Trump Nominates 'Disruptors' for High-Ranking Posts, Favors Loyalty over Policy Experience: Top Republican
Washington D.C. - The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is taking shape with a series of unconventional nominations that have sent shockwaves through the nation's capital. In a CNN interview on Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson described Trump's nominees as "disruptors" who will shake up the status quo in Washington.
Johnson, who is the highest-ranking Republican in the administration, praised Trump for surrounding himself with individuals who are loyal and competent. "I think that's by design," he said. However, Johnson's comments came amid controversy over some of Trump's choices, including Defence Secretary-designate Pete Hegseth, who has denied a sexual assault allegation, and Attorney General-designate Matt Gaetz, who is embroiled in an ethics scandal.
Others have raised concerns about the health secretary nominee, Robert F Kennedy Jr., whose vaccine scepticism has sparked heated debate. The president-elect's son, Donald Trump Jr, defended his father's nominees on Sunday, stating that they are "not people who think they know better as unelected bureaucrats."
Among the most recent additions to the Trump team is oil executive Chris Wright, nominated as Energy Secretary. Wright, a climate change sceptic who has previously stated he does not care where energy comes from, has no government experience but is expected to work towards increasing fossil fuel production in the US.
The appointment of Wright comes at a time when President-elect Joe Biden is promoting his climate legacy by visiting the Amazon rainforest, the world's largest tropical rainforest. Trump has pledged to increase production of US fossil fuels rather than investing in renewable energy sources, and Wright will be instrumental in driving this agenda forward.
In the Senate, some of the nominees are likely to face significant opposition, with lawmakers from both parties warning that they need to be thoroughly vetted. However, those close to Trump say that there are back-up plans in place for any nominees who fail to secure enough support.
The nominations have raised concerns about Trump's approach to governance and his commitment to policy experience over loyalty and personal relationships. Only time will tell how long these unconventional appointees can endure in the Senate.