Trump's Cabinet: A TV-Ready Team

Television Stars in Key Roles

Donald Trump has plucked two Fox News stars for crucial positions. Sean Duffy, a four-term Wisconsin congressman-turned-Fox Business host, is set to lead the Treasury department. His wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, is a star on Fox News. Pete Hegseth, who once hosted a Fox News show, is chosen to lead the Pentagon. These selections highlight Trump's belief in the power of television personalities to represent his administration.

For the agency overseeing Medicare and Medicaid, Trump turned to Dr. Mehmet Oz, a celebrity physician known for his long-running health show. His syndicated television show taught millions of Americans about healthy lifestyle choices. Trump called Oz a "world-class communicator," emphasizing his media skills.

Media Backgrounds in Non-Cabinet Roles

Among the non-Cabinet roles announced by Trump on Friday evening, several former and current Fox News contributors were picked. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, selected as US surgeon general, became a contributor at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Marty Makary, chosen to head the Food and Drug Administration, was on "Fox News Sunday" last weekend promoting another Trump pick.

Sebastian Gorka, named senior director of counterterrorism, was a Fox contributor in 2018 and 2019 and now hosts a weekend show on Newsmax. These selections show Trump's continued reliance on television talent for various positions.

Transition Team's Media Focus

Trump's transition team, operating in a war-room style setup at Mar-a-Lago, plays video clips of potential appointees' media performances. This includes footage of them defending Trump and their past criticism of him. It underscores the centrality of media strategy in his decision-making process.

For example, Howard Luntick, a Wall Street executive, delivered a spirited defense of Trump's economic proposals on CNBC. Trump was so pleased that he picked Luntick for secretary of Commerce and posted a clip of the exchange on social media.

Previous Examples of TV-Related Picks

During his first term, Trump described Supreme Court nominees Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh as "straight out of central casting" due to their polished images. He also tapped Larry Kudlow, a CNBC personality, to lead the National Economic Council. Even after leaving office, he brought on Christina Bobb as an attorney after watching her on One America News Network.

Trump's campaign was marked by clashes with Rupert Murdoch's Fox News. He lashed out at the network for airing interviews with Democrats. In return, he granted more access to new media stars and closely monitored the cable television appearances of his surrogates.

Vetting Process and Criticisms

The vetting process has faced sharp criticism from Democrats. Sen. Chris Coons likened the selections to a "reality TV show casting call" rather than a serious Cabinet lineup. Some of Trump's nominees, like Matt Gaetz, faced setbacks due to allegations of sexual misconduct.

However, Trump continues to prioritize media figures for key roles, believing in their ability to represent his administration and sell his agenda. His reliance on television appearances and aesthetics is a significant aspect of his administration's makeup.