President-elect Donald Trump has finished filling positions in his cabinet and staff. The following is a ranking of five positions from best to worst announced this past week.
- Pam Bondi — Attorney General
After Matt Gaetz withdrew, Trump quickly named former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi as his new pick for attorney general. Bondi remains a stronger pick with previous experience in the position at a state level. However, her ability to perform her duties honestly under Trump is questionable, as she previously chose not to investigate Trump University. Around the same time as this decision, her Florida reelection effort received a donation from Trump. The choice reiterates Trump’s focus on unwavering loyalty when making these picks.
- Brooke Rollins — Agriculture secretary
In Trump’s first presidential term, Brooke Rollins held the position of director of the Office of American Innovation and acting director of the Domestic Policy Council. Rollins’ degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M University makes her one of the more qualified choices. She is also the America First Policy Institute’s chief executive officer and president. Rollins’ participation within the institute denotes her immense loyalty towards Trump. Outside of this, Rollins remains equipped for the role.
- Russell T. Vought — Director of the Office of Management and Budget
Key architect of Project 2025 Russell Vought remains an immense partaker in pushing Trump’s power. In his Project 2025 chapter, Vought argues for aligning all executive departments and agencies with the president’s agenda. Under the parameters set in Vought’s chapter, “Executive Office of the President of the United States,” the president shall hold absolute power in the executive branch. Once again, a government reminiscent of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” one with blind obedience, is at the forefront of Trump’s pick.
- Dr. Mehmet Oz — Medicare and Medicaid administrator
Dr. Mehmet Oz reiterates Trump’s advocacy for media personalities within his cabinet and staff. Oz holds no experience in health insurance or health policy. Oz startles with his televised medical suggestions. Many, especially those regarding weight loss, have been proven false.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Oz promoted hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine and herd immunity. If the Senate approves, he will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy. Oz’s medical beliefs and lack of experience should provoke questions in American minds.
- Linda McMahon — Education Secretary and transition co-chair
Former President and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment Linda McMahon will lead the Department of Education (DOE) despite having no background in education. McMahon plans to privatize public education and expand voucher programs. The shift would promote private education and risks underrepresented and lower-income communities losing access to education.
Recently, McMahon has been named in a WWE child sex abuse lawsuit. The lawsuit claims former CEO McMahon was aware and negligent of a ringside announcer’s sexual abuse of children as young as 13. McMahon lacks expertise and has a history of child neglect, which reaffirms many educators’ doubts that she should not be placed in charge of the DOE. Akin to Rollins, McMahon has close ties to the America First Policy Institute.
