**Backlash Against Neocons: Trump Team Hits Back at Nikki Haley's Critique of Cabinet Picks**
Following her recent harsh critique of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet selections, Nikki Haley, the former U.N. ambassador who previously failed in her presidential bid, finds herself on the defensive.
Haley, who has been vocal about her support for Trump in the past, has stirred controversy with her negative remarks about RFK Jr., Trump's nominee for Health and Human Services, and Tulsi Gabbard, picked for Director of National Intelligence.
In a podcast episode, she condemned RFK Jr. for his prior affiliation with the Democratic Party and questioned his qualifications to oversee such a significant portion of the federal budget.
Haley's remarks suggested that his career as a “liberal Democrat” disqualified him from this pivotal role. However, RFK Jr.’s agenda has championed patients' rights and vaccine transparency, positions that resonate deeply with many conservatives.
Haley used her platform to assert that the Senate needs to scrutinize RFK Jr. before his confirmation, overlooking the fact that many Americans are frustrated with the status quo in Washington.
Her comments about Tulsi Gabbard were equally controversial, painting the former congresswoman as a sympathizer of nations hostile to U.S. interests. This characterization of Gabbard seemed to stray from the truth, as Gabbard’s service to the country and commitment to national defense has garnered respect among conservative circles.
Haley's critique of Trump’s cabinet choices raised eyebrows, particularly as she has previously expressed her loyalty to him. Many are interpreting her comments as a sign of bitterness following her failed campaign, which has left her struggling for relevance in a party increasingly united behind Trump’s America First agenda.
In response to Haley’s remarks, the Trump campaign took a sharp jab at the former ambassador. Steven Cheung, Trump Communications Director, asserted that if Haley has concerns about Trump’s cabinet, she could always run for president again—though her last attempt was met with dismal results.
Such criticisms from Haley reflect a growing rift within the GOP between establishment voices and the more populist wing represented by Trump and his supporters. Conservatives are watching closely to see how this internal conflict plays out, especially as Trump continues to solidify his position as the leader of the Republican Party.
As Trump prepares to take office for his second term, the juxtaposition of Gabbard's and RFK Jr.'s unorthodox nominations against the traditional Republican establishment raises questions about the direction of the party.
This evolution in leadership and policy choices signifies a clear pivot towards a more populist approach that prioritizes the concerns of ordinary Americans, challenging the longstanding influence of establishment figures like Haley.
With impending confirmations awaiting, the upcoming political landscape promises to be both dynamic and contentious as Trump moves forward with his America First agenda, signaling a bold departure from the past.
Sources:
breitbart.comredstate.comthegatewaypundit.com