Gov. Glenn Youngkin has withdrawn himself from consideration for a position in President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet, but several of Trump’s picks have strong ties to Virginia. Two of the most controversial picks, Matt Gaetz for attorney general and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of Health and Human Services, have Virginia connections. Gaetz is a graduate of William & Mary Law School who campaigned in Virginia, while Kennedy grew up in Fairfax County and has a degree from the University of Virginia.
Other Trump picks from Virginia include Rep. Mike Waltz for national security adviser, Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of State, and others who have ties to the state. Waltz, a former Green Beret, has served in the military and worked as a policy adviser in the Pentagon. Rubio campaigned in Virginia during the 2016 GOP presidential primary and has worked closely with Sen. Mark Warner.
Some controversial picks, such as Gaetz, have faced criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. Gaetz’s nomination has come under fire due to allegations of inappropriate conduct. Sen. Warner expressed concern about Trump’s pick for secretary of Defense, Peter Hegseth, citing the need for experience in managing the Department of Defense.
However, some picks, like Rubio for secretary of State, have received bipartisan support. Both Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine have no reservations about confirming Rubio. The selection process for Trump’s cabinet continues, with speculation about potential nominees from Virginia, such as Bryan Slater for secretary of Labor and Hung Cao for deputy secretary of Defense. Virginia residents are watching closely to see if any more picks from the state will play a role in the upcoming administration.
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