Who are Trump’s cabinet picks?
Donald Trump has moved much more quickly this time to nominate the individuals he wishes to join his cabinet. In recent years, Presidents have sought to appoint a mixed cabinet with several female and non-white appointees. In fact, President Biden’s cabinet was the first to comprise less than 50% white men. Trump has shown little regard for this type of thinking. Of the 16 cabinet level appointments that Trump has nominated so far, just 5 are women and 2 are non-white.
Here are some of the most eye catching of Trump’s cabinet nominees:
Secretary of State
Trump has selected Florida Senator, Marco Rubio, as his Secretary of State. Rubio was once the rising star of the Republican Party but has had his spats with Trump when they both ran for the Presidency in 2016, with Trump nicknaming Rubio, ‘little Marco’. The bad blood appears to be behind them and Rubio’s residence in Florida and proximity to Trump’s residence Mar a largo appears to have won him favour.
Health Secretary
One of the most surprising nominations has been that of Robert Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, nephew of the Democrat President, John Kennedy, is a renowned vaccine sceptic who has recently said that he doesn’t want water companies putting fluoride in drinking water. On one hand he seems like a controversial choice for Health Secretary, on the other, his alignment with the more conspiratorial views of President Trump suggest he will fit in well.
Treasury Secretary
Scott Bessent will be the new Treasury Secretary and therefore in charge of taxation and the US’ public debt. Bessent is a former Wall Street financier and a long-time supporter of Trump. He is on board with the President’s economic view arguing for low taxes and fewer regulations.
Education Secretary
Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, the wife of WWE CEO Vince McMahon. Trump has long been a fan of WWE, even appearing at WrestleMania prior to become President, and so his nomination of McMahon is perhaps not surprising. Trump has said that Education should ‘be returned to the states’ and has indicated his willingness to shut down the department. It will be McMahon’s job to carry out his orders.
