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Trump's Kakistocracy

Trump's Kakistocracy

The triumph of retribution over experience

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Luke Johnson
Nov 14, 2024
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Trump's Kakistocracy
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File:Tulsi Gabbard (53809270240).jpg
Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) speaking with attendees at The People's Convention at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan. (Gage Skidmore/Creative Commons 2.0)

This week, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump began announcing his cabinet picks. Three picks have drawn particular controversy: former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as Attorney General, former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Defense secretary.

Collectively, these picks resemble a kakistocracy, defined as a government run by the worst, least qualified, or most unscrupulous citizens. None of these picks should surprise anyone: Trump has indicated that he values loyalty and retribution over expertise and experience.

Why are these picks so bad?

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