President-elect Donald Trump has made several high-profile Cabinet appointments, choosing Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida as Attorney General, Sen. Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, and former Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence.
These picks, which prioritise loyalty over experience, have sparked surprise and debate within the political community.
Gaetz’s selection as Attorney General came as a major shock. While the Florida lawmaker has built a national reputation as a staunch defender of Trump and a disruptor within Congress, he was not considered a frontrunner for the position.
Gaetz had previously irked fellow Republicans by spearheading the resolution to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. His appointment has drawn mixed reactions, with GOP Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho expressing that it was “about as big a surprise as I’ve had in a long time.”
Trump, however, praised Gaetz as the right choice to “root out the systemic corruption at the DOJ,” vowing to return the department to its “true mission of fighting Crime, and upholding our Democracy and Constitution.”
Gaetz, who represents much of Florida’s Panhandle, has been a vocal and frequent defender of Trump, often appearing on cable news to criticise the establishment and push the President’s agenda. His selection follows a pattern seen in Trump’s other picks: prioritising loyalty to the President over deep-rooted expertise in the field.
In early 2023, Gaetz made waves within the GOP when he led the resolution that successfully ousted former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. This move created a bitter rift within the party, with McCarthy backing a primary challenge to Gaetz. The challenge included commercials that alleged Gaetz had paid for sex with a 17-year-old, an accusation that has been investigated by the House Ethics Committee. Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and the Justice Department ultimately ended its own sex trafficking investigation without filing charges against him.
In a related announcement, Trump confirmed Sen. Marco Rubio as his choice for Secretary of State. Rubio, once a vocal critic of Trump during the 2016 GOP primaries, has evolved into one of the President’s strongest allies, especially on foreign policy. A hawk on China, Cuba, and Iran, Rubio’s nomination marks a significant shift in his relationship with Trump.
Rubio, who is known for his hard stance on China and his role in pushing for tougher measures on social media app TikTok, is expected to strengthen the U.S. position on global security and diplomacy. Trump praised Rubio as a “strong Advocate for our Nation,” a “true friend to our Allies,” and a “fearless Warrior” against adversaries.
Trump’s third major appointment was that of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman and presidential candidate, made headlines when she switched parties, aligning herself with Trump’s vision.
Known for her military background, including service in the Army National Guard, Gabbard has become a prominent figure in Trump’s political circles. Her nomination, which has drawn praise from Trump’s supporters, is seen as a strategic move to bring a fresh perspective to the intelligence community. Trump lauded Gabbard as someone who would “champion our Constitutional Rights” and secure peace through strength.
Alongside these appointments, Trump also announced several staff appointments, including longtime aides such as Dan Scavino, who will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff, and Stephen Miller, who will be Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Adviser. These moves signal a commitment to surround himself with loyalists who align closely with his vision for the country.
As the President-elect’s Cabinet takes shape, these choices reflect Trump’s ongoing commitment to stocking his administration with allies who share his worldview, aiming to implement his agenda with trusted figures in key positions.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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