WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 12: U.S. President Donald Trump (L), joined by Human Companies Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (C) and Administrator for the Facilities for Medicare & Medicaid Companies (CMS) Mehmet Oz, speaks throughout a press convention within the Roosevelt Room of the White Home on Might 12, 2025, in Washington, DC. Through the occasion, President Trump signed an government order geared toward lowering the price of pharmaceuticals and prescribed drugs by 30% to 80%. (Photograph by Andrew Harnik/Getty Photos)
You’d wish to assume the politicians main the nation are literally match for the job, however President Donald Trump’s slew of questionable appointees to the best positions within the nation– and the world–has People pondering in another way.
Most not too long ago, FEMA Chief David Richardson was blasted after admitting he had no clue the nation skilled hurricane season, in response to 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 Training Linda McMahon’s former position at WWE, clearly, there’s some discrepancies about what makes somebody match to steer. Now, we’re taking a better take a look at Trump’s advisors and cupboard members to actually unpack the scary tendencies among the many nation’s prime management.
Administrator for the Facilities for Medicare & Medicaid Companies, Dr. Oz
Taking a web page from Trump’s e-book, Dr. Ozhas transitioned from tv to American politics. In his new position as administrator for the Facilities for Medicare & Medicaid, Ozoversees how thousands and thousands of People obtain Medicaid and Medicare. He not too long ago stated in an effort to obtain advantages, People must “show that you just matter.”
Director of the Central Intelligence Company, John Ratcliffe

Not like others on this record, John Ratcliffe served below Trump’s first administration. He was beforehand the director of nationwide intelligence. In January, Trump introduced him again as his nominee for director of the CIA, regardless of his slew of political scandals over time. Rattcliffe is a Trump loyalist, with a well-documented allegiance to the president way back to 2019.
FEMA Chief, David Richardson

Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem appointed David Richardson, a Marine veteran and martial-arts teacher, to steer the Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA). Regardless of having no earlier skilled file of dealing with pure disasters or aid, he joined the FEMA staff in early Might. On his first day in workplace, he promised to do Trump’s bidding. Richardson even instructed company employees he’ll “run proper over” anybody making an attempt 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.”
Nominee for Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz

You’ll be able to’t point out Sign Gate and never deliver up former Nationwide Safety Advisor Mike Waltz. In his earlier position, he was the creator of the notorious channel on Sign the place he added a journalist to a gaggle chat spilling categorized info– though he and Secretary Pete Hegseth refuse to acknowledge this. Waltz has a hefty resume, crammed with navy and Congressional service, however like the remainder of of us on the record, on the prime of his {qualifications} is his loyalty to Trump. After the Sign scandal, Waltz grew to become Trump’s new decide to be the ambassador to the United Nations.
Secretary of Protection, Pete Hegseth

When Hegseth was first appointed to function the top of essentially the most 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 circle of relatives members have come out alleging he was bodily and sexually abusive, according to AP Information.
Secretary of Training, Linda McMahon

President Trump vowed to dismantle the Division of Training, and he began his agenda by appointing Linda McMahon to run the present. McMahon has a short background in training. The truth is, she was nominated to serve on the Connecticut State Board of Training 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 along with her husband Vincent. The couple is price greater than $3 billion, in response to 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 record, the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was maybe essentially the most horrifying and embarrassing for the Trump administration. The nephew of former President John F. Kennedy is an environmental legal professional, beforehand taking over DuPont and Monsanto, in accordance to AP Information. However outdoors of this and his apparent devotion to Trump, RFK Jr.’s views on well being and vaccines drew huge issues 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 principle that Black individuals needs to be on a separate vaccine schedule primarily based on genetic make-up. All of his harmful theories have been confirmed incorrect 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 virtually 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 vital to notice that Trump is essentially answerable for propelling Patel’s profession in politics. Whereas serving below 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 response to the Atlantic.
Director of Nationwide Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard

She was as soon as a Democratic, even working for president in 2020 in opposition to Trump. However in true MAGA trend, as soon as Trump started making guarantees, Tulsi Gabbard modified her tune and shifted to the MAGA proper, in response to PBS. The veteran and first Hindu lady elected to Congress doesn’t have a powerful 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 Basic, Pam Bondi

In November 2024, Trump tapped Pam Bondi for legal professional basic. She was formally the Florida Legal professional Basic and has her diploma in legal justice, according to NPR. However in response to 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 response to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
Director of the Workplace of Administration and Finances, Russell Vought

Arguably Trump’s most controversial nominee up to now, 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 start out the Middle 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 12 months, he served as Trump’s proper hand man. In his place as the top 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 omitted 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 one in all Trump’s first nominees for his Cupboard. With a web price of round $3 billion, in response to thestreet.com, Lutnick follows Trump’s very clear record of {qualifications}: rich and constant. He obtained near Trump after showing on his actuality present “The Apprentice.” Since then, the Trump advisor has solely strengthened his relationship with the president.
Most not too long ago, Lutnick was grilled in a Senate listening to he has no clue what vital legal guidelines pertaining to his job have been, in response to 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 response to 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 not too long ago, Trump tapped Paul Ingrassia to move the workplace answerable 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.
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