VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Critics are quick to point out that the nominees for President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet may lack the gravitas or the deep experience with large bureaucracies necessary for effective service. Yet, this noise of discontent signifies change is underway.
Trump, a real estate mogul with a penchant for demolishing inefficacy to erect luxury, promised to bring this same mindset to Washington. He didn’t win over voters by suggesting minor touch-ups; he promised a complete overhaul. Thus, his picks for the cabinet are seen as necessary disruptors, akin to human bulldozers ready for reform.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s nomination as secretary of state is one of the few selections gaining some nods from the establishment. Democrats, despite ideological differences, acknowledge his suitability due to his seasoned experience. Essentially, this suggests Rubio aligns with bipartisan foreign policy norms that rarely stray from established narratives. Trump’s vision challenges this status quo, aiming for fresh eyes on both parties’ entrenched systems.
Trump’s past tweet from October 2015 indicates his perception of Rubio: “Sheldon Adelson is looking to give big dollars to Rubio because he feels he can mold him into his perfect little puppet.” Adelson was a prominent Republican donor who, late in the campaign, contributed significantly to Trump’s own efforts. Now that Trump is backed and not seeking re-election, the puppet strings appear cut, implying Rubio might adeptly bridge Trump’s world and Washington’s traditional corridors.
Similarly, New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik, eyed for United Nations ambassador, is honing her MAGA credentials after years entrenched in neoconservative circles. Back in March 2022, she said, “I’ve seen how important Ukraine is for the region,” pushing for NATO membership and increased military aid. This sentiment echoes a broader recognition of what it takes to align with the administration’s goals.
In recent statements, her spokesperson highlighted her support for Trump’s “peace through strength” strategy for Ukraine, suggesting a pivot towards negotiation and ceasefires—solutions quite contrary to Washington’s more confrontational stance and arguably what the electorate desires.
Then there’s Pete Hegseth, Fox News personality and veteran, for secretary of defense. His nomination sparked personal attacks and doubts about his capability to handle the Pentagon, one of the nation’s largest bureaucracies. Yet, his intention to clear out the “woke” elements hints at shaking up existing operations deemed ineffective, prompted by a Pentagon struggling with its strategic outcomes against global rivals.
Concerns about Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s choice for director of national intelligence, center on fears that Russian President Vladimir Putin might wield influence. Her willingness to consider diverse information streams challenges conventional discourse, embodying what true intelligence work should be about—analysis broadened beyond partisan lines.
Finally, we have Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of health and human services. With Dr. Rachel Levine’s tenure marked by her groundbreaking role as the first openly transgender official confirmed by the Senate, Kennedy brings a controversial edge. Known for his legal battles against toxic industries and skepticism of Big Pharma, Kennedy’s appointment would add an unorthodox voice at a time when healthcare profiteering is under scrutiny.
The path ahead for America doesn’t lie with minor tweaks by the same architects of its issues, but with bold, unmistakable gestures. Voters propelled Trump into office as a defiant symbol against the establishment, and his cabinet is shaping up to carry forward this spirit of direct confrontation and substantive change.
Rachel Marsden, a columnist and political strategist, offers these insights. More about her work can be found on her website.
