WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that many Americans have reservations about President-elect Donald Trump’s selections for key roles in his upcoming administration. Public opinion on Trump’s nominees for top positions is mixed, with some figures receiving low approval ratings and others facing scrutiny.
Notably, few Americans express support for Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, or Tulsi Gabbard, his choice for Director of National Intelligence. However, a significant portion of the public remains unfamiliar with these individuals. Other nominees, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services and Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, are more recognizable but not necessarily more popular.
As Trump’s nominees undergo confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill, the President-elect and his supporters are urging Republican senators to approve their appointments before Trump’s return to the White House. With the GOP holding a narrow majority in the Senate, the outcome of these confirmation votes is crucial for each of Trump’s picks.
Hegseth, an Army veteran and former Fox News commentator, has faced allegations of misconduct, including excessive drinking and a past sexual assault accusation. Despite these controversies, Trump stands by his choice, and Hegseth has managed to sway some previously skeptical senators. However, public opinion on Hegseth remains divided, with only a small minority of Americans supporting his nomination.
Similarly, Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, is met with limited approval from the public. Her ties to Syria and other controversies have raised questions about her suitability for the role of intelligence chief. While Gabbard garners slightly more approval than Hegseth, a sizable portion of Americans remains undecided or neutral about her nomination.
In contrast, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his environmental advocacy and family legacy, is a more familiar figure to the public. However, his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services is met with lukewarm support, reflecting divided opinions among Americans.
Overall, the poll highlights the mixed public sentiment towards Trump’s cabinet picks, with varying levels of approval and recognition among different nominees.
In a significant move that has sparked varied reactions across the American political landscape, President Trump has granted Kennedy a wide-ranging remit over critical health policy domains. This includes oversight over drug, vaccine, and food safety, as well as influence on medical research and key social safety net programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Despite the high level of name recognition Kennedy enjoys, opinions among the American public are split. With only 14% claiming insufficient knowledge to form an opinion, the majority are divided, with roughly 40% disapproving of Trump’s decision to appoint Kennedy, while nearly 30% express approval and 14% remain neutral.
Kennedy, once a contender in the Democratic presidential primary, has now garnered favor among the GOP ranks. A notable 60% of Republicans approve of his joining the Trump administration, with only 10% in dissent. Around 20% remain neutral, while a similar percentage lacks adequate information about Kennedy to form an opinion.
The political landscape also features the polarizing figure of Marco Rubio, a seasoned senator from Florida who has transitioned from a former rival of Trump to one of his most steadfast congressional allies. Rubio’s influence is particularly pronounced in foreign policy matters, especially concerning Latin America.
Public sentiment towards Rubio’s potential promotion to a significant Cabinet role is mixed. Approximately 30% approve of the decision, mirroring a similar percentage in disapproval. A further 20% lack sufficient information to take a stance, while 15% remain ambivalent about the matter.
Among Republican circles, Rubio’s selection enjoys strong support, with close to 60% expressing approval. This places him in a position almost as favorable as Kennedy’s within the party. Conversely, Rubio’s approval among Hispanic adults surpasses that of some other prominent figures chosen by Trump, although a higher percentage still lean towards disapproval.
A recent survey conducted from December 5-9, 2024, involving 1,251 adults sheds light on these divergent opinions. The data was gathered using NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel, known for its probability-based sampling methodology designed to reflect the broader U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for the overall adult population stands at plus or minus 3.7 percentage points.
This evolving political landscape, with its complex interplay of alliances and public sentiment, underscores the nuanced dynamics shaping the current administration’s key appointments in the realm of health and foreign policy. As the nation navigates through these transitions, the implications of these decisions reverberate across diverse segments of society, eliciting a spectrum of reactions and shaping the narrative of governance in America.
Reporting from Columbia, South Carolina, this is a snapshot of the evolving political landscape where individual choices and public opinion intersect, shaping the course of national discourse and policy direction.
