The swift and determined selection process for Donald Trump’s Cabinet conveys a strong signal that the future Republican president plans significant changes within federal agencies, as per Trump associates familiar with the transition.

Trump’s pace in forming his Cabinet surpasses that of other recent presidents, including during his first term eight years ago. He aims to gather individuals enthusiastic about disrupting the existing order, according to allies. Critics worry that Trump’s approach might be driven by a desire for revenge against political adversaries.

The emerging Cabinet is an unconventional mixture, featuring billionaires, celebrities, nontraditional political figures, and staunch MAGA supporters. Trump appears to be rewarding those most loyal to his campaign, skipping conventional vetting processes, although some nominees faced scrutiny during the vice presidential selection.

The president-elect is bypassing other typical transition events meant to effectively prepare his administration, which may reflect a lack of trust as he plans significant reforms. He has consistently criticized federal organizations, alleging they obstruct his objectives.

“The agenda is unmistakable; we’re done with the status quo,” said Sean Spicer, Trump’s former White House Press Secretary.

Some nominees have drawn negative scrutiny due to their personal histories, complicating the transition process and making it particularly tumultuous.

Contentious Senate confirmation battles are on the horizon for some controversial nominees, including former congressman Matt Gaetz’s candidacy for attorney general. Gaetz, along with Trump’s Defense Department nominee Pete Hegseth, is garnering significant attention, thereby allowing other nominees with potential baggage to advance more easily.

Trump remains unfazed by criticisms regarding his nominees and is focused on quickly placing them in their roles, according to his associates.

Trump’s transition is notable for its strong emphasis on disruption, fulfilling campaign pledges to reform law enforcement, the military, intelligence, and other federal agencies. He has had contentious relations with these entities for years.

Critics argue this strategy is part of Trump’s plans to retaliate against his opponents, potentially by dismantling their departments or initiating legal actions against them.

According to Norm Eisen, a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution, Trump is employing a method of “shock and awe,” aiming to eliminate institutional checks on his power.

Trump and his supporters assert that he aims to overhaul a bureaucracy they claim has let down the American public, including bipartisan attorneys general at the Justice Department.

“The bureaucrats are primarily responsible for the mess we find ourselves in,” stated former Trump spokesman Hogan Gidley. “They have let us down repeatedly.”

Matt Gaetz, Trump’s most controversial selection, has been described as the most disruptive figure in Congress before stepping down earlier this month, just hours after his nomination was announced. He played a key role in ousting former GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and has often angered fellow Republicans with his conduct, which frequently involves attacking members of his own party.

Gaetz has expressed intentions to dismiss personnel and abolish entire law enforcement bodies under the Justice Department’s jurisdiction. His aggressive stance against Trump’s critics raises concerns that he could use the DOJ to exact revenge on those he feels have wronged the incoming president.

Elon Musk, the billionaire and now a key Trump adviser responsible for government spending cuts, endorsed Gaetz by stating he possesses three “critical assets” for attorney general: “An exceptional intellect, unwavering courage, and a personal vendetta.”

Gaetz’s nomination has faced severe backlash, including from undecided GOP senators regarding their support for his confirmation. He is currently under investigation by congressional ethics for allegations related to sex and drugs.

The Justice Department previously investigated Gaetz concerning sex trafficking allegations involving a 17-year-old but did not bring any charges against him.

He refutes the claims made against him.

Pete Hegseth, who Trump has chosen as his Defense Secretary nominee, was accused of sexual assault back in 2017, resulting in a financial settlement paid to the accuser. He firmly denies the allegations, and law enforcement chose not to pursue the matter further.

Additionally, a former nanny has accused Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, of sexual assault from many years ago. He expressed regret in a text message and stated that he could not recall the event.

Despite concerns surrounding Gaetz and other nominees, Trump remains undeterred.

According to Spicer, “He clearly stays updated through media, so he is aware of the issues, but he is committed to moving ahead and getting these individuals confirmed.”

When questioned on his Texas visit about reconsidering Gaetz’s nomination, Trump responded with a definitive “no.”

Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, asserted that Trump’s election victory provides him with a “mandate” to pursue his agenda, and his Cabinet nominees portray his commitment to prioritizing America first.

