In January 2017, Donald Trump’s rapid-fire executive actions earned him the nickname “Don Nonstop.” Now, as a second-term president-elect, Trump seems ready to outdo himself.
But the New York Post argues that at least 2 of his picks are threatening his agenda and reputation.
With a cabinet nearly fully nominated and bold policy ambitions, Trump’s momentum is undeniable.
But some controversial picks could derail his agenda before it even begins.
A Clear Mandate to Reverse Biden-Era Policies
Fresh off a sweeping Electoral College and popular vote victory, Trump sees his win as a resounding call to undo what he considers the failures of the Biden-Harris administration. Early picks like Tom Homan as border czar signal his focus on the migrant crisis, while Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Doug Burgum as Energy Czar reflect strategic choices to reshape key areas of governance.
Behind the scenes, chief of staff Susie Wiles is expected to keep Trump’s ambitious agenda on track, while speculation swirls about potential appointees like Marc Rowan for Treasury. The addition of disruptors like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to the Department of Government Efficiency highlights Trump’s focus on streamlining bloated bureaucracy.
Controversial Nominations Spark Concern
While most of Trump’s cabinet picks have drawn praise, two choices are raising alarms: Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence and Matt Gaetz as Attorney General. Critics argue these selections could undermine Trump’s goals and distract from his broader agenda.
Tulsi Gabbard: Isolationist Tendencies
Gabbard’s alignment with Trump on avoiding foreign entanglements is clear, but her track record raises doubts. She supported the Iran nuclear deal and criticized the killing of Qassem Soleimani, positions at odds with Trump’s strategy of strength on the global stage. Her perceived sympathy for authoritarian regimes like Russia and Syria has drawn fire, with concerns she may downplay critical threats.
Trump, who values clear-eyed intelligence to navigate complex global challenges, risks compromising that with Gabbard’s softer approach.
Matt Gaetz: A Liability in the DOJ
Gaetz, a staunch Trump ally, is seen as a grenade aimed at reforming the Department of Justice, which Trump has long viewed as politically biased. However, his personal controversies, including allegations of misconduct, make him a risky choice for such a pivotal role.
Even Trump’s supporters fear Gaetz lacks the discipline and ethics to effectively reform the DOJ. His nomination could hand Democrats ammunition for future attacks and distract from Trump’s broader agenda.
A Risk to Trump’s Political Capital
Trump’s insistence on recess appointments for these contentious picks could set a dangerous precedent and alienate allies in the Senate, which is otherwise poised to swiftly confirm most of his cabinet. By pushing these two controversial nominations, Trump risks unnecessary battles that could weaken his mandate and derail progress.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The stakes are high. Trump’s decisions now will shape not only the early years of his term but also the 2026 midterms. Alienating voters or sparking internal GOP conflicts could hand Democrats an opening to regain control of Congress, stalling Trump’s agenda.
By reconsidering Gaetz and Gabbard, Trump can focus on his ambitious goals and ensure smoother cooperation with Senate allies. With a strong team and a clear mandate, “Don Nonstop” can stay focused on delivering for the American people without unnecessary distractions.
