Trump drops a cabinet-level clusterbomb with Gaetz, Gabbard as latest picks

On Wednesday, Washington was taken aback as Donald Trump announced unexpected cabinet picks, showcasing his ability to surprise. His selections for key positions—Matt Gaetz for attorney general and Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence—left even members of his own party stunned.

Gaetz, a former lawyer turned fervent Trump ally from Florida, has a controversial record, including calls to investigate special counsel Jack Smith and allegations of misconduct, which he has denied. He recently resigned from Congress, facilitating a quick replacement, just days before an ethics report on him was expected. The news was met with audible shock from Republicans, with Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho remarking, "That was about as big a surprise as I've had in a long time."

Gaetz’s nomination now moves to the Senate, where Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski called it "unserious." North Carolina's Thom Tillis predicted a challenging confirmation process. Meanwhile, Trump supporters, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, celebrated Gaetz as a much-needed disrupter for the Justice Department.

Trump is reportedly considering a rare tactic to bypass Senate procedures through recess appointments, pushing for an extended Senate break that would allow him to install Gaetz and Gabbard without a formal vote. This strategy, while used in emergencies historically, has faced Supreme Court criticism in recent years.

Gabbard's nomination, although somewhat overshadowed, also drew attention. The former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, who has criticized the so-called “deep state” and echoed pro-Russian positions, would now oversee national intelligence if confirmed. Her military background includes two decades of service, including combat in Iraq.

Adding to the day's surprises, Trump recently appointed Pete Hegseth, a veteran and media host, as secretary of defense. Hegseth’s stance against women in combat and on the Geneva Conventions has sparked debate, though it was quickly eclipsed by Gaetz and Gabbard’s nominations.

The announcements came after Trump met with congressional Republicans and was accompanied by Elon Musk. In typical fashion, Trump joked about running for a third term, a move that would require an improbable constitutional amendment. Later, he met with President Joe Biden at the White House in what was described as a surprisingly cordial interaction. Biden’s press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, emphasized that the meeting underscored Biden's respect for democratic processes, describing it as “quintessential Joe Biden.”

In another appointment, Sen. Marco Rubio was announced as secretary of state, a more conventional choice that aligns with a hawkish foreign policy approach. Yet, despite Rubio’s selection, it’s Gaetz and Gabbard’s nominations that have truly set the stage for what could be an intense showdown in the coming weeks.