Hey folks,

Donald Trump, as the presidential nominee, has announced the names of several people he wishes to fill cabinet roles after he is sworn in as president. Unfortunately for us, many of those he seeks to install are causes for concern on the many issues that are important to leading our country in better overall health, a strong defense, and stronger educational outcomes. 

He wishes to have Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his Health Secretary. Among other things, Kennedy has indicated that he wants a more rigorous vaccine review process. In light of the reality that the United States has one of the most rigorous review processes for vaccine safety and effectiveness, it’s unclear what Kennedy wants changed. Kennedy’s call for more review could add costs, doubt and confusion about vaccines rather than to lower costs and emanate confidence and certainty out of this office. We can agree that there is a very real and important need for improving our health outcomes in America. The public health system in America is incredibly fragile. The country deserves a Health and Human Services director who will effectively concentrate on the reasons why Americans have worse health outcomes compared to other developed countries.

He wishes to have Pete Hegseth as his Defense Secretary. Hegseth is a conservative cable news television host who has never served as a general in our military nor does he have the experience to prepare him for managing a department with a $842 billion budget, 3 million employees and 750 military installations around the world. The next Defense Secretary will face global crises like the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine as well as growing competition with China while keeping up with America’s need for upgraded weapon systems. Hegseth’s lack of experience is an obvious problem for America.

He wishes to have Linda McMahon as his Education Secretary. McMahon’s experience is not in the education field, but as a billionaire and cofounder of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). She will be charged with leading an agency that President-elect Trump has pledged to abolish. McMahon is a strong supporter of the conservative agenda around school choice. Iowans know how that turns out – undermining public education in order to promote charter and private schools. Former chair of America First Action, (a Trump Super PAC), McMahon will be a champion for the education goals of Project 2025.

These individuals are obviously not being selected for their qualifications, but for their loyalty to Trump, nothing more. If the Senate affirms their confirmations, we know what to expect. The beginning of Trump’s presidency is going to be hard, folks. 

If you want to join us in our quest for a better America, volunteer with your county party today. It’ll help us build our grassroots organization before the midterms hit. You can find the contact information for your county party here: Iowa Democratic County Parties | Iowa Democrats.

Sincerely,

Rita Hart

IDP Chair