The complex dynamics driving the most empowered presidential transition in modern history went public Saturday

For me, it gets scarier as the days pass.


Trump dares Republicans to challenge his playbook on RFK Jr., Gabbard and Patel


https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/15/politics/trump-cabinet-playbook-analysis/index.html?iid=cnn_buildContentRecirc_end_recirc

Stephen Collinson

Updated 10:23 PM EST, Sun December 15, 2024



America’s new rulers are putting on a show of intent and unity as Donald Trump turns from his so-far-successful rescue of Pete Hegseth to three more of his provocative Cabinet choices.

The complex dynamics driving the most empowered presidential transition in modern history went public Saturday as the president-elect presided over his political clan at the Army vs. Navy football game beside his pick to lead the Pentagon.

The event — which was the latest show of Republican dominance that will steer America on a vastly different path within a few weeks — brought together the president-elect, Vice President-elect JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson and incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune.


With Hegseth on hand, Trump made a firm statement about his desire to see his embattled pick confirmed after the former Fox News anchor rode out an initial storm over alleged transgressions in his past that he has denied. Tulsi Gabbard, whom Trump has chosen for director of national intelligence, also stood close to Trump — in a sign he doesn’t care about reservations that some Republican senators harbor about her attitude toward Russia and Syria.

It was perhaps the most visible showing of power football hosted in the Washington area since late Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke corralled the politically connected, rich and famous in his box at RFK stadium in the 1980s and 1990s. When Trump, Vance and the congressional leaders — as well as the ubiquitous Elon Musk — peered over the loudly welcoming crowd and waved, the country’s new establishment looked almost like a politburo of the MAGA movement.

There was, however, no sighting of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick to run the Health and Human Services Department. His past skepticism of child vaccines that have saved millions of American lives could make him the next Trump Cabinet selection to face a political storm on Capitol Hill, with meetings expected with senators this week.

The attendance of Republican congressional leaders was significant........................


Trump’s team is increasingly confident after the furor diminished around Hegseth, who faces a sexual assault allegation, which he denies, and concerns over his past drinking, which he insists is not a problem............................