There are many questions about who would be willing to work with Donald Trump after his first administration, during which Trump regularly trashed everyone who left or was fired from his administration.
Believe it or not, that line is getting long, including former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), who just stated she would be more than happy to join Trump's administration if he wins this election.
Talking Points…
- Gabbard willing to join Trump Cabinet
- Other Trump Cabinet favorites
- Analysis
When Tulsi Gabbard left the Democrat Party, you knew she would position herself close to whoever won the GOP nomination in 2024. She played her cards very well, leaving the door open to both Trump and DeSantis. After Trump won the nomination, we have seen Gabbard pivot more to the right, now a major surrogate for Trump.
I have often stated that I would have zero issues with Gabbard in this Cabinet, as I think she could offer some great insight about how to approach Democrats to get legislation passed. The question, however, is where she would fit in. As a veteran, I could see Gabbard in VA affairs or some national security role, which is much where she sees herself. When Gabbard was asked about working the Trump Cabinet, she was all for it, responding:
"I feel I can make the most impact in these areas of national security and foreign policy, and work to bring about the changes that President Trump talks about."
The more I hear her talk, the more I like the idea of even considering her as Secretary of State, as she firmly believes that Trump's approach to regularly engaging with your enemies and adversaries is the best way to keep them in line. On this front, she stated:
"President Trump did in his last administration what President Obama refused to do, what President Biden refused to do, what Kamala Harris has made clear she refuses to do – which is to go out and do that tough work that a president and commander in chief has to do in diplomacy.
"Not just hanging out with your friends, and your allies, and your partners, but actually going out and talking to your adversaries."
Something that concerns me about the Trump administration is that Trump would lean heavily on his allies in the Senate and House to work in his administration, which could be counterproductive. If Trump drains the Senate and House, he could swing the majority back to Dems if the GOP takes both chambers. That concern aside, let's look at some of the top favorites.
I see Stephen Miller or former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as Chief of Staff. Miller could continue on as a personal policy adviser, leaving the door open for McCarthy as Chief of Staff. I believe he has been lobbying Trump for that position since being ousted as Speaker.
Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) will surely be a consideration for the Treasury Secretary, given his experience working in the private equity sector. He could also be considered as Secretary of State, having previously served as our Ambassador to Japan. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) will also be rewarded for his loyalty, which is more than likely something related to intelligence or foreign policy. Either would be a good fit for him.
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) is someone that I see as a possible Secretary of Defense. He is a Marine veteran and has regularly attacked the Biden administration and Defense Secretary Austin for the policies implemented that he believes have weakened this county's defenses. I have had personal interactions with Cotton, and I can tell you firsthand he is smart, loyal, and would do anything to restore our military to its once-feared and great status. He would be well-supported in the party for this position.
Attorney General is an interesting position because things could get ugly for Trump after he takes office. For instance, if Trump decides to pardon J6 defendants, he could find himself being impeached for providing aid and comfort to insurrectionists. There is also the assumption that Trump's AG will be asked to dismiss the two federal cases against Trump. I could see someone like Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton or Senato Eric Schmitt (R-MO), who previously served as the state Attorney General for Missouri.
I know there will be MAGA people installed; that goes without saying. However, I think Trump needs to avoid stacking his Cabinet with officials who are perceived to be MAGA because he could have trouble getting them approved by the Senate. Having said that, I think every name mentioned above, save Ken Paxton, would coast through the confirmation process. I will also admit that Trump's possible Cabinet looks far better today than I imagined before the primary race.
