Trump’s decision to start a new administration by selecting this group It shows a remarkable commitment to moral ugliness.
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Matt Gaetz’s nomination for attorney general lasted more than a week. The fact that Donald Trump chose him in the first place is shocking. It’s not just because Gaetz completely lacks law enforcement experience. But also because until recently He was investigated for sex trafficking by the same department he is in now. Tap for Leadership Yesterday, it became clear that these allegations were too serious for his nomination to move forward, and he Announced which he has withdrawn from consideration It may be that way. The New York Times– “The fastest failed cabinet pick in modern history.”
One can imagine the president-elect’s team breathing a sigh of relief and escaping the confirmation hearing. This is likely to focus on toxic sexual harassment scandals like this one, but Gaetz isn’t the only problematic nominee. From the election spree that Trump has revealed so far, The incoming CabinetAnd two others—Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Pete Hegseth—have been accused of sexual harassment or assault. And another person – Linda McMahon – has been named in a lawsuit alleging that she caused sexual harassment (all of whom, including Gaetz, have denied the allegations).
To paraphrase Oscar Wilde, having one Cabinet nominee accused of sexual impropriety can be considered bad luck for two. The accused cabinet nominee therefore appears careless for four—Okay, that goes beyond carelessness to outright malice.
The existence of the allegations against Gaetz is no secret. Last year, the Ministry of Justice Quietly ending the investigation It looked at how agents at the time had violated federal sex trafficking laws by paying women. Including 17 year old girls for having sex or not? That investigation has not resulted in any charges. But the House Ethics Committee is working to compile its own report on Gaetz’s behavior. So far, the committee has refused to make the report public. But details then began trickling out to the press after Gaetz’s nomination. Published by The New York TimesThe newspaper report was prepared by the Ministry of Justice and given to the committee. It charts the spider web of Venmo payments, some worth thousands of dollars. which connects Gaetz, a male colleague and women’s networks
The unclassified allegations against Kennedy, Trump’s pick to be secretary of Health and Human Services, surfaced this summer. Groping around his children’s babysitter in 1999and Linda McMahon, Trump’s pick for secretary of education. was named in a lawsuit filed last month. Most worrying, however, may be Hegseth’s case. Fox News host nominated by Trump to be new defense secretary despite being Indicates that there are no qualifications for more junior positions during Trump’s 2016 campaign after Trump picked Hegseth last week. The Washington Post Reported Regarding the existence of a legal settlement regarding the 2017 nominee’s sexual assault allegations.
at Hidden police reportPublished by intermediaryMakes it very interesting to read. Hegseth’s accusers said they spoke with him at a bar during a meeting organized by the Republican Women’s Federation of California. According to a memo to Trump’s transition team Reported by The Washington Post– Husband and small children She was staying with her at the same hotel. However, she doesn’t remember how. She ended up in an “unknown room” with Hegseth, who she told police told her not to leave. Hegseth agreed that both two having sex But he told police the interaction was consensual. follow Wall Street JournalTrump’s transition team was “covered” from the allegations.
In the past political era The president-elect may be quick to avoid being associated with this type of behavior. But this is Trump being accused of being himself. 27 women of sexual misconduct In May 2023, he was found guilty in civil court of sexually assaulting writer E. Jean Carroll (he denies all charges). This past spring A jury in New York found him guilty of orchestrating an illegal money-making scheme under the influence of sexual power and uncomfortable consent. As the 2024 campaign progresses, Trump and his vice presidential pick, Senator J.D. Vance, Relying on a more explicit use of gender empathy as a campaign strategy. by courting young men while attacking single and childless women. On election night, far-right influencer Nick Fuentes Becomes viral when X posts are read “Your body I choose” forever.”
Accusations of violence and impropriety in Trump’s Cabinet are also not new in 2017. Andrew Puzderwhich he chose to lead the Ministry of Labor It was not considered after allegations of past domestic abuse surfaced. Over the course of a single week in February 2018, two top Trump aides resign after annoying accusations The physical abuse was committed by his ex-wife. (Each of these three men denies the charges against him. Puzder’s ex-wife Later said she was sorry about the accusations. in a letter to senators about her ex-husband’s confirmation.) And, of course, there was Brett Kavanaugh’s bitter confirmation to the Supreme Court, despite credible sexual harassment allegations against him.
Still, choosing to start a new administration with this specific option. It shows a remarkable commitment to moral ugliness. It was as if Trump looked back at Kavanaugh’s confirmation. and see that it is not a pity But as a model for what to do next, Gaetz will not have his voice heard. But others may hear And if there’s anything Trump likes, That is watching television.
