Staff Reports
As President Trump rolls out his slate of nominees, the Washington establishment is wringing its hands over a couple of unconventional picks that could have them gasping for air. While many selections are sailing through the hearings with flying colors, Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are the candidates destined for the political equivalent of a swimming pool full of piranhas. These two political wild cards, who once vied for the Democratic crown, have since morphed into surprising allies for the MAGA movement, and not everyone seems thrilled about it.
Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii, is no stranger to scrutiny. Her views on foreign policy, particularly her outspoken criticism of the intelligence community and her controversial meeting with then-Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, have raised eyebrows among even the most stalwart conservatives. After a fierce battle in the 2020 presidential race that included a memorable clash with Kamala Harris, Gabbard took the leap and officially left the Democratic Party, embracing Trump’s agenda in the 2024 election cycle. Now, as Trump’s choice for Director of National Intelligence, she’s facing skepticism from a few GOP Senators who are still clutching their pearls over her past associations.
Trump nominees move forward, but most contentious picks still face tough fights https://t.co/QbZw3Pc7wh
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) January 16, 2025
Then there’s Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is set to tackle the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, who initially attempted to seize the Democratic nomination from Joe Biden, eventually landed squarely in Trump’s camp, albeit with a tantalizing independent twist. His drive to “Make America Healthy Again” has garnered him attention, albeit for the wrong reasons. The establishment is huffing and puffing, branding him a conspiracy theorist without a shred of subtlety, largely due to his vaccine skepticism. Some Republicans, likely looking to avoid a PR disaster, are worried about his pro-choice stance in a regulatory role. They haven’t exactly rolled out the red carpet for him either; it’s more like laying down the fine china in a house full of toddlers.
The stakes are high. Gabbard’s and Kennedy’s fates hinge on several behind-the-scenes negotiations yet to unfold, and both nominees must navigate a contentious environment. The Democratic caucus has rallied to oppose Kennedy, with a collective taking a stand against him—because, of course, what is a political battle without posturing from a bevy of angry doctors claiming to know best? Nevertheless, a good number of Republican doctors appear to be throwing their support behind Kennedy, shining a light on the divide within party lines regarding how health issues are perceived.
Despite the liberal uproar, polling shows that Kennedy is rather popular among the general public, indicating that the American electorate might be somewhat weary of the establishment’s narrative. In a recent poll, he managed positive favorability ratings that made him outshine some other big names in the GOP. Meanwhile, Gabbard’s unique blend of transparency and willingness to re-examine previously held beliefs may very well resonate with conservatives looking for authenticity in political leaders.
Though their nominations aren’t sealed with a bow just yet, the drama could be a play to watch unfold, with a lot of maneuvering needed before any doors are opened. With the Senate splitting into factions, it remains to be seen if Gabbard and Kennedy can cozy up to the right lawmakers in time to avoid being tossed into the political wood chipper. Whether or not they can secure the votes necessary to overcome Democratic opposition—and some fidgety Republicans—will be a defining moment for Trump’s new administration. Let’s just say they are certainly preparing for a bumpy ride on Capitol Hill, and the popcorn is already popping.
