U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) continues to push back against criticism of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet selections, claiming “liberals are having a fit” over their perceived lack of qualifications and other complaints.
Trump wasted no time blowing up headlines with his picks for the incoming administration. While Trump’s team and MAGA loyalists have applauded his choices, establishment politicians on both sides of the aisle seem to be squeamish about a number of them, specifically the picks for secretary of defense, attorney general, and secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Since his victory, Trump tapped former U.S. Rep. Matt Gatz (R-Fla.) as attorney general, veteran and Fox News Channel host Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as HHS secretary. Many of Trump’s other picks have received mixed reviews, but few have received such vehement resistance as these three.
On a Wednesday media call, Tuberville defended Trump’s cabinet picks and reiterated his demand that his Senate Republican colleagues confirm the appointees to “shake up the status quo” in Washington.
“President-elect Trump has been announcing his cabinet picks for his next administration,” Tuberville said. “President Trump’s choices demonstrate how he plans to shake up the status quo here in D.C., and it definitely needs it.”
“But of course, the liberals are having a fit, claiming that the people he’s chosen are not qualified," he continued. "For instance, the claim that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. isn’t qualified to lead the Department of Health and Human Services because he is not a doctor. I have news for you: neither is current HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. RFK Jr. has spent a 40-year career working in public health and environmental law. No one cares more about the health of this country than him. He is absolutely perfect for that job.”
“So is Matt Gaetz, who is a successful lawyer with almost a decade of experience serving on the judiciary committee, where he has exposed, I repeat, he has exposed the corruption at the DOJ under Joe Biden. Don’t get me started on Pete Hegseth, who volunteered for two combat tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and worked on Wall Street. We need some business sense back in the Pentagon," Tuberville added.
Several Senate Republicans have also publicly denounced some of Trump’s picks, especially Gaetz and RFK Jr., expressing concern over Gaetz’s alleged sexual misconduct and RFK’s stance on vaccines.
Pulling from his previous career as a college football coach, Tuberville claimed Trump has the right to select who he wishes as the country’s proverbial head coach and that the Senate should confirm his choices.
“President Trump will be our new head coach on January 20, 2025; he has every right to choose who he wants as his assistant coaches,” Tuberville continued.
“The Senate’s job is to advise and consent, and to represent our constituents in our states," he argued. "The majority of Americans voted for President Donald J. Trump. They want President Trump’s agenda now. I tend to do my part to ensure he has the people around him so we can work and work together and get the job done.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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