Nicole Shanahan, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s former presidential running mate, has raised concerns about potential appointees for the incoming Trump administration, calling them a potential "disaster."
In a recent social media post, Shanahan urged vigilance and action, highlighting her behind-the-scenes efforts to block the controversial picks.
"There are two potential appointments that could be coming down the pike that would be a disaster for the people, our health, and the integrity of this administration," Shanahan said. "I am working very hard behind the scenes to make sure they don't come to fruition."
I have always promised to be an honest broker in my political dealings, and transparent with the public. There are two potential appointments that could be coming down the pike that would be a disaster for the people, our health, and the integrity of this administration. I am…
— Nicole Shanahan (@NicoleShanahan) November 21, 2024Newsweek reached out to Shanahan for comment on Friday.
Shanahan's comments reflect growing concern about President-elect Donald Trump's transition, which has faced criticism for its unconventional approach, including the controversial selection of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Since Election Day, Trump has set records with the pace of his appointments, naming more than two dozen officials, including 16 Cabinet-level positions. Trump has often said his biggest mistake in his first term was relying on others for personnel recommendations, leading to poor choices.
The selection process—conducted at his Mar-a-Lago club and aboard his private jet—risks recreating the chaos of his first term while introducing new challenges. While some of Trump's early picks, like Senator Marco Rubio for secretary of state, appeared conventional, some other choices have sparked significant backlash.
The nomination of former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz as attorney general shocked Democrats, who fear he would prioritize political retaliation over justice, and even stunned some fellow Republicans, who initially thought the announcement was a joke. Gaetz withdrew this week, saying he "did not want to become a distraction."
Gaetz was facing a House Ethics Committee investigation into claims of sexual misconduct with a minor and illegal drug use, both of which he denied. He resigned from Congress before the potential release of the report. The Department of Justice, which Gaetz would have led, last year said he would not face federal sex-trafficking charges.
Another controversial pick is Pete Hegseth for defense secretary. While a decorated veteran with service in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Hegseth lacks experience in managing an organization as vast and complex as the Pentagon.
Hegseth also is facing scrutiny over a sexual assault allegation in California seven years ago. A woman alleged Hegseth sexually assaulted her after he prevented her from leaving a hotel room. Hegseth said the allegations are false and that the encounter was consensual. No charges were filed against him.
Trump's decision to appoint Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services is another example of prioritizing loyalty over qualifications. Kennedy has pledged to dismantle federal health research and oversight, raising concerns about his fitness for the role.
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