Now that the election is over, President-elect Trump has begun to work on building his new administration, reaching out to several individuals to take part in his team. Here's an examination of some of their merits.
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley as U.N. Ambassador
Betsy DeVos for Education Secretary
A questionable pick by many measures. Betsy DeVos, education philanthropist and Republican donor, is very much in favor of defunding public education and instead channeling that money into charter schools. Teacher unions across the board are against her, with Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, called Ms. DeVos “the most ideological, anti-public education nominee” possible. Her efforts to expand charter schools in her home state of Michigan have not led to any improvements in Michigan education, and charter schools there generally fall below average. Is this someone we really want as education secretary? Hmm.
Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions for Attorney General
Generally considered a hard line conservative, Sessions has vowed to completely overhaul the Justice Department. He has been know to take an unforgiving stance on immigration, terrorism, crimes, drugs, and guns. Regarded as a "law and order" man, he is Trump's perfect pick to carry out his campaign promises. However, many on the left fear that Sessions will encroach on civil liberties and hinder efforts to combat police brutality. He has a rocky past, having been denied an appointment to the federal bench in the past due to insensitive and possibly racially charged remarks. This nomination makes sense given who the President elect is, but the changes he will bring to the administration may affect the country for a long time to come.
Retired Neurosurgeon Ben Carson For Housing and Urban Development Secretary
Huh? What the... A retired neurosurgeon heading the Department of Housing and Urban Development? It's almost as ludicrous as his run for the White House. At least Trump had some experience running a company which can somewhat translate to running a country, roughly. Carson has absolutely zero experience or knowledge necessary for working in the federal bureaucracy, and I fail to see any reason he should get any position in Trump's new government.
In short, Trump's picks for his new government are a mixed bag. While I personally like Gov. Haley and Sen. Sessions, I find DeVos and Carson ill-suited for their positions. Overall, several things can be taken from Trump's choices: 1. Trump is not afraid to seek diversity; he has chosen an African American and two women already, 2. He is willing to work with those who disavowed him; 3/4 people on this list at one point did not support him, and 3. He will give positions to his most ardent supporters such as Sen. Sessions.
