With Trump's latest Cabinet picks, it's tempting to focus on the most shocking headlines: now-former Rep. Matt Gaetz's ethics scandals, anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s conspiracy theories, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's record of cozying up to autocrats.
And yes, Gaetz is an enormously creepy figure, stepping down from Congress just before the anticipated release of a House Ethics Committee investigation into his alleged sexual misconduct. Yes, Kennedy has an extremely outlandish history with animals, among many other things. But stopping there risks missing the bigger picture, which is the actual impact these individuals will have on everyday American lives if they are confirmed.
Gaetz, for example, could turn the Department of Justice into a branch of government happy to carry out political retribution to the detriment of its many other essential duties. Kennedy's extreme opinions on Anthony Fauci and vaccines could lead to big steps back on public health policy. And Gabbard's nomination could encourage increasingly aggressive behavior from Russia.
Some of these choices may face roadblocks — like Gaetz, whose nomination has already drawn criticism from key senators — but the pattern here feels clear. Trump is testing how far he can go, daring institutions to stop him, and lining up loyalists to carry out his vision. That's why it's so important to talk about detailed policy stances and their potential consequences.
So yes, shake your head at the seeming absurdity of these picks. But don't stop there. These choices aren't just controversial; they require us to stay vigilant about how each potential new Cabinet member could negatively affect our lives.
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