2024-12-13 Matters of Democracy: Friday the 13th: Appointments, Pardons, and Trump's Latest Power Plays

Matters of Democracy podcast by THOMAS MARINO

Episode notes

Trump's Controversial Appointments: Loyalty Over Qualifications

  • Pete Hegseth: Pete Hegseth, an unqualified and controversial figure facing serious accusations. They suggest that Trump's success with Hegseth could pave the way for other problematic nominees like Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. However, they also point out that senators have limited political capital, "They can get away with defying a president of their own party on some number of nominees, but not TOO many," potentially limiting Trump's ability to push through multiple controversial picks.
  • Kari Lake: Lake's potential appointment to lead Voice of America (VOA) is framed as a strategic move by Trump to influence the organization from within, after previous attempts to control its narrative failed.
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