Donald Trump’s Reported Cabinet Picks Spark Conservative Backlash

Some of President-elect Donald Trump’s reported Cabinet appointments have sparked a negative reaction among some conservatives, with worries over the qualifications and viewpoints of those selected.

While formal appointments have been limited so far, just one week after Election Day, the Republican’s transition team has reportedly been working to secure people for top roles.

Among the rumored appointees are Florida Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security.

“Kristi Noem simply does not have the expertise to be Secretary of Homeland Security during this border crisis and the failures at Secret Service,” John Cardillo, a former member of the NYPD who frequently comments on the GOP on X, formerly Twitter, posted.

“She’s never worked in law enforcement. Never worked for any of these agencies. And has no idea how things are supposed to run.”

Noem, who has been a governor since 2019 and previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011, has been a strong supporter of Trump, including the immigration policies he implemented during his first term in the White House.

During her time in Congress, however, she did not serve on any committees associated with homeland security.

“I think some of these leaks are trial balloons to gauge reactions,” podcaster Joey Mannarino posted on X. “That seems like a very odd pick.”

Others criticized the idea of Rubio as Secretary of State, namely because of his tendency to voice opinions on how the U.S. should deal with foes such as China, Iran, and Cuba, as well as what Ukraine needs to do to end its conflict with Russia.

While the GOP used to be more in favor of military action and bold foreign policy, Trump’s supporters have skewed more toward isolationist policies, such as not supporting further aid for Ukraine.

“Marco Rubio is a disaster. Might as well give Liz Cheney the State Department. Awful sign,” comedian Dave Smith posted.

Raheem Kassam, editor of The National Post, said his phone was blowing up with Trump supporters against the appointment, with one telling him “Little Marco isn’t MAGA!”

The nickname came from Trump during the 2016 primaries when he referred to Rubio as such following criticism from the senator. After Trump’s election, the relationship improved, and Rubio was a potential contender for Vice President in this year’s race.

Newsweek reached out to the Trump-Vance transition team for comment via email Tuesday afternoon.

Confirmed appointments include Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff and Tom Homan as the ‘Border Czar’. The latter has gained support from those wanting tougher immigration policies, with Homan promising illegal migrants the government is coming for them.

Trump has also reportedly been looking at other members of Congress to fill Cabinet positions – a move that could see the GOP’s House majority shrink.