Article Summary –
President-elect Donald Trump has made several controversial appointments to his administration, including individuals such as Doug Burgum, Brendan Carr, Doug Collins, Sean Duffy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Howard Lutnick, Linda McMahon, Mehmet Oz, and Chris Wright, many of whom lack relevant experience and have histories of supporting policies or making statements that have sparked criticism. Key concerns include Burgum’s support for fossil fuels and opposition to electric vehicles, Carr’s alignment with Trump’s stance against tech companies, Collins’ limited focus on veterans’ issues, Duffy’s controversial comments, Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance, McMahon’s past education claims, Oz’s promotion of pseudoscience, and Wright’s dismissal of climate action. Critics argue that these appointments reflect a pattern of selecting individuals based on loyalty or media presence rather than qualifications, potentially leading to ineffective governance and adverse impacts on policies related to energy, health, education, and communication.
In the weeks following the election, President-elect Donald Trump has been appointing individuals to his administration. His selections include wealthy campaign supporters, TV figures, contributors to the controversial Project 2025, and some with allegations of ethical and sex scandals, many lacking relevant experience.
Trump, who criticized his previous appointees as “incompetent” and “morons,” initially chose loyalists like former Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary. Wealthy backers Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy were tapped for a new efficiency department.
More appointments have been announced.
Doug Burgum for Secretary of the Interior and Energy Czar
Burgum, a wealthy software executive and two-term South Dakota governor, ran against Trump in 2024. After withdrawing, he advised Trump on energy and liaised with fossil fuel executives.
He has supported corporate tax cuts, deregulation, gas drilling on public lands, and opposed electric vehicles. He also pushed for Obamacare repeal and signed a state abortion ban.
Brendan Carr for Federal Communications Commission Chair
Carr, aligned with Musk, opposes net neutrality rules. He has accused tech giants of censorship and promised investigations. In a Nov. 13 letter, Carr criticized top tech CEOs for alleged censorship.
On Nov. 19, he discussed a news complaint against CBS, coinciding with an FCC review. Trump falsely claimed CBS edited an interview with Kamala Harris.
Despite denying ties with Project 2025, Carr is among several contributors.
Doug Collins for Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Collins, a former U.S. Representative from Georgia, is known for defending Trump during the House Judiciary Committee’s impeachment inquiry. Collins criticized the impeachment as a “sham.”
He opposed reproductive rights and co-sponsored federal abortion bans. Roll Call reported he violated ethics rules by using campaign materials. He never served on the House Veterans Affairs Committee and didn’t focus on veterans’ issues in Congress.
Sean Duffy for Secretary of Transportation
Duffy, a Fox News personality and former U.S. Representative from Wisconsin, has negligible experience in transportation policy, although he did appear on MTV’s “Road Rules: All Stars.”
While at CNN, he was criticized for anti-immigrant remarks and conspiracy theories regarding Ukraine and the Democratic National Committee.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services
Kennedy, an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist and independent 2024 presidential candidate, endorsed Trump after reportedly offering support to Vice President Kamala Harris. Kennedy espoused false claims about vaccines, AIDS, and COVID-19. Public health experts oppose his nomination.
Kennedy apologized to a family babysitter accusing him of sexual misconduct. Asked if more stories might emerge, he replied, “We’ll see what happens.”
Howard Lutnick for Secretary of Commerce
Lutnick, a Wall Street billionaire, contributed millions to Trump’s 2024 campaign. At a rally, he suggested the economy was better in 1900 without income tax.
Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education
McMahon, billionaire co-founder of WWE, was Trump’s former SBA administrator, contributing $15 million to his 2024 campaign. Her experience includes a one-year stint on Connecticut’s Board of Education.
In October, Rolling Stone reported a lawsuit against McMahon and her husband Vince, alleging they knew about staffer abuse. National Education Association president Becky Pringle opposed McMahon’s nomination.
Mehmet Oz for Administrator of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Oz, former Senate nominee and TV host, has a history of false medical claims and unproven treatments. He suggested local leaders decide abortion rights.
He supports Medicare Advantage expansion and suggested veterans use private insurance. Trump appointed him to the President’s Council on Sports, but he was fired by Biden.
Trump endorsed Oz’s Senate campaign for his TV success. Senate Appropriations Committee chair Patty Murray criticized Oz’s lack of qualifications.
Chris Wright for Secretary of Energy
Wright, a fossil fuel CEO, lacks government experience. He supports oil and gas energy, claiming it improves lives. Forbes reported that Wright opposes curbing emissions, prioritizing ending “energy poverty” over net-zero goals.
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