President-elect Donald Trump, who has long railed against affirmative action, is ironically implementing his version that rewards loyalty and privilege over merit and qualifications. His Cabinet choices feature unqualified individuals with troubling histories and controversial ideologies being elevated to critical government roles.
Senate Republicans, eager to stay in Trump’s good graces, are expected to rubber-stamp these nominations despite glaring flaws, creating a dangerous system where allegiance to Trump outweighs competence.
For Black Americans, this double standard is as American as apple pie. While affirmative action aims to level the playing field for marginalized communities, Trump’s approach flips the script, sidelining qualified candidates in favor of loyalists. Sadly, many of his nominees don’t have the awareness to realize how unqualified they are for these high-stakes roles. If they understood the complexities of these positions, they might not accept the nominations in the first place.
Many of his nominees hold deeply anti-Black Lives Matter and anti-diversity views, peddle conspiracy theories, or support policies that disproportionately harm Black communities. Trump’s unorthodox selection process, influenced by Project 2025 and his loyalty-first mindset, increases risks for marginalized groups.
To make matters worse, several of his nominees face accusations of sexual misconduct or enabling exploitation, something Trump, accused by over 20 women and found civilly liable for sexual abuse, seems unbothered by. By surrounding himself with individuals facing accusations of misconduct, he normalizes such behavior at the highest levels of government.
Among Trump’s affirmative action picks are:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated for Health and Human Services, is a vaccine conspiracy theorist who has promoted dangerous lies about vaccines targeting Black Americans. His lack of public health expertise, combined with past allegations of sexual misconduct, makes him a poor fit for the agency responsible for safeguarding health.
Linda McMahon, Trump’s pick for the Department of Education, has no experience in education policy. A former WWE executive, she is tasked with overseeing a department Trump wants to dismantle—a move that could disproportionately harm Black students who rely on federal protections for educational equity.
Scott Turner, chosen to lead Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is a former NFL player and motivational speaker. As the highest-ranking Black appointee, Turner’s selection feels like tokenism. His lack of housing policy expertise raises concerns that HUD will once again prioritize developers over vulnerable communities, echoing the failures of Dr. Ben Carson’s tenure at HUD.
Florida U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, nominated for Secretary of State, has limited diplomatic achievements and a history of opposing diversity efforts within the department. His nomination signals a rollback of inclusivity, sidelining experienced diplomats in favor of a political loyalist.
Tulsi Gabbard, a former congresswoman, nominated for Director of National Intelligence, lacks the expertise needed to lead the intelligence community. Her controversial foreign policy stances and alignment with Trump’s agenda raise doubts about her ability to protect national security over political interests.
Pete Hegseth, a former Army officer and Fox News contributor, chosen for Defense Secretary, has no experience indicating that he can manage the Pentagon’s $850 billion budget and 2.9 million personnel. Accused of sexual assault, he has also voiced opposition to diversity in the military and women in combat roles, making him an inappropriate choice for such a critical position.
Pam Bondi, nominated for Attorney General after controversial Congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew, was deemed “too scandal-tainted” for Trump’s first administration. As Florida’s Attorney General, she was accused of dropping an investigation into Trump University after receiving a donation from Trump’s foundation. Now, her loyalty shields her from accountability.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, tapped for Homeland Security, lacks national security experience. Her loyalty to Trump and status as a high-profile White political figure allow her to bypass scrutiny that might disqualify less connected candidates or candidates of color.
Historically, minor issues like unpaid taxes could disqualify nominees. Trump, however, has discarded these standards, prioritizing loyalty over qualifications. Many of his nominees are in favor of Project 2025, a conservative agenda poised to dismantle protections for marginalized groups, leaving Black Americans especially vulnerable.
Trump’s Cabinet choices show that his administration is not about governance—it’s about consolidating power. His repeated claim to hire “the best people” was a lie that misled the American public to vote for him. Instead, he has assembled a team that will prioritize his personal interests while disregarding the institutions they are supposed to manage.
The stakes could not be higher. Trump’s unqualified Cabinet threatens housing, healthcare, education, national security, and basic rights—areas where Black Americans already face systemic inequities.
Trump’s Cabinet nominees represent more than a failure of leadership; they are a direct attack on equity and justice. Trump’s version of affirmative action is a betrayal of the very ideals it pretends to uphold, and its impact will be felt most acutely by those who have fought hardest to advance justice and equality.
