Donald Trump has a clear strategy for filling his cabinet, which involves a blend of family ties, wealth, and blind loyalty. While his children have easy access to positions due to their blood relation, other appointees often find favor through their wealth, which Trump admires deeply. But perhaps the most significant factor for those hoping to secure a spot is unwavering loyalty to the former president.
One of the latest examples of this dynamic is Republican Representative Devin Nunes, who has been appointed to a role that oversees the nation’s intelligence needs. Nunes, who once served as a lawmaker and rose to prominence for his unwavering defense of Trump, has long been a staunch ally. His loyalty was solidified during his time in Congress, especially when he pushed a memo in 2018 alleging an FBI conspiracy against Trump. This move led to investigations into the Steele Dossier, which sought to probe Trump’s alleged ties to Russia.
Nunes’s most recent career twist is his role as the CEO of Trump’s social media company, Truth Social, a company that Trump owns a significant portion of. Despite his transition to the private sector, Nunes remains incredibly close to Trump and continues to benefit from that relationship. In fact, he makes nearly a million dollars a year from his position at Truth Social, a company Trump has no plans to sell.
While Nunes’s new government advisory role is supposedly aimed at assessing the effectiveness of intelligence agencies, many critics view his appointment with skepticism, especially given his deep ties to Trump. With access to the intelligence community, the appointment raises concerns about impartiality, given Nunes’s unwavering support for the former president’s agenda. His history of legal battles, including trying to subpoena a Twitter user and suing news outlets, further fuels doubts about his qualifications for the role.
Ultimately, Nunes’s appointment underscores Trump’s preference for those who are loyal to him, regardless of their qualifications or the potential consequences for the broader public. This appointment is just another example of how Trump’s cabinet appointments often prioritize personal loyalty and wealth over merit or public service.