Former Trump spokesperson Sarah Matthews criticized the president-elect’s recent Cabinet selections, attributing them to what she described as him being “drunk on power.” During a Friday appearance on MSNBC, Matthews dismissed the notion that Trump was playing “4D chess” by making provocative nominations, calling that idea “hilarious.”
“That’s not the reality,” Matthews said. “Trump is clearly intoxicated by his newfound power, believing he has a mandate after winning the popular vote. He controls both chambers of Congress and doesn’t need to worry about reelection.”
Matthews dismisses the idea of Trump’s picks as strategic, calling them reckless
She also pointed out that Trump’s disregard for the establishment is reflected in his nomination of now-former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), which, according to Matthews, is meant to secure a loyalist rather than an independent figure at the Department of Justice.
“He seeks someone who will do his bidding, not someone who will act independently at the DOJ,” she added. Among other controversial appointments, Trump has nominated Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary and anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has expressed concerns that these nominations could face tough confirmation battles, cautioning that “none of this is gonna be easy.”
Before the election, Matthews was a vocal critic of Trump, supporting Vice President Harris in her White House bid alongside other former Trump administration officials like Alyssa Farah Griffin and Cassidy Hutchinson.
