Donald Trump's selections for his incoming administration reflect a common theme - a strong background in television. The president-elect values this quality as highly as loyalty and perhaps even more than traditional qualifications. Notable picks include Sean Duffy and Pete Hegseth, both former News stars, chosen for transportation secretary and Pentagon leadership roles, respectively. Dr. Mehmet Oz, known for his health show, has been tapped for the agency overseeing Medicare and Medicaid. Linda McMahon, co-founder of a professional wrestling and entertainment empire, is Trump's pick for the Department of Education.
Trump's selection of Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel and Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence also align with this trend. Huckabee hosted a News show for six years, while Gabbard was a contributor on the network. Trump, a former reality TV star, understands the influence of television and has prioritized appointees who can effectively communicate and defend his message in media settings.
The transition team, based at Mar-a-Lago, employs a war-room style approach, utilizing video clips of potential appointees' media performances to inform decision-making. This strategy includes reviewing how candidates have defended Trump and their past criticisms of him. The result is a Cabinet tailored for television, aimed at promoting Trump's agenda and countering media scrutiny.
While the focus is on high-profile positions, deputies and top staff are expected to manage day-to-day operations in various departments. Trump's emphasis on television savvy in his administration underscores the evolving role of media strategy in shaping political leadership.
