Trump Nominees Labelled Disruptors by Top Republican
In an exclusive interview with CNN's State of the Union, House Speaker Mike Johnson revealed that President-elect Donald Trump is seeking individuals who will "shake up the status quo" and implement his vision for the country. Dubbing these nominees as "disruptors", Johnson indicated that they are carefully selected individuals who will challenge the existing norms in their respective departments.
Trump has been busy announcing high-ranking officials to fill key positions in his administration, with a focus on close allies over experienced policy-makers. The picks have sparked concerns across party lines and in Washington, prompting Trump's son Donald Trump Jr to justify his father's choices.
According to Trump Jr, the objective is to surround his father with individuals who are "competent and loyal", capable of delivering on his promises. Some nominees have faced controversy, but back-up plans remain in place to address potential hurdles during the Senate vetting process.
The latest nomination is oil executive Chris Wright, expected to lead efforts towards increasing fossil fuel production in accordance with Trump's campaign promise. As a climate change sceptic and founder of fracking company Liberty Energy, Wright's appointment has been met with support from the fossil fuel industry. Trump aims to boost US energy production rather than investing in renewable sources.
Meanwhile, other nominees, such as Pete Hegseth ( defence secretary pick) and Matt Gaetz (potential attorney general), have faced allegations or ethics issues that could impact their approval process. The nomination of Robert F Kennedy Jr as health secretary has also sparked criticism due to his vaccine scepticism.
House Speaker Johnson's warning about Trump's nominee being "disruptors" has highlighted concerns about the president-elect's vetting process and potential implications for his administration's policies and future direction – all of which will be closely watched by Capitol Hill in coming weeks.