justice department effectively.
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Another highly controversial pick is Hegseth for defence secretary. Hegseth, a Fox News anchor and a retired major, has no experience in senior military leadership or managing the complexities of the Pentagon. While he has served in the National Guard and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, his lack of senior military or government experience could disqualify him from overseeing the department of defence. His tenure at Fox News, where he espoused combative views on military and political issues, seems to be more aligned with Trump's vision than any proven expertise in defence strategy.
Hegseth's nomination marks a stark departure from the president’s first term, when he appointed retired General James Mattis, a widely respected figure with decades of military experience to oversee the Pentagon. Trump's new pick reflects a shift towards appointing individuals who share his ideological viewpoints and personal loyalty, rather than those with the experience to manage complex defence operations. Many military leaders and defence experts have voiced concern over this direction, fearing that Hegseth’s lack of experience could undermine the effectiveness of the military, especially during a time of rising global tensions. Moreover, like Gaetz, Hegseth, too, has been the subject of sexual misconduct investigations, although no charges were pressed.
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Perhaps one of the most eyebrow-raising picks is Gabbard as DNI. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has long been a controversial figure due to her unorthodox views on US foreign policy, particularly her sympathetic stance towards Russia. She has been vocal in her criticism of American intelligence agencies, often aligning herself with narratives pushed by Russian state media. Gabbard has even suggested that the US government’s conclusions on Russia’s interference in the 2016 election were unfounded.
Her views on foreign policy and her past interactions with figures like Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a close ally of Russia, have led many to question her suitability for leading intelligence operations. While Trump has embraced her as a loyal supporter who shares his scepticism about the American intelligence community, Gabbard’s appointment to such a sensitive role raises significant concerns about national security.
Another surprising pick which caught observers off guard is that of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been tapped to head the $3 trillion department of health and human services. Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine rhetoric and controversial positions on pesticide regulation and food policies, has proposed strict measures that could impact farming, health and food sectors. Trump has promised to let him “go wild” on his ideas. Many lobbyists are now working to prevent his Senate confirmation and are also seeking to build ties with Kennedy to reduce potential risks to their industries.
These controversial cabinet picks highlight a broader theme of political loyalty and retribution. Trump’s latest picks appear designed to reshape key institutions to align more closely with his vision and to punish perceived enemies. This is particularly evident in the case of Gaetz, Hegseth, RFK Jr and Gabbard, who all have strong ties to Trump and have aggressively supported his political agenda.
This trend is not limited to high-profile appointments. Trump's cabinet also includes a number of individuals who reflect his political priorities, such as Tom Homan, who has been tapped as the administration’s “border czar,” and Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota, nominated for homeland security secretary. Both of these individuals are staunch Trump supporters who have been outspoken on issues like immigration and border security, which remain central to Trump’s political agenda. These picks signal that Trump is doubling down on the issues that helped fuel his rise to power, even if it means appointing individuals who lack the breadth of experience typically expected for such high-level positions.
One of the key questions surrounding Trump’s cabinet nominations is whether they will be confirmed by the Senate. While the Republican Party currently controls the Senate, many of Trump’s nominees face significant opposition. Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Kevin Cramer have already expressed concerns about the qualifications of several of Trump’s picks. While Trump may have enough political capital to secure confirmation, the process is expected to be contentious.
Some Republican senators may find themselves caught between loyalty to Trump and the desire to maintain a functioning government. There is concern among moderates in the party that confirming individuals with questionable qualifications could damage the Senate's reputation and undermine the legitimacy of government institutions. However, given the GOP's deep alignment with Trump’s populist agenda, many Republican senators may ultimately choose to support his picks, even if they have reservations about their qualifications.
As a potential way to bypass Senate confirmation battles, Trump may consider using recess appointments. These appointments would allow him to fill cabinet positions without waiting for Senate confirmation, though such appointments are typically temporary. This move could spark a constitutional crisis, as it would further challenge the traditional norms of the Senate’s role in confirming presidential appointments.
The shift away from traditional governance norms signals that Trump’s second term may be marked by further political battles, both within the Republican Party and in the broader political landscape. While his nominees may ultimately be confirmed, the controversy surrounding their qualifications and potential impact on governance cannot be ignored. As the Senate prepares for confirmation hearings, it is clear that Trump’s unconventional choices are setting the stage for a new era of political warfare and institutional transformation.