The Unconventional Cabinet

By selecting leaders with unconventional perspectives, Trump’s cabinet will chart a transformative path for America's future, grounded in innovation and the American spirit.

As Christmas draws near, The American Postliberal would like to a extend a special thank you to all of our readers and supporters! Over a year ago, we launched The American Postliberal as Catholic political realists who recognize that the world is changing. What we didn’t realize is how many new writers were interested in writing on just these same questions, and we’ve been blown away by the interest from thousands of subscribers. As we look forward to a new administration, this article concludes our work for 2024. We will be back next year with lots of new content (and plans) that we are exited to share with you. Have a blessed time with your family and friends. Merry Christmas from The American Postliberal!

Paris Apodaca is a first-generation student at The University of Washington majoring in political science.

Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees reimagines government, signaling the beginning of a government untethered from liberal presuppositions. This approach prioritizes practical problem-solving and mission-driven leadership over traditional academic or bureaucratic credentials.

Loyal to Trump’s vision, his proposed cabinet challenges the traditional reliance on narrowly defined expertise. Critics have dismissed these nominees as unqualified. Yet, they bring transferable skills and various experiences that question the liberal emphasis on credentialism. This anti-establishment approach emphasizes adaptability and strategic insight, qualities often overlooked in conventional recruitment practices.

In contrast, the Biden administration has been criticized for prioritizing “diversity first” over competency. Appointments such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle exemplified a trend toward identity-based selection rather than merit. Such a position was given a resounding defeat just a few weeks ago. A government built on competency is better positioned to deliver tangible results for all Americans.

In the case of Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Administrator of the Small Business Administration, her critics deride her lack of traditional qualifications, yet her entrepreneurial success offers valuable lessons for government leadership. As a CEO, McMahon demonstrated strategic management and adaptability — qualities that align with Trump’s vision of a merit-based education system. Her support for privatization underscores the importance of equipping schools to nurture talent based on achievement rather than diversity metrics.

Entrepreneurial leadership, as embodied by McMahon, is crucial to breaking cycles of poverty. Her inclusion in a cabinet reflects a commitment to innovative governance that prioritizes results over rigid bureaucratic norms.

Innovative governance is the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), envisioned to streamline federal spending. With leaders like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy at the helm, this department can tackle inefficiencies, driving a results-oriented approach to public service.

Trump’s inclusion of Tulsi Gabbard and Marco Rubio epitomizes the strength of having different professional backgrounds. For example, Gabbard, a military veteran and former congresswoman, brings a needed perspective of change on the power of the security state, while Rubio’s legislative achievements underscore his policy expertise. Together, these leaders challenge conventional political recruitment and demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary leadership.

Of course, Matt Gaetz — who would have brought great change to the Department of Justice — should have been in the cabinet too. The senators responsible for his defeat should be primaried and sent out of Washington.

The cabinet presents a new philosophy: one that values strategic vision and real-world experience over institutional accreditation. Leaders drawn from varied professions bring fresh perspectives and adaptability to the complexities of governance. This approach breaks from the traditional emphasis on narrowly defined expertise, fostering a broader vision of leadership that aligns with the needs of all Americans — not just a select few.

The cabinet offers a new model of governance, one that prioritizes competency, adaptability, and mission-driven leadership over entrenched bureaucratic norms. Critics may argue that this approach sacrifices expertise for political alignment, but a broader view reveals its potential to inject dynamism and effectiveness into government institutions. Above all, Trump’s picks are loyal to him and the America First mission — the first requirement of any nominee.

By selecting leaders with unconventional perspectives, Trump’s cabinet will chart a transformative path for America’s future, grounded in innovation and the American spirit.

---

If you enjoyed this article, please consider becoming a patron of our publication! Your enthusiasm and support means a lot to all of us at The American Postliberal — and we promise we’ll work hard for your investment in our project.