Trump Names Disruptors for Key Roles, Creating Bipartisan Concern

Washington D.C. - President-elect Donald Trump has been criticized by top Republicans for his picks for high-ranking positions in his administration, labeling them as "disruptors" who will shake up the status quo. According to House Speaker Mike Johnson, who made the remarks on CNN's State of the Union, Trump is deliberately choosing individuals who are not beholden to traditional lobbying groups and can deliver on their promises.

Among the nominees who have sparked controversy include Pete Hegseth, Trump's defense secretary pick who has denied a sexual assault allegation, and Matt Gaetz, Trump's potential attorney general who is embroiled in an ethics scandal. Robert F Kennedy Jr, nominated as health secretary, faces scrutiny for his vaccine scepticism.

However, Trump's son Donald Trump Jr defended the nominees on Fox News, stating that "we know who the good guys and bad guys are". He acknowledged that some of the picks may face opposition in the Senate but emphasized the importance of surrounding the president with people who are competent and loyal.

Trump's latest pick is Chris Wright, an oil executive nominated as energy secretary. As a climate change sceptic and proponent of increasing fossil fuel production, Wright's appointment has been hailed by the fossil fuel industry and criticized by environmentalists.

The appointment marks a significant shift in Trump's administration, with the president-elect vowing to prioritize oil production over renewable energy sources. His stance on the environment has raised concerns among lawmakers and environmental groups ahead of the upcoming Senate confirmation process.

In contrast, President-elect Joe Biden recently made history as the first sitting US president to visit the Amazon rainforest, highlighting his commitment to addressing climate change and protecting the world's largest tropical region.