House Speaker Mike Johnson has described President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration as a team of “disruptors” chosen to challenge the status quo in Washington.
While speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, Johnson said, “They are persons who will shake up the status quo. I think that’s by design.”
Trump has continued to roll out nominees for top positions in his administration, prioritizing loyalty and close alliances over traditional policy experience. Several of these picks have sparked bipartisan concern and controversy. However, insiders close to Trump suggest contingency plans are in place if certain nominees fail to secure Senate confirmation.
Among Trump’s choices, defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth has denied a past sexual assault allegation, attorney general hopeful Matt Gaetz faces an ethics scandal, and health secretary pick Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is under scrutiny for his vaccine skepticism.
Defending his father’s choices, Donald Trump Jr. said on Fox News, “It’s about surrounding my father with people who are competent and loyal. They will deliver on his promises. They are not people who think they know better as unelected bureaucrats.”
Acknowledging potential Senate hurdles, Trump Jr. said, “We do have back-up plans, but we’re obviously going with the strongest candidates first. Some of them are going to be controversial because they’ll actually get things done.”
The Senate will play a critical role in vetting and voting on the appointments, with Trump’s unconventional selections adding to the already tense political landscape in Washington.
