Staff ReportsPresident-elect Donald Trump has made quite the splash in the political pond by announcing his Cabinet picks, igniting a frenzy that will have political pundits buzzing for weeks. As expected from the polarizing figure himself, not everyone from his previous administration made the cut, leading to some very vocal snubs. A close look reveals a handful of high-profile names left out of the Cabinet carousel, raising eyebrows and prompting questions about loyalty and political strategy.
First up on the snub list is former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler, who many believed was a shoe-in for the agricultural secretary position. Loeffler had positioned herself as a staunch Trump ally, co-chairing his second inaugural committee alongside real estate titan Steve Witkoff, the new envoy for the Middle East. Despite her previous support for challenging the 2020 election results and her role as a witness in Trump’s Georgia legal battles, the USDA Secretary nomination went to Brooke Rollins instead. Apparently, being buddy-buddy with Trump wasn’t quite enough this time around, leaving Loeffler’s potential to till the agricultural fields of America in tatters.
1/12 What DEI? Trump's cabinet appointments largely prioritize loyalty over qualifications. The nominations of Tulsi, Noem, Gaetz, and Hegseth are so outrageous that they seem like an April Fool's joke, but we are in November pic.twitter.com/PWqB55yAGj
— Joni Askola (@joni_askola) November 14, 2024
Next on the chopping block is Nikki Haley, who apparently preferred a role in the limelight of a primary challenge rather than in the Cabinet. The former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor repeatedly claimed she had no interest in accepting a position if Trump returned to the White House. Whether that was sincere or a savvy political move, it seems her condescension didn’t sway Trump one bit, as he announced Rep. Elise Stefanik as his choice for U.N. ambassador. Stefanik’s credentials as a loyal Trump defender during impeachment proceedings solidified her position, while Haley now has to sit back and watch as another loyalist takes the stage, further solidifying Trump’s inner circle.
Ben Carson, the retired neurosurgeon known for his calm demeanor and impressive medical career, was expected to reclaim his former role as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Even with sources touting him as a fan-favorite for the position, Trump instead handed the job to Scott Turner, a former NFL player. Carson’s teachings on housing policy have certainly left an imprint, as evidenced by his involvement with the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” but evidently, that was not enough firepower to secure him a Cabinet seat. The former pediatric neurosurgeon’s plans for housing will now have to serve as a commentary rather than practice from the power of the Cabinet.
Then, there’s Mike Pompeo, who has previously held both CIA and Secretary of State roles during Trump’s first administration. Despite his experience, Trump was reportedly dissuaded from selecting Pompeo for Secretary of State again due to issues of trust. Instead, the position went to Senator Marco Rubio, whose own stock has risen markedly within the GOP. This surprising turn of events indicates a shift in Trump’s focus on loyalty and perhaps a recalibration of his team dynamics post-election.
Last but not least, the specter of Christopher Miller, who briefly held the reins as acting defense secretary, looms large—in a somewhat infamous way. Although his managerial resume included running the National Counterterrorism Center and some presence in Trump’s defense strategies, he faced criticism during his last days in office. In perhaps a twist of both fate and preference, the defense position went to media personality and veteran Pete Hegseth. This choice signals Trump’s penchant for fresh faces over those with more controversial legacies from his previous term.
As the new administration begins to take shape, the figures left behind may not be entirely out of the picture but are definitely warming the benches while Trump’s new A-team takes the field. For conservative Americans watching from the sidelines, this reshuffling raises the question: will loyalty always trump competence in Trump’s world, or is this merely a strategic chess move as he gears up for another round in the political boxing ring?
