This is just pathetic.
Former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner recently criticized Donald Trump’s potential picks for his upcoming administration, arguing that some of them have troubling legal histories that reflect poorly on the president-elect’s promise to “Make America Great Again.” According to Kirschner, the slogan might be better rebranded as “Make America Felonious Again,” due to the legal entanglements of some of Trump’s appointees.
Trump, who secured a decisive victory in the 2024 presidential race against Vice President Kamala Harris, is set to make history as the first president to enter office after being convicted of felonies. In May, Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records in a New York trial. Despite the conviction, Trump maintains his innocence and calls the legal proceedings a “witch hunt” orchestrated by political enemies. In addition to this conviction, Trump is facing several other legal challenges, including charges stemming from the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents.
But it’s not just Trump who has been wrapped up in legal controversies. Several of his Cabinet picks have also been under the legal microscope. For example, Charles Kushner, Dad of Jared Kushner, was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after serving a prison sentence for tax evasion and witness tampering. Kushner has been nominated to work as the U.S. ambassador to France, a controversial pick given his criminal history.
Other appointments are equally eyebrow-raising. Peter Navarro, Trump’s former trade adviser, has been tapped for a senior role in trade and manufacturing despite serving a prison sentence for contempt of Congress. Tom Barrack, Trump’s ally and former campaign adviser, was acquitted in 2022 of charges related to lobbying for the United Arab Emirates, but the accusations raised questions about his influence in the Trump administration. Finally, Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), was recently named in a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse involving WWE employees. While she denies the charges, the case remains a black mark on her nomination for Secretary of Education.
Trump’s defenders, including transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, argue that these picks reflect the president’s commitment to putting America first. Leavitt insists that Trump’s re-election, which she calls a “resounding mandate,” allows him to carry out his promises, and his Cabinet choices will prioritize talent, experience, and the skill sets necessary to “Make America Great Again.”
Despite these assertions, critics like Kirschner remain skeptical. They argue that Trump’s focus on loyal allies with questionable legal histories undermines his credibility and raises concerns about the integrity of his administration. As Trump prepares to take office once again, many are left wondering whether his vision for America truly aligns with the values of justice and integrity that have long been central to the nation’s identity.