Losing Cabinet nominees during the confirmation process is not unprecedented for U.S. presidents, and Donald Trump is no exception.
Two of Trump’s recent selections for his incoming administration have already withdrawn, highlighting the challenges he faces in filling top positions.
On Tuesday, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced he was pulling out of consideration to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This follows last month’s withdrawal of Matt Gaetz as Trump’s attorney general pick amid lingering fallout from a federal sex trafficking investigation.
GOP Resistance Signals Potential Challenges
The withdrawals underscore growing resistance within Trump’s own party, particularly regarding nominees facing ethical concerns. Chronister, named as Trump’s DEA pick on Saturday, faced criticism from conservatives over his enforcement of COVID-19 lockdowns, including the arrest of a pastor for violating stay-at-home orders.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) voiced opposition, calling Chronister “disqualified” for his actions during the pandemic. Similarly, Gaetz’s nomination faced scrutiny from top Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who predicted “tough questions” during confirmation hearings.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a frequent Trump critic, dismissed Gaetz as “not a serious candidate.”
Other Controversial Picks in the Spotlight
Trump’s other nominees are also drawing criticism:
- Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary pick, has been accused of sexual assault in 2017—allegations he denies.
- Tulsi Gabbard, chosen for director of national intelligence, faces backlash for her sympathetic stance toward Russia and controversial meetings with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. Critics, including Nikki Haley, argue Gabbard’s views make her unfit for the role.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services, is under fire for his anti-vaccine stance and lack of experience in healthcare. Haley has warned of his potential to make “reckless decisions” as head of an agency overseeing 25% of the federal budget.
Trump’s History with Withdrawn Nominees
This isn’t the first time Trump has faced Cabinet setbacks. During his first term, fast-food CEO Andrew Puzder withdrew his nomination for labor secretary after controversies over hiring an undocumented worker and past comments about women. National security adviser Michael Flynn was ousted just weeks into the job over undisclosed contacts with Russian officials.
Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price also resigned within eight months amid a travel expense scandal. Trump’s first term saw unprecedented turnover, with 14 key positions vacated, nearly doubling that of George H.W. Bush’s administration.
A Common Presidential Struggle
Trump’s challenges with nominees mirror issues faced by his predecessors. Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and others all grappled with rejected or withdrawn Cabinet picks. For example:
- Barack Obama had two commerce secretary nominees withdraw, including Gov. Bill Richardson, due to an investigation.
- George W. Bush lost his labor secretary nominee, Linda Chavez, after revelations she housed an undocumented immigrant.
- Bill Clinton went through multiple attorney general picks before settling on Janet Reno.
Looking Ahead
With a slim Republican majority in the Senate, Trump’s nominees face an uphill battle, requiring nearly unanimous GOP support to overcome Democratic opposition. The withdrawals of Chronister and Gaetz are early signs of the challenges Trump may encounter as he seeks to finalize his Cabinet amidst mounting scrutiny.
