U.S. Vice President JD Vance, President Donald Trump and Legal professional Common Pam Bondi attend a gathering of the FIFA Process Pressure on the White Home in Washington, D.C., U.S., Could 6, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura
You’d wish to suppose the politicians main the nation are literally match for the job, however President Donald Trump’s slew of questionable appointees to the very best positions within the nation– and the world– has Individuals pondering otherwise.
Most just lately, FEMA Chief David Richardson was blasted after admitting he had no clue the nation skilled hurricane season, in keeping with Reuters. He has since got here out saying it was all a joke, however… was it actually?
From Secretary of Protection Pete Hegseth’s shaky private life to Secretary of Schooling Linda McMahon’s former function at WWE, clearly, there’s some discrepancies about what makes somebody match to guide. Now, we’re taking a more in-depth take a look at Trump’s advisors and cupboard members to actually unpack the scary traits among the many nation’s high management.
FEMA Chief, David Richardson
Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem appointed David Richardson, a Marine veteran and martial-arts teacher, to guide the Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA). Regardless of having no earlier skilled document of dealing with pure disasters or reduction, he joined the FEMA staff in early Could. On his first day in workplace, he promised to do Trump’s bidding. Richardson even advised company workers he’ll “run proper over” anybody attempting to discourage him from finishing up the president’s mission, CNN reported. Sen. Chuck Schumer tweeted about Richardson’s hurricane season blunder saying, he was “unaware of why he hasn’t been fired but.”
Secretary of Protection, Pete Hegseth

When Hegseth was first appointed to function the pinnacle of probably the most very important authorities division, bipartisan rage exploded from politicians nation-wide. And after the bombshell report that he compromised nationwide safety within the Sign Gate controversy… twice… critics of Hegseth haven’t let up on him but.
Throughout his affirmation course of, he confronted a number of allegations he was ingesting on the job and had issues with alcohol. And his family members have come out alleging he was bodily and sexually abusive, according to AP Information.
Secretary of Schooling, Linda McMahon

President Trump vowed to dismantle the Division of Schooling, and he began his agenda by appointing Linda McMahon to run the present. McMahon has a quick background in training. The truth is, she was nominated to serve on the Connecticut State Board of Schooling in 2009, in accordance to ABC Information. However sadly, that’s the place her experience stops.
Earlier than she was picked by Trump, McMahon based WWE together with her husband Vincent. The couple is price greater than $3 billion, in keeping with Forbes, which as you’ll see is a development amongst Trump nominees.
Secretary of Well being and Human Companies, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Out of everybody on this listing, the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was maybe probably the most horrifying and embarrassing for the Trump administration. The nephew of former President John F. Kennedy is an environmental legal professional, beforehand taking up DuPont and Monsanto, in accordance to AP Information. However exterior of this and his apparent devotion to Trump, RFK Jr.’s views on well being and vaccines drew large considerations from Democrats and Republicans alike.
He’s an anti-vaxxer who claimed autism was a direct aspect impact of receiving vaccines. He additionally perpetuated the racist and baseless concept that Black individuals ought to be on a separate vaccine schedule primarily based on genetic make-up. All of his harmful theories have been confirmed unsuitable by specialists across the globe.
Director of FBI, Kash Patel

A lawyer and former federal prosecutor, Patel has extra expertise serving within the White Home than nearly all of Trump’s Cupboard picks. Nevertheless, it’s his timeless devotion to the president that continues to make of us query his actual intentions. It’s essential to notice that Trump is essentially accountable for propelling Patel’s profession in politics. Whereas serving underneath Trump’s first time period, Patel was even set to be named the deputy director of the CIA till former Vice President Mike Pence and different members of Trump’s Cupboard intervened, in keeping with the Atlantic.
Director of Nationwide Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard

She was as soon as a Democratic, even operating for president in 2020 in opposition to Trump. However in true MAGA style, as soon as Trump started making guarantees, Tulsi Gabbard modified her tune and shifted to the MAGA proper, in keeping with PBS. The veteran and first Hindu girl elected to Congress doesn’t have a robust background in intelligence. Even Sen. Dick Durbin stated “Tulsi Gabbard wouldn’t be certified for an entry-level place inside our intelligence neighborhood” not to mention the highest of it.
Legal professional Common, Pam Bondi

In November 2024, Trump tapped Pam Bondi for legal professional basic. She was formally the Florida Legal professional Common and has her diploma in legal justice, according to NPR. However in keeping with insiders, her chief qualification is her loyalty to Trump. Bondi was beforehand Trump’s private legal professional. She was additionally concerned in Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, in keeping with the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
Director of the Workplace of Administration and Funds, Russell Vought

Arguably Trump’s most controversial nominee so far, Russell Vought’s affirmation set off an avalanche of backlash from Democrats. Most notably, Vought co-wrote “Challenge 2025,” the 999-page MAGA rulebook designed to reshape the nation with cuts to the DOE and assaults to the LGBT+ neighborhood and DEI.
Vought beforehand served in Trump’s first administration. He left workplace after Trump was voted out to begin the Heart for Renewing America, the far-right Christian entity.
Director of DOGE, Elon Musk

Though the Tesla CEO is formally accomplished with the White Home, for the robust a part of the yr, he served as Trump’s proper hand man. In his place as the pinnacle of the Division of Authorities Effectivity (DOGE), Musk oversaw the mass firing of hundreds of presidency employees in alleged efforts to rid the nation of mindless spending and corruption.
Musk had no political background earlier than being tapped by Trump. He additionally ignored the Congressional appointment and questioning course of. Probably the most qualifying factor about CEO of SpaceX is his title as Trump’s highest marketing campaign donor.
Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick

Howard Lutnick was considered one of Trump’s first nominees for his Cupboard. With a web price of round $3 billion, in keeping with thestreet.com, Lutnick follows Trump’s very clear listing of {qualifications}: rich and dependable. He bought near Trump after showing on his actuality present “The Apprentice.” Since then, the Trump advisor has solely strengthened his relationship with the president.
Most just lately, Lutnick was grilled in a Senate listening to he has no clue what essential legal guidelines pertaining to his job have been, in keeping with the Each day Beast.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins

Though he has expertise in Congress, Doug Collins first rose to prominence– you guessed it– coming to Trump’s protection. In 2016, after the president was accused of conspiring with Russia to undermine the presidential election, Collins defended the president on the Home Judiciary Committee, in keeping with NBC Washington. He even wrote a e-book, defending Trump from his 2019 impeachment.
Nominee for Director of U.S. Workplace of Particular Counsel, Paul Ingrassia

Most just lately, Trump tapped Paul Ingrassia to move the workplace accountable for defending whistleblowers and different federal employees from illegal employment practices. Ingrassia has no actual political background, however he’s a former far-right podcast and a Jan. 6 apologist. In line with MSNBC, Ingrassia has solely been a lawyer for 3 years, and with little investigative expertise– which the job requires– many see his appointment as a slap within the face to those that depend on the federal government company.
Straight From
Join our free day by day e-newsletter.