Staff Reports
Donald Trump has always been a man of the people, and now that he’s back in the White House, he’s keen on making sure that his populist supporters have a prominent spot in his administration. However, the seasoned establishment figures in the GOP find themselves clutching their pearls and furrowing their brows in disapproval. It’s a classic case of “not my kind of Republican” syndrome.
The MAGA movement isn’t just about wearing red hats and chanting slogans; it includes a diverse mix of individuals who don’t always toe the line laid out by party stalwarts who yearn for the days of George W. Bush or Mitt Romney. While many in the movement are staunch Republicans at their core, they also embrace ideas on immigration, trade, and foreign policy that would have raised eyebrows not too long ago. Some members of this coalition might even be recent transplants from the other side of the aisle, attracted by the allure of Trump’s unconventional approach.
Here’s a running guide to all of the MAGA diehards Trump is giving the keys to America’s immigration enforcement, environmental protection, homeland security, foreign policy, national security, and more.
🔗 https://t.co/wT4SE3Ffos pic.twitter.com/o6Lvy5Gy0m
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) November 13, 2024
Recently, Trump ramped up his quest to diversify his lineup by announcing nominations that send traditional Republicans into a tizzy. For health and human services, he’s eyeing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a name that sends establishment types into a minor meltdown. Then he’s proposed Tulsi Gabbard for national intelligence, and Matt Gaetz for attorney general. It’s almost as if he’s throwing a surprise party for the GOP establishment, inviting guests they’d never dare to mingle with. To cap it off, he’s enlisted Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a task force aimed at government efficiency, because if anybody knows how to streamline, it’s the guy who made electric cars cool.
In the lead-up to this most recent election, Trump passed over a slew of old-guard Republicans in favor of pop-conservative J.D. Vance as his vice presidential pick. This choice wasn’t just a nod to populism; it was a full-on embrace of the Trump doctrine—the one that prioritizes winning over pandering. Post-election, Trump swiftly announced plans to leave figures like Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo on the sidelines, signaling that this administration is about keeping the MAGA torch burning bright.
Despite some initial hesitance, figures like Marco Rubio have warmed up to Trump, blending camaraderie with the occasional ideological clash. Rubio’s appointment as secretary of state reflects the balancing act Trump is attempting to pull off within his party. Meanwhile, Elise Stefanik, once a questionable supporter, has taken her place among Trump’s loyalists as the next ambassador to the United Nations, much to the delight of the MAGA base. Still, her foreign policy positions echo those of the pre-Trump era, so the question lingers: is anyone truly safe from the establishment’s ghost of Republican past?
As Trump looks to forge a cabinet that reflects the robust coalition that brought him back to power, he’s facing a reality check. His choices this time around are sparking more than a bit of headwind, even among Republicans who should be rallying. Names like Kennedy and Gabbard may have them questioning their loyalties, as some among the GOP establishment are still stuck in the mindset of who “should” be in power rather than embracing the new wave of Trump’s triumph. If there’s one thing clear, it’s that Trump’s vision for his administration doesn’t just shy away from controversy—it practically invites it in for a cup of coffee. Whether Senate Republicans are ready to back him or are still pinching themselves remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: the Trump train isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
