Washington:
Donald Trump didn’t lose a minute to assemble his new cupboard ministers, however that has obtained fairly excessive reactions. The construction of Trump 2.0 White Home has left leaders “surprised” and “appalled”, with a few of his decisions even rubbing Republicans the flawed method. George Conway, a lawyer and activist stated that Trump’s nominations, “would arguably have been the worst in American historical past”.
Tulsi Gabbard – Director of Nationwide Intelligence
Picture Credit score: Reuters
Trump’s resolution to appoint Tulsi Gabbard as Director of Nationwide Intelligence has raised considerations amongst nationwide safety specialists. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, lacks formal intelligence expertise, sparking worries about her potential to guide the intelligence group.
Her background is marked by a big shift in political allegiance, having run for president within the Democratic primaries in 2020, solely to depart the get together in 2022 and endorse Trump. This drastic change has led some to query her suitability for the function.
Gabbard’s expertise contains serving on the Home Committee on Homeland Safety for 2 years, however she has by no means held a senior authorities place or labored instantly in intelligence. Her anti-interventionist stance, advocating for US non-involvement in international conflicts, has additionally been at odds with the US Intelligence Group’s selections.
The nomination has been met with scepticism from some members of Congress, together with Democratic Consultant Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer, who expressed her dismay on social media.
“Not solely is [Gabbard] ill-prepared and unqualified, however she traffics in conspiracy theories and cosies as much as dictators like Bashar-al Assad and Vladimir Putin,” Spanberg stated.
Jamie Metzl, a former Clinton administration official stated, “In case you are a part of a international authorities, even an allied authorities, are you actually going to need to share your most essential intelligence with the USA authorities, recognizing that there are people who find themselves at central nodes in our authorities who’re so sympathetic to our adversaries?” he requested. “It is actually regarding.”
With Gabbard’s unconventional background and shifting political loyalties, considerations about her potential to successfully lead the intelligence group stay.
Matt Gaetz – Lawyer Basic
Picture Credit score: Reuters
Matt Gaetz, a U.S. congressman from Florida since 2017, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for legal professional normal, sparking controversy as a result of pending allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use.
Gaetz resigned from his Home seat simply hours after Trump’s announcement on Wednesday, amid a scheduled Home Ethics Committee vote on releasing the outcomes of an in depth investigation into these allegations, which Gaetz denies.
As legal professional normal, Gaetz would oversee the Justice Division, which has been investigating him for years on intercourse trafficking and obstruction of justice allegations.
Notably, Gaetz was knowledgeable final 12 months that he would not face expenses, however the Home ethics investigation stays ongoing.
The nomination caught fellow Republicans off guard, with CNN reporting an “audible gasp” from Home Republicans throughout a closed-door assembly when the information broke.
“I used to be shocked on the nomination,” Senator Susan Collins stated when she first heard concerning the announcement.
Republican Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski stated, “Do you suppose he is a severe candidate? Not so far as I am involved.”
Gaetz’s appointment has raised considerations, given the intense allegations in opposition to him and the numerous function of the legal professional normal in main the Justice Division. Trump’s resolution to appoint Gaetz highlights the contentious nature of his cupboard choices following his presidential election victory in opposition to Democrat Kamala Harris.
Robert F Kennedy Jr – Well being Secretary
Picture Credit score: Reuters
Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Well being and Human Providers has sparked widespread criticism as a result of Kennedy’s historical past of selling debunked health-related conspiracy theories, significantly his anti-vaccine stance.
As a member of one in every of America’s most distinguished political households, being the son of late Lawyer Basic Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, his views have drawn vital consideration.
He’s anti-vaccination and has claimed vaccines are linked to autism, regardless of proof disproving this declare. He advocates for eradicating fluoride from public ingesting water, opposite to CDC suggestions that spotlight its advantages in stopping cavities and selling oral well being.
He additionally helps the consumption of uncooked milk and using ivermectin as a COVID-19 remedy, each of which have been disputed by well being specialists. Kennedy has additionally made uncommon claims about his personal well being, together with having a mind worm which “ate a portion of it after which died”.
Public Citizen, a non-profit, progressive shopper rights advocacy group, stated, “Robert F Kennedy Jr is a transparent and current hazard to the nation’s well being. He should not be allowed within the constructing on the division of well being and human companies (HHS), not to mention be positioned answerable for the nation’s public well being company.”
These views have raised considerations about Kennedy’s potential impression on the nation’s well being insurance policies, particularly contemplating his plans to sort out America’s substance abuse disaster, a problem he has private expertise with, as he was hooked on heroin for 14 years throughout his youth.
Pete Hegseth – Protection Secretary
Picture Credit score: X account of @PeteHegseth
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Pete Hegseth, a Fox Information host, as his Secretary of Protection, regardless of Hegseth’s previous criticism of Trump’s international coverage and navy stances through the 2016 marketing campaign. Hegseth had referred to as Trump’s international coverage views “shallow” however later turned a powerful supporter.
Hegseth’s nomination is notable, given his unconventional background for the function. He has served within the Minnesota Military Nationwide Guard and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, incomes a number of awards, together with the Bronze Star Medal.
Nonetheless, his views on sure points could elevate considerations. As an illustration, Hegseth opposes girls serving in fight roles, arguing it lowers navy requirements and effectiveness. “Ladies should not be in fight in any respect. They’re life-givers, not life-takers. I do know loads of fantastic troopers, feminine troopers, who’ve served, who’re nice. However they should not be in my infantry battalion,” he instructed Ben Shapiro, a conservative political commentator in an interview.
He helps troops accused or convicted of struggle crimes and has advocated for his or her pardon. He additionally desires to fireside senior officers who assist “woke insurance policies”.
Given these stances, Hegseth could face a difficult affirmation course of within the Senate. His nomination has already sparked controversy, highlighting the necessity for cautious consideration of his {qualifications} and views.
“He’s the least certified particular person in historical past of the job,” stated a former defence official from Trump’s administration.
As a Fox Information character, Hegseth has been vocal about his opinions, however as Secretary of Protection, his selections would have far-reaching implications for nationwide safety.