Leavitt further mentioned, “President Trump aims to appoint exceptionally qualified individuals who possess the necessary talents and experience to Make America Great Again,” noting her role as Trump’s press secretary starting in January.

Reports suggest that Trump’s Cabinet nominees are not undergoing FBI background checks, and the transition process has bypassed standard procedures usually followed during the presidential transfer, including cooperation with the General Services Administration (GSA). An ethics agreement with the GSA is still pending, which would facilitate collaboration with the agency.

In response to inquiries, a GSA representative pointed to a statement made after Trump’s 2024 win, indicating the agency’s readiness to assist President-elect Trump’s transition team.

Spokesperson Brian Hughes confirmed that attorneys for the Trump-Vance transition are actively engaging with the Biden-Harris administration’s legal team regarding all agreements dictated by the Presidential Transition Act, which governs transfers of executive power.

Reince Priebus, Trump’s initial chief of staff during his first term, has been actively involved in the transition effort in Palm Beach. He remarked on ABC’s Sunday show that criticism of Trump’s nominees isn’t significantly affecting the process.

“They feel they have a mandate and are forging ahead,” Priebus stated.

He reasoned that the selection of Cabinet members should not come as a shock, as they were present at his rallies and supported him throughout the campaign.

Among those nominated are figures like Kennedy and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, who previously ran for president as Democrats. Both provided significant endorsements and frequently appeared with Trump on the campaign trail, expanding his appeal to independent voters.

Trump has also selected a trio of television personalities for important positions: Hegseth, a weekend host on Fox News; Sean Duffy, a former Wisconsin GOP Rep. and current Fox Business host, for the Department of Transportation; and celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz for the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Other nominees consist of Florida Senator Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for the Interior Department and the new National Energy Council, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem for the Department of Homeland Security, and Elise Stefanik as the United Nations ambassador. Rubio, Burgum, Stefanik, and Noem were all considered as potential running mates for Trump and were heavily involved in his campaign.

Trump unveiled 12 Cabinet nominations within the first 12 days of his transition, marking a notably faster pace of appointments compared to his first administration and recent presidents.

Former President Barack Obama and current President Joe Biden took around 40 days to announce an equal number of nominees, as indicated by an analysis from David Marchick, dean of the Kogod School of Business at American University. Former President George W. Bush required over 50 days during his transition, which was delayed for more than a month due to a legal dispute that escalated to the Supreme Court regarding Florida’s final vote count.

Priebus mentioned that Trump surrounds himself with “the most loyal individuals,” while Spicer emphasized that loyalty is only one aspect.

“It’s about dedication to advancing the agenda effectively,” Spicer noted, adding, “Many who are loyal may not achieve results.”

Trump seeks individuals who will remain resolute under pressure, Spicer highlighted.

“Previously, he noticed that when facing resistance, numerous individuals faltered… He desires team members who will stand their ground,” Spicer elaborated.

This could lead to significant changes within critical federal agencies.

Jennifer Mercieca, an expert in American political rhetoric from Texas A&M University, remarked that Trump has long campaigned on the principle of “American

Many believe that institutions are fundamentally flawed and corrupt, necessitating a thorough overhaul. It appears that Trump intends to execute this plan by selecting Cabinet members who lack experience, making them “easily controlled” and relegated to “figureheads” without real authority, according to her.

Mercieca stated, “Trump’s ongoing criticism of government and his promotion of conspiracy theories has enabled him to justify dismantling the current government structure.”

Recently, Trump has found himself frequently involved in legal battles and feels wronged by the judicial system, as Priebus pointed out in his remarks about Trump’s focus on federal law enforcement. The president-elect has faced indictments across four separate criminal cases, including two brought by the Department of Justice pertaining to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election and accusations of mishandling classified information.

“He believes he has been through hell and back multiple times. Therefore, this also serves as a significant rebuke to the DOJ and the FBI,” Priebus commented.

Many analysts foresee a presidency under Trump that could lead American democracy down a concerning path.

Eisen remarked that Trump is attempting to mirror the actions of one of his followers, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

According to Eisen, Orban maintained his grip on power by “eroding the institutions that restrain a tyrant’s absolute control” and undermining various rights and protections. Eisen, who advised Democrats during Trump’s first impeachment, stated, “Trump aims to free himself from those constraints.”