From Robert F Kennedy Jr to Tulsi Gabbard: The most controversial picks in Donald Trump's Cabinet

As United States President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House, his Cabinet selections have sparked unprecedented scrutiny and debate.

With nominees under fire for ethical concerns, lack of qualifications, and controversial pasts, the confirmation process promises to be a contentious one.

We take a look at the most controversial picks in Trump’s Cabinet 2.0:

Matt Gaetz for Attorney General

One of Trump’s most polarising choices is former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, nominated for Attorney General.

Gaetz resigned from Congress shortly after his nomination, halting the release of a House Ethics Committee report investigating allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, and campaign fund misuse.

The ethics investigation gained attention after a lawyer for two witnesses revealed damning accusations. Attorney Joe Leppard told CBS that one witness saw Gaetz engaging in sexual activity with a minor in Florida in 2017.

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Although the US Department of Justice previously declined to press charges, these allegations have reignited concerns. Gaetz has vehemently denied the claims, stating on X, formerly Twitter, that “lies were weaponised to try to destroy me.”

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House Speaker Mike Johnson has defended withholding the Ethics Committee report, arguing that releasing it would “open a Pandora’s box.” He highlighted the Senate’s role in vetting nominees: “They will have a rigorous review process… They don’t need to rely on a draft report.”

Despite the controversy, Trump remains unwavering in his support, reportedly telling aides he is “100% committed” to Gaetz’s confirmation. Trump Jr echoed this sentiment, describing Gaetz as a “disrupter” essential to the administration’s goals on Fox Business.

Pete Hegseth for Defence Secretary

Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, has also drawn significant backlash. A Fox News host and Army veteran, Hegseth faces allegations of sexual assault dating back to 2017, for which no charges were filed.

While he denies any wrongdoing, reports of a financial settlement with the accuser have fuelled concerns.

Hegseth’s controversial tattoo — a Latin phrase “Deus Vult,” associated with medieval Christian crusaders — has also raised eyebrows. A former colleague flagged it as a potential “insider threat,” citing its links to extremist groups.

Hegseth refutes such claims, asserting the phrase represents a personal Christian belief. US Vice President-elect JD Vance called criticism of the tattoo “disgusting anti-Christian bigotry.”

Hegseth’s qualifications are also under scrutiny. Critics argue his lack of experience managing a vast military bureaucracy could pose risks to national security. Nonetheless, Trump remains steadfast, viewing Hegseth as a loyal ally who aligns with his vision for reshaping the Pentagon.

Robert F Kennedy Jr for Health Secretary

Nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F Kennedy Jr, has ignited concern among public health experts.

A prominent vaccine skeptic, Kennedy has vowed to tackle “Big Pharma,” a stance that has sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry. Stocks of vaccine manufacturers and healthcare firms plummeted following his nomination.

Critics warn that Kennedy’s views could undermine decades of medical progress, particularly in vaccination efforts. Despite these concerns, Kennedy’s advocacy against processed foods has earned support from some medical professionals.

Trump has remained silent on the backlash, leaving observers to wonder whether Kennedy’s confirmation is part of a broader strategy to disrupt the health sector.

Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence

Trump’s selection of former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence has raised questions about her suitability for the role.

Critics argue her lack of intelligence experience and controversial foreign policy positions, including perceived sympathies toward Russia, make her an ill fit.

Rep. Jim Himes, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, dismissed Gabbard’s qualifications, speaking to CBS, stating “These people are manifestly unqualified to run the very complicated organisations they’ve been asked to lead.”

Meanwhile, Sue Gordon, former principal deputy director of national intelligence, warned that Trump’s team may bypass traditional FBI vetting, opting for private firms instead — a move she described as “risky for America.”

Is there a bigger picture to Trump’s picks?

Trump’s unconventional picks reflect his broader strategy to dismantle what he views as an entrenched Washington establishment. His son, Donald Trump Jr, articulated this vision: “It’s about surrounding my father with people who are both competent and loyal… They are actual disrupters. That’s what the American people want.”

However, the Senate remains a key battleground. While Republicans hold a majority, several GOP senators have expressed reservations about the nominees.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Gaetz critic, told NBC he would give the nominee a “fair shot” but stressed the importance of qualifications over personal loyalties.

As the confirmation process unfolds, the stakes are high.

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With inputs from agencies