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 selections even rubbing Republicans the flawed approach. George Conway, a lawyer and activist mentioned that Trump’s nominations, “would arguably have been the worst in American historical past”.
Tulsi Gabbard – Director of Nationwide Intelligence
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Trump’s determination to appoint Tulsi Gabbard as Director of Nationwide Intelligence has raised issues amongst nationwide safety consultants. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, lacks formal intelligence expertise, sparking worries about her capacity 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 consists of serving on the Home Committee on Homeland Safety for 2 years, however she has by no means held a senior authorities place or labored straight in intelligence. Her anti-interventionist stance, advocating for US non-involvement in world conflicts, has additionally been at odds with the US Intelligence Neighborhood’s choices.
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 mentioned.
Jamie Metzl, a former Clinton administration official mentioned, “In case you are a part of a overseas authorities, even an allied authorities, are you actually going to wish to share your most vital intelligence with america 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, issues about her capacity to successfully lead the intelligence group stay.
Matt Gaetz – Legal professional Basic
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Matt Gaetz, a U.S. congressman from Florida since 2017, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for lawyer normal, sparking controversy resulting from 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 lawyer 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 fees, 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 mentioned when she first heard in regards to the announcement.
Republican Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski mentioned, “Do you assume he is a critical candidate? Not so far as I am involved.”
Gaetz’s appointment has raised issues, given the intense allegations towards him and the numerous function of the lawyer normal in main the Justice Division. Trump’s determination to appoint Gaetz highlights the contentious nature of his cupboard choices following his presidential election victory towards Democrat Kamala Harris.
Robert F Kennedy Jr – Well being Secretary
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Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Well being and Human Companies has sparked widespread criticism resulting from Kennedy’s historical past of selling debunked health-related conspiracy theories, notably his anti-vaccine stance.
As a member of one among America’s most outstanding political households, being the son of late Legal professional 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 the usage of ivermectin as a COVID-19 remedy, each of which have been disputed by well being consultants. 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 client rights advocacy group, mentioned, “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 providers (HHS), not to mention be positioned in control of the nation’s public well being company.”
These views have raised issues about Kennedy’s potential affect 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
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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 overseas coverage and army stances in the course of the 2016 marketing campaign. Hegseth had referred to as Trump’s overseas 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.
Nevertheless, his views on sure points could elevate issues. As an example, Hegseth opposes ladies serving in fight roles, arguing it lowers army requirements and effectiveness. “Ladies should not be in fight in any respect. They’re life-givers, not life-takers. I do know numerous fantastic troopers, feminine troopers, who’ve served, who’re nice. However they should not be in my infantry battalion,” he advised 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 needs to fireplace senior officers who help “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,” mentioned a former defence official from Trump’s administration.
As a Fox Information persona, Hegseth has been vocal about his opinions, however as Secretary of Protection, his choices would have far-reaching implications for nationwide safety.