WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — President-elect Donald Trump is expanding his administration, with his voting decisions drawing a variety of reactions.
President-elect Trump’s bid for Health and Human Services secretary is drawing attention from both parties and health experts, while other proposals have been less controversial.
“Are these the best individuals available?” asked House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
That’s the question Democrats and Republicans in Congress are asking themselves after President-elect Trump announced additional nominations for his next administration.
Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaxxer, to head the Department of Health and Human Services.
He would oversee everything from drug, vaccine and food safety to Medicare, Medicaid and medical research.
“I think if you like health and if you like people who live long, that’s the most important position,” Trump said.
Trump also named North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as his Interior secretary. The wealthy businessman has close ties to energy industry CEOs.
“We’re going to do things with energy and with land and interiors, it’s going to be incredible,” Trump said.
The Senate ultimately has to agree to both positions.
New York Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis says every candidate deserves consideration.
“You will be subject to scrutiny throughout the process, and rightly so. I think we need to make sure we have the best people in those positions,” Malliotakis said.
Texas Congressman Troy Nehls says lawmakers should join in since Trump took over the House and Senate.
“Both chambers owe everything to Donald J. Trump. So let’s just go out there and achieve his goals, whatever they may be,” Nehls said.
Another less controversial choice is former Georgia Veterans Affairs Congressman Doug Collins.
