The mainstream media still hasn’t learned.
NBC News anchor Chuck Todd recently took aim at President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet selections, questioning whether moral character was a consideration in his choices. In his analysis, Todd raised concerns about Trump’s leadership and the individuals he has chosen to help him govern, suggesting that Trump’s picks reflect a troubling trend of putting ambition and success over personal integrity.
Todd’s critique was particularly sharp regarding Trump’s decision to nominate former Fox News host Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon. While not accusing Hegseth of criminal behavior, Todd hinted that his past and public persona were not aligned with the high moral standards traditionally expected of those who lead the U.S. military. He argued that Hegseth’s ambitions, like those of others in Trump’s orbit, may have come at the expense of moral clarity.
Further raising eyebrows was Trump’s selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services. Todd questioned whether Kennedy, who has faced personal challenges and been criticized for his controversial stances on public health, was the best choice to lead such a crucial agency. Todd’s comments suggest that the president-elect is willing to overlook past missteps in favor of loyalty, at the potential cost of sacrificing the character and competence needed for high office.
Todd’s larger point centered on the idea that character should not be a partisan issue. In his view, both Democrats and Republicans should demand high standards of integrity from their leaders. He warned that by making excuses for flawed characters simply because they align with one’s political agenda, we risk lowering the bar for future generations of politicians. He cautioned that this could lead to a “low-character crowd” dominating American politics, a trend that would ultimately undermine the country’s values.
Trump’s Cabinet picks have stirred debate not only among Democrats but also within his own party. Figures like former Rep. Matt Gaetz have faced scrutiny for past allegations, and even some Republican senators expressed reservations about his potential nomination for attorney general. Gaetz ultimately withdrew from consideration.
Todd’s analysis serves as a reminder that the pursuit of political success, no matter how urgent or necessary it may seem, should never come at the expense of ethics and personal responsibility. As he put it, “If we stop ordering or demanding to find high-quality individuals in our elected officials, then how are we going to grow to be a ‘more perfect union’?”
In the end, Todd warns that the “ends justify the means” mentality—while convenient in the short term—could have disastrous long-term consequences for the nation. The price of lowering our expectations for character may not be paid today, but the bill will eventually come due.