The hosts of The View delve into President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet selections, questioning whether sexual misconduct is a defining aspect of the 'MAGA' movement.
"Sexual misconduct allegations seem not to matter anymore," Whoopi Goldberg said. "It seems like unless you have a sexual misconduct allegation, you can't be in the Cabinet."
"Who's accused of sexual assault?" Joy Behar said. "Put them in the Cabinet!"
Alyssa Farah Griffin, former White House communications director under Trump, said while any incoming president has the right to choose their Cabinet nominees, the Senate must approve them through a confirmation process. The Senate reviews the nominees, holds hearings, and then votes to confirm or reject each appointment.
"The Senate will go through their advice and consent role," Farah Griffin said. "But, there are people he could put in these roles who are both better qualified, better liked, and don't have this salacious baggage."
Sara Haines expressed hope these selections won't undermine the progress of the MeToo movement. She said individuals accused of sexual misconduct or harassment include Matt Gaetz (who just withdrew his nomination for attorney general), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Secretary of Health and Human Services), Pete Hegseth (Secretary of Defense), and Elon Musk (Department of Government Efficiency).
"I think that's a line in the sand that we don't go backwards on 1,000%," Haines said. "I would encourage them to separate sexual assault and sexual offenders from their MAFA agenda. Or, you're telling me this is part of your agenda."
Haines continued, "This does not surprise me that the many people being nominated—Donald Trump circle would include locker talk, people that want to grab you by the privates and help you, whether you like it or not—the people don't shock me."
However, Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for attorney general on Thursday.
Gaetz said in a post on X, formerly Twitter:
I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback - and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance…
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) November 21, 2024"I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday. I appreciate their thoughtful feedback - and the incredible support of so many. While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition. There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump's DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1."
He continued, "I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I'm certain he will Save America."
The House Ethics Committee had been investigating allegations Gaetz was part of a scheme leading to the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl. In June, the committee said it was investigating whether Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct. Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing.
Sunny Hostin said whenever she hears about a new Cabinet pick, she recalls her grandmother's saying: "Tell me who you walk with, and I'll show you who you are."
"The top of the Republican ticket has been accused of sexual misconduct by over 26 women. The top of the Republican ticket was found guilty of 34 felony counts involving hush payments to a porn star. The top of the Republican ticket was found liable for sexual abuse of a woman," Hostin said. "So, why would anybody think that that particular party would have any problem with any of these picks?"
The Cabinet advises the president and helps execute the policies and laws of the U.S. government. It consists of the heads of 15 executive departments, such as Defense, State, and Treasury, as well as other key officials.
Cabinet members are responsible for managing their respective departments, implementing federal laws, and providing guidance on major national issues.
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