Staff Reports
President-elect Donald Trump is leaning heavily on disruptors and loyalists rather than the entrenched establishment Republicans for vital Cabinet positions. This audacious strategy is shaping up to create a bumpy ride for both him and the GOP, especially considering some less than conventional choices have already left traditional Republicans clutching their pearls.
The first high-profile nominee to self-destruct was former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, who couldn’t handle the heat and gracefully stepped back from his nomination as attorney general. Apparently, some GOP senators grew squeamish at the thought of voting for a lawmaker embroiled in a House Ethics Committee investigation related to a sex-trafficking probe. Rather than face the music, Gaetz decided to sidestep the Senate confirmation circus, citing concerns that his nomination was becoming a distraction. Clearly, he wanted no part of a nominee hearing populated by raised eyebrows and hushed whispers.
Trump builds his Cabinet of disruptors https://t.co/Y0v7DjztKu via @dcexaminer Are you a disrupter?
— Joseph Twohig (@JosephTwohig) December 30, 2024
In light of Gaetz’s flameout, Trump quickly pivoted to former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, a selection that has been met with visible sighs of relief from the GOP. Bondi may not be the poster child of explosive headlines, but she’s decidedly a less controversial pick than Gaetz. Many Republicans, who spend their days worrying about re-election more than shaking things up, may find comfort in her more moderate approach.
Then there is the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the health and human services secretary position. Unlike Gaetz, Kennedy is not just surrounded by controversy; he’s practically drowning in it. With no medical training and a history of conspiracy theories hanging over him, it’s no surprise that Democratic groups are gearing up to block his confirmation. Considering his views on vaccines and his anti-abortion rhetoric, Kennedy has sent shockwaves through both the liberal camp and anti-abortion conservatives. Some experts have pointed out that managing a massive bureaucratic ship like Health and Human Services may not be a walk in the park for someone with his experience—or a lack thereof.
Trump’s unconventional selections continue with former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, named as director of national intelligence. Gabbard’s past statements about Russian President Vladimir Putin have raised more than a few eyebrows, especially among those who take national security seriously. Meanwhile, the selection of Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary is raising questions as well. Despite his limited experience in substantial leadership roles, Hegseth must now navigate the turbulent waters of being scrutinized for past allegations of misconduct.
Lastly, there’s Dr. Mehmet Oz, appointed to manage the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. While Oz is the only nominee with actual medical credentials to his name, he may still be remembered more for his television stardom than anything else. Having lost the Senate race to John Fetterman, Oz’s transition from screen to bureaucracy could prove interesting.
Trump’s selection of these offbeat nominees seems rooted in a clear message: the American populace is fed up with the old guard. Voters didn’t choose a traditional candidate during the Republican primary—they went for a shake-up. The desire for change and a submerged desire to “drain the swamp” among voters could mean embracing all kinds of unconventional figures ready to wreak havoc on the status quo in Washington, D.C. Whether this bold approach will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Trump is keeping things exciting, even if he is leaving some members of his party with a few gray hairs.
