As the United States awaits announcements for additional significant positions, including the heads of the FBI and Treasury, questions – and, for many, outrage – have surged regarding several of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet selections.
Mr. Trump has pledged to dismantle the liberal “deep state” that he claims is controlling the US government, relying on his decisive victory – along with Republican triumph in the Senate – to provide the political capital necessary to push through his nominees.
At 78, Mr. Trump has begun forming his team with a series of unremarkable appointments, including the selection of conservative Florida Senator and foreign policy advocate Marco Rubio for the position of Secretary of State.
However, he soon nominated a group of leaders for extensive federal departments in his upcoming administration who possess minimal relevant experience but have demonstrated loyalty to the president-elect.
Robert Kennedy Jr is set to be the new health secretary if Mr. Trump has his way.
The most contentious nomination, far-right former congressman Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, was under investigation by the US Congress for allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use until just recently.
Vaccine skeptic Robert Kennedy Jr is poised to become the new health secretary if Mr. Trump prevails, while Tulsi Gabbard, who has been accused of promoting Kremlin propaganda, will be appointed as the director of national intelligence.
Completing the list of controversial nominations, former Fox News anchor Pete Hegseth has been selected to oversee the world’s most powerful military, despite never having managed a large organization.
Read more: Trump’s cabinet: Who has been picked so far?
Additionally, Mr. Trump nominated some of his personal attorneys for prominent positions in the Justice Department.
Supporters of Mr. Trump believe that his decisive victory over Democrat Kamala Harris last week grants him significant leeway for a complete overhaul of the federal bureaucracy and substantial cuts to government spending.
Nonetheless, the Senate confirmation process for many of his most contentious picks is expected to be tumultuous.
The incoming president has requested approval for some of his choices without comprehensive hearings, labeling them as “recess appointments” – a critical loyalty test for what will likely be a Senate with a 53-47 Republican majority.
Analysts suggest that his selections reflect his resolve to swiftly implement his campaign promises aimed at dismantling “woke” diversity and environmental policies across all federal government and private sector domains.
Occasional Trump supporter Lindsey Graham is advocating for a fellow South Carolinian to assume the treasury secretary position (File image).
“I believe they aim to essentially shock and overwhelm the system so they can maximize what the system will tolerate,” said Maggie Haberman, a Trump biographer and New York Times journalist, during a CNN interview yesterday.
However, he has yet to announce leaders for several major departments, leaving Wall Street in suspense as it awaits his decision on the treasury secretary.
US Senator and infrequent Trump supporter Lindsey Graham is promoting fellow South Carolinian Scott Bessent for the esteemed role, while Trump transition co-chair Howard Lutnick is also reported to be in contention.
Mr. Trump has pledged to take on the FBI as part of his federal overhaul, indicating a likelihood of firing director Christopher Wray along with a number of other top officials.
Having appointed Mr. Wray in 2017, Mr. Trump later saw his Mar-a-Lago club raided by agents from the 35,000-employee FBI in an effort to recover classified documents.
Since then, he has been a vocal critic of Mr. Wray’s leadership.
Former FBI agent and ex-congressman Mike Rogers – a devoted Trump loyalist – is regarded as the frontrunner to replace Mr. Wray after recent meetings with the transition team at Mar-a-Lago.
