Trump’s Cabinet Picks Under Scrutiny Amidst Allegations
President-elect Donald Trump, whose past includes accusations of sexual misconduct from 26 women, has chosen at least three men for his cabinet who face similar allegations. Trump’s electoral win in 2016 is often viewed as a catalyst for the MeToo movement, which aimed to remove sexual predators from positions of power. His recent cabinet selections have raised concerns among those who see this as a step back for the movement.
Among the controversial picks is Fox News host Pete Hegseth, nominated for Secretary of Defense on November 12. Hegseth, a decorated veteran with no formal experience in foreign policy, was investigated for sexual assault in 2017. His accuser, a Republican operative, claimed that Hegseth raped her at a hotel in Monterey, California. Although evidence was found, including a rape kit detecting semen, no charges were filed. Hegseth maintains the encounter was consensual and settled with the accuser privately in 2020.
On November 13, Trump nominated Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for Attorney General. Gaetz, with limited relevant experience, was under investigation by the Department of Justice in 2021 for possible involvement in sex trafficking a minor. The investigation was dropped in 2023 despite evidence. The House Ethics Committee also investigated Gaetz, and several lawmakers reported his alleged inappropriate behavior. Reports claim Gaetz showed explicit images to colleagues and boasted about his sexual exploits, but Gaetz denies these claims. His resignation from Congress coincided with his nomination, halting the Ethics Committee’s report release.
Another significant appointment is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., chosen to lead the Department of Health and Human Services on November 14. Kennedy’s past includes allegations from 1998, reported by Vanity Fair, of groping a babysitter. He denies these allegations but acknowledged sending an apologetic text. Additionally, Kennedy’s past includes a “sex diary” documenting numerous affairs, potentially linked to his ex-wife’s 2012 suicide.
Trump is also considering Charles Herbster for Secretary of Agriculture. Herbster, a business executive, faced accusations during his 2022 gubernatorial campaign from nine women who claimed he groped them. Herbster denies these allegations.
The Senate must confirm all these appointments, though Trump has been pressuring for recess appointments to bypass Senate approval. Trump’s own legal battles include a jury ruling on May 9 that he sexually abused E. Jean Carroll in 1996, resulting in a $5 million damages award.
Several of Trump’s advisers have also faced similar accusations. Corey Lewandowski, from Trump’s 2016 and 2024 campaigns, was accused in 2017 of inappropriate conduct at a holiday party. Elon Musk, who advised Trump’s 2024 campaign, has been accused of sexual harassment and misconduct, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Musk denies these allegations.
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