As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to form his administration, several of his nominations for key cabinet positions are drawing skepticism, both in the halls of Congress and among the American public. A poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that many Americans are unfamiliar with Trump’s chosen candidates, resulting in low approval ratings for nominees such as Pete Hegseth, who is tapped to lead the Department of Defense, and Tulsi Gabbard, his pick for intelligence chief. While both nominees are relatively unknown to many citizens, established figures in the political arena like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary and Marco Rubio for secretary of state also garner lukewarm support, emphasizing the challenges Trump faces in securing confirmations from the Senate.
In examining the approval ratings of Hegseth, it becomes evident that a mere 20% of Americans express support for his nomination. Hegseth, an Army veteran and former Fox News commentator, has faced personal controversies that include allegations of excessive drinking and a disputed sexual assault claim, which he denies. Despite these challenges, Trump has publicly backed him, and some senators who were initially critical of Hegseth appear to be warming to him. A significant portion of the population remains indifferent; around 40% do not know enough about him to form an opinion, indicating that there is a steep hill to climb for Hegseth to convert skepticism into approval. Among Republicans, support is slightly higher, yet still modest, with one-third in favor, reflecting broader uncertainties regarding his qualifications.
Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination has been met with a similarly lukewarm response, as only 20% of Americans approve of her taking on the role of intelligence chief. Gabbard has a contentious history, having left the Democratic Party after running for the presidential nomination in 2020 and becoming a notable surrogate for Trump during his campaign. Her involvement with contentious foreign policy matters, particularly regarding Syria, raises further questions about her suitability for the role. An interesting aspect of the poll reflects that while 30% of the general population disapproves of Gabbard, her approval ratings among Republicans are somewhat more favorable, with four in ten expressing support, although many remain uncertain.
When it comes to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his name recognition is significant, yet it does not translate to widespread approval. Known for his environmental advocacy and controversial vaccine positions, Kennedy boasts a 30% approval rating from Americans, with a notable segment of the public—around 40%—expressing disapproval of his selection for health secretary. However, he enjoys strong backing from Republican constituents, with an impressive 60% approval rate reflecting a partisan divide in opinions about his public health policies. Importantly, Trump has signaled that Kennedy will have considerable latitude over health policy, elevating interest in how this nomination may shape future public health strategies.
Marco Rubio’s prospects of moving into a prominent Cabinet role are similarly met with ambivalence, as about 30% of Americans approve of his nomination while an equal proportion disapproves. Having transitioned from a rival in the 2016 Republican presidential primary to a firm ally of Trump, Rubio’s foreign policy expertise, particularly concerning Latin America, is seen as an asset. Nevertheless, the American populace remains divided, with 20% unfamiliar with him enough to form an opinion. Among Republicans, however, he fares quite well, receiving approval from nearly 60% of party members, reflecting his solidified position within Trump’s inner circle.
In summary, the poll indicates a prevailing uncertainty among the American public regarding Trump’s cabinet choices, illustrating a broader reflection of concern regarding the incoming administration’s direction. The overall skepticism and low approval ratings point towards an uphill battle for Trump as he seeks to secure Senate confirmations amidst a slim Republican majority. The mixed sentiments towards nominees like Hegseth, Gabbard, Kennedy, and Rubio showcase not only questions about their qualifications but also highlight the ideological divides that could shape confirmations. With many Americans remaining unfamiliar with these figures, their ability to effectively communicate their credentials and influence public perception will be crucial for solidifying their positions in a politically charged environment.
