Part 1/5:

## Shaking Up the Establishment: Trump's Controversial Cabinet Picks

Donald Trump's latest cabinet nominations are shaking up the status quo in Washington, with his choices for Attorney General, Defense Secretary, and Director of National Intelligence raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.

### Matt Gaetz for Attorney General

Trump's pick for Attorney General, Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, is a particularly controversial choice. Gaetz has made a name for himself as a vocal critic of the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, going so far as to suggest defunding or abolishing them if they don't "come to heal."

Part 2/5:

Kim Strassel, a columnist for the Wall Street Journal, argues that this pick is "the worst" Trump has made so far. Strassel cites Gaetz's reputation as a self-promoter who doesn't put in the work in Congress, as well as the "trunk full of ethic scandals" he is dragging along. Gaetz's colleagues, both Republican and Democrat, are said to view him unfavorably, making it unlikely he would have a natural base of support in the Senate.

The timing of Gaetz's resignation from the House, just ahead of an expected Ethics Committee report, also raises suspicions that he is trying to avoid scrutiny. While Trump may be rewarding Gaetz's loyalty, Strassel believes the president is "deadly serious" about getting Gaetz confirmed in order to install a loyalist at the helm of the Justice Department.

Part 3/5:

### Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence

Trump's pick of former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence has also drawn significant criticism, particularly from conservatives. Gabbard's past statements on foreign policy, such as blaming NATO expansion for Russia's invasion of Ukraine and criticizing the Trump administration's killing of Iranian General Soleimani, have raised concerns about her ability to objectively assess intelligence.

Part 4/5:

As the Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard would be responsible for coordinating the findings of the 18 intelligence agencies and presenting a unified assessment to the president. Kyle Peterson, also a Wall Street Journal columnist, is "a little bit baffled" by Trump's desire to have someone with Gabbard's views in this crucial role.

However, Peterson suggests that Trump may see the DNI position as more of a personal service role, with the more serious choice of John Ratcliffe for CIA Director as the one that truly matters. Nonetheless, Senators will likely have many questions for Gabbard during the confirmation process.

### Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary

Part 5/5:

The third member of Trump's proposed "triumvirate" is Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host, for the position of Defense Secretary. Hegseth's nomination, along with those of Gaetz and Gabbard, suggests that Trump is seeking to install loyalists in key national security positions, potentially to exert more control over these agencies.

Taken together, these nominations indicate that Trump is determined to reshape the federal government in his image, even if it means bucking the establishment and upsetting the status quo. The confirmation process for these nominees will be closely watched, as the Senate grapples with the implications of Trump's choices for the future of American governance.