# Trump's new cabinet **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [November 6, 2024, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799 "2024-11-06T16:52:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 35
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2024, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/681 "2024-12-17T20:27:02Z")
Rubio serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee (where he’s the highest-ranking Republican) and Foreign Relations Committee (where he’s ranking on the subcommittee for Western Hemisphere). Qualifications-wise, he’s a bog-standard Secretary of State appointment. ---
**Author:** ![mozchron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@mozchron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mozchron)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2024, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/682 "2024-12-17T20:29:10Z")
He’s a career politician who isn’t insane. I’ll take what I can get at this point. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2024, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/683 "2024-12-17T22:03:12Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > Anyone who doesn’t think he’s lying here is either an idiot, or a Senator looking for an excuse to confirm him. Point of order: we do try to avoid redundancy here at the Dope. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2024, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/684 "2024-12-17T22:58:24Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > Anyone who doesn’t think he’s lying here is either an idiot, or a Senator looking for an excuse to confirm him. None of the candidates will say anything close to controversial now or in a confirmation hearing. They have all learned that you can lie without any consequences. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/685 "2024-12-18T00:22:10Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > They have all learned that you can lie without any consequences. What confuses me is that it took some of them _this long_ to figure that out. You’d think the “Roe v Wade is settled law” two-step would have shown them the way. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/686 "2024-12-18T10:55:21Z")
Herschel Walker gets ambassador to the Bahamas for some reason, which I guess is an improvement over Trump’s previous promise to put him in charge of missile defense. [https://www.king5.com/article/news/nation-world/trump-herschel-walker-bahamas-ambassador/507-5b302410-8071-4f45-8815-4ecaf4c99445](https://www.king5.com/article/news/nation-world/trump-herschel-walker-bahamas-ambassador/507-5b302410-8071-4f45-8815-4ecaf4c99445) ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/687 "2024-12-18T15:38:03Z")
In related news, the House Ethics Committee has voted to release its report on Matt Gaetz. > **[House Ethics Committee quietly voted to release Matt Gaetz ethics report](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matt-gaetz-ethics-report-house-ethics-vote/)** > > The House Ethics Committee has quietly voted to release its report​ on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, two sources said. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/688 "2024-12-18T15:53:04Z")
How does one quietly vote? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/689 "2024-12-18T15:58:36Z")
You whisper during the voting. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2024, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/690 "2024-12-18T16:27:50Z")
Thumbs up or down. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/691 "2025-01-09T16:41:11Z")
I’m shocked that there might have been voter fraud by a prospective member of the Cabinet happening during the recent election! Shocked, I say! > **[Robert F Kennedy Jr accused of voter fraud over New York ballot](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/08/robert-f-kennedy-accused-voter-fraud)** > > Watchdog files complaint after Trump nominee cast vote from address court ruled was not his place of residence ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/692 "2025-01-17T21:21:02Z")
On the other hand: > **[Aaron Rodgers warns senators about RFK Jr's intellect as confirmation hearing...](https://www.aol.com/news/aaron-rodgers-warns-senators-rfk-235431492.html)** > > New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers warns senators about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s intellect as his confirmation process looms in Washington. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/693 "2025-01-17T21:31:16Z")
Hahahahahahaha\hahahahahaha! OK, Rodgers, sure. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/694 "2025-01-17T21:49:03Z")
[Kennedy Sought to Stop Covid Vaccinations 6 Months After Rollout](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/health/rfk-jr-covid-vaccines.html?unlocked_article_code=1.p04.Je5V.W4NSJN26aQGt&smid=url-share) > [@](#): > > The petition was filed on behalf of the nonprofit that Mr. Kennedy founded and led, Children’s Health Defense. It claimed that the risks of the vaccines outweighed the benefits and that the vaccines weren’t necessary because good treatments were available, including ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, which had already [been deemed](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-cautions-against-use-hydroxychloroquine-or-chloroquine-covid-19-outside-hospital-setting-or#:~:text=June%2015%2C%202020%20Update%3A%20Based,or%20participation%20is%20not%20feasible.) [ineffective against](https://www.merck.com/news/merck-statement-on-ivermectin-use-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/) the virus. At the confirmation hearing, he will of course say he now is for freedom to vaccinate. And the Democrats will not be given enough time to pin down that there’s plenty of evidence he was sincere when he tried to outlaw vaccines, and no reason to think he has really changed his mind. P.S. I’ve posted before in favor of mandatory vaccination for children (as legally required in most states), and for health care workers, as is consistent with U.S. Supreme Court decisions in 1905 and 1922. So, like Kennedy, I am not really in favor of vaccine freedom. But I haven’t changed my stance on it. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/695 "2025-01-18T21:17:44Z")
He’s finally named a Secretary of Education and the cult is big mad about it because they’re starting to realize he was full of shit when he said he’d abolish the department. > **['Don’t you dare start reneging!' MAGA fans turn on Trump over Friday night...](https://www.rawstory.com/trump-fans-furious-2670888924/)** > > An announcement by Donald Trump of a new appointee to his administration precipitated a wave of unhappiness from his supporters late Friday night with one MAGA fan accusing him of letting them down.On Truth Social, the president elect wrote, "I am... ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/696 "2025-01-18T22:00:58Z")
Did he actually appoint somebody who might be qualified (putting aside whatever plans he has otherwise)? ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/697 "2025-01-18T22:06:56Z")
According to Wikipedia, she used to teach high school history and formerly ran the Tennessee D of Education, so she’s at least had some experience. > **[Penny Schwinn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny_Schwinn)** > > Penny Schwinn (born 1982) is an American educator and former Commissioner of Education for the U.S. state of Tennessee. She was appointed by Governor Bill Lee on January 17, 2019, and was sworn in on February 1, 2019. She resigned in May 2023. > Schwinn was born and raised in Sacramento, California. Her mother was an educator for low-income students in Sacramento for nearly 40 years. Many of her extended family are also educators. After graduating high school, she went on to receive her Bachelor o... ETA: I’m bad at reading. She’s been named DEPUTY SecEd. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/698 "2025-01-18T22:09:46Z")
As a reminder, Linda McMahon, former WWE executive, was nominated for Education Secretary. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/699 "2025-01-18T22:12:07Z")
I misread it as well, and wondered where Linda had gone. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799/700 "2025-01-18T22:13:20Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > ETA: I’m bad at reading So is Donald: > **[Trump Fumbles 'Congratulations' To Education Pick In Massive Announcement...](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-peggy-penny-schwinn-wrong-name-pick-announcement_n_678b3f4be4b0aa5a1d95ddd4)** > > Donald Trump repeatedly made a significant error as he praised his pick's "strong record of delivering results for children and families." [![](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:3ijusmsw4eizbtvn3k263rhv/bafkreif575qd6kljprk4sovtahq45jiitnsjlewwazbal6qyqvayqzm2se@jpeg) ](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:3ijusmsw4eizbtvn3k263rhv/bafkreif575qd6kljprk4sovtahq45jiitnsjlewwazbal6qyqvayqzm2se@jpeg) Of course in fairness, noting the lack of ALL CAPS in that post, it was probably written by someone other than Donald (though it’s clearly someone who cares as much about running government with accuracy as does Donald). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799.md?page=34) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-new-cabinet/1009799.md?page=36)