Trump's Cabinet picks stir controversy: Gaetz for Attorney General, Hegseth for Defense Secretary

With a commitment to reshaping Washington, President-elect Donald Trump’s new Cabinet selections have sparked both excitement and concern, even within his own party.

Trump’s choices, such as Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general and Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, for defense secretary, have raised questions about the experience and direction of his incoming administration.

For attorney general, Trump’s pick of Gaetz is seen by some as a calculated move to secure an ally within the Justice Department (DOJ). A former House representative from Florida known for his outspoken loyalty to Trump, Gaetz has pledged to end what he calls the DOJ’s “weaponization” of law enforcement. “President Trump is going to hit the Justice Department with a blowtorch, and Matt Gaetz is that torch,” commented Steve Bannon, Trump’s former White House strategist.

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The nomination of Gaetz, who has faced investigations over sex trafficking allegations without resulting charges, has alarmed DOJ officials. One insider described the selection as “truly stunning,” while another called it “insane.” Trump, however, appears steadfast in backing Gaetz. Reflecting on his experience with previous attorneys general, Trump is keen to avoid what he perceives as past disloyalties, particularly from former AG Jeff Sessions, who recused himself during the Russia probe, and William Barr, who publicly dismissed Trump’s election fraud claims in 2020.

Meanwhile, Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, brings another unorthodox choice. With 19 years in the National Guard but lacking extensive defense administration experience, Hegseth has voiced his support for purging the military of leaders Trump sees as obstacles to American military strength. A Trump transition official defended the choice, saying Hegseth “is exactly the kind of young, talented, new thinker that can execute for DJT with lessons the president learned from his first term.”

In addition to Gaetz and Hegseth, Trump has appointed several staunch allies to key roles. Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat turned Trump supporter, has been tapped as director of national intelligence, while hard-line immigration official Tom Homan will serve as border czar, with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem slated for homeland security secretary.

These nominations have provoked mixed reactions among Senate Republicans. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, voiced skepticism, saying, “I don’t think Gaetz is a serious nomination for the attorney general,” while Senator Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., labeled the nomination “a long shot.”

Despite these challenges, Trump remains optimistic about Gaetz’s confirmation. A source close to Trump told NBC News, “The American people made clear that they want President Trump to remake Washington, and Rep. Gaetz is the perfect man to restore the DOJ to greatness.”

With the new administration set to take office, Trump’s unconventional Cabinet choices signal a break from traditional government norms, raising questions about the future of the DOJ, military leadership, and broader U.S. governance.