By: Katie Dusza, Contributor
This past election season has been filled with chaos, surprises and overall absurdity. Regardless of the election results, the winner of this election would be historic, as the nation was primarily choosing between its first woman or first federally convicted president.
The election also marks the second election of America’s first reality TV star president. In 2025, Trump will continue this legacy with his cast of reality TV figures, including a string of FOX News anchors.
Mehmet Oz was nominated to run Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Oz fits Trump’s star-studded cabinet as he gained popularity by being a frequent guest on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show. He later started “The Dr. Oz Show,” where he gave medical advice regarding issues such as weight loss. Within these suggestions, certain products were recommended. However, their efficacy has since been questioned by scientists. Another example of Oz’s displays of false information is how during the COVID-19 pandemic, he lobbied the Trump administration to promote hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID. However, this drug was called ineffective by the CDC for COVID-19 treatment. Some of Oz’s other medical claims have been made in order to promote brands or candidates, which indicates a potential lack of authenticity. The services that Oz’s part of the cabinet covers include Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Affordable Care Act, which provide care to over 150 million Americans. It is important to note that Oz has no known experience with this bureaucracy, so it concerns many whether he is qualified for such a large role that impacts so many.
Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, is also a controversial pick. As a former Fox News anchor, he fits right in with Trