Trump’s Picks: Loyalty Over Competence

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To the Editor:

Re “Gaetz Nominated by Trump to Lead the Justice Dept.” (front page, Nov. 14):

As Donald Trump’s cabinet selections begin to take shape, in particular the selection of Matt Gaetz as attorney general and Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, one can begin to see the chaos of his second term unfolding, right on cue.

To no one’s surprise, Mr. Trump is seeking to insulate himself with a coterie of sycophantic loyalists who will be expected to do his bidding at all times, whether or not they are genuinely qualified to oversee the day-to-day management and institutional integrity of the departments he wishes them to head.

If anyone thought, despite all evidence to the contrary, that Mr. Trump was going to view his second stint as commander in chief as an opportunity to tamp down the partisan rancor and general angst and distrust on the part of the American people toward their government, these cabinet picks are proof positive that he has no intention of doing so.

Quite the contrary, as all signs are pointing to the next four years as being no less tumultuous, fraught and dispiriting than the preceding eight years, with Mr. Trump on the political scene.

Mark Godes
Chelsea, Mass.

To the Editor:

Are they competent? Donald Trump has picked some shocking names for powerful positions to be in charge of our safety, our armed forces, our national security and our Department of Justice.

Many are saying these appointees will never make it through the confirmation process, but Mr. Trump does not want the confirmation process and the U.S. senators may obey him.

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