Donald Trump sees criticism over his most controversial cabinet picks as a threat to the “almost uncheckable” power he intends to wield — and he is not going to back down, an insider in the president-elect’s camp told CNN.
In an analysis Monday, the network wrote that a source warned he was ready to wage an “epic battle” to force through the picks.
“Trump is adamant he’s not going to give in as he seeks people who will fulfill his goals of tearing down the Washington establishment in a second term he pledged to devote to retribution,” the report stated.
“A source told CNN over the weekend that Trump sees (Matt) Gaetz as his most important pick. The president-elect wants the former Florida congressman confirmed “100%,” the source said. “He is not going to back off. He’s all in.”
Of the many cabinet choices announced in recent days, four have caused most consternation: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former Rep. Gaetz (R-FL), Former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI), who became a Republican in 2022, and Fox News personality Pete Hegseth.
Trump wants Kennedy to head up the Health Department, Gaetz as attorney general, Gabbard as national intelligence chief and Hegseth in the Department of Defense.
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“Each of the most provocative selections is facing criticism that they lack the expertise and experience to run the vast, specialized bureaucracies that would be under their control,” wrote CNN analyst Stephen Collinson.
He added, “In a conventional administration, controversies raging around at least four key Cabinet picks would be seen as a disaster.”
All picks need to be confirmed by the Senate, unless Trump successfully pushes through recess appointments — putting them in position while the Senate is not sitting — as he has threatened to do.
“The outcome of the coming showdown will depend on whether Republican senators are willing to abrogate their own power to vet nominees and will cave under the furious political pressure that is certain to be trained on them by the “Make America Great Again” movement,” Collison wrote.
“The issue represents the first political crisis to confront South Dakota Sen. John Thune, who will take over as Republican Senate majority leader next year.”