Trump has made some picks that show he is serious about fulfilling his campaigns promises. His appointment of Homan, Miller, and Noem show he will try to deport many millions of immigrants. And his consideration of only Wall Streeters for Treasury Secretary show he wants to give the super-rich more tax breaks and remove regulations on Corporations and financial institutions. While those may not be good for the country, they were to be expected.
But Trump has also made some nominations that shock even many Republicans. The nominations of Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, and Robert Kennedy, Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services were far from normal and rational picks, and none of them have the competence or experience for those jobs. Why did he make these picks?
Some have said that these are not serious picks. They are sacrificial lambs. If one or all of these picks were denied by the Senate, it would make it easier for Trump to get the rest of his appointments approved - no matter how bad they might be.
I don't believe that. Trump is a narcissist - not a negotiator. He believes he owns the current Republican Party (and there is some justification for that belief). He knows he can demonize and ostracize any Republican that opposes or criticizes him, and they will be rejected by the GOP base.
Trump is serious about these crazy nominations, and he is daring the Senate to oppose them. He has already demanded that the Senate approve of his right to recess nominations (just in case there is some opposition), and Senate majority leader candidates all acquiesced. A recess appointment would give him the candidates he wants, and they could serve for the term of the Congress (until a new Congress starts in January of 2026).
The only qualification that Gaetz, Gabbard, and Kennedy have is their willingness to do anything Trump wants them to do - no matter how ridiculous or illegal. And the Supreme Court has already granted him immunity for all presidential actions. Those facts together would grant Trump what he has always desired - absolute power (with no checks and balances).
These picks are not a negotiating ploy. They are a power grab.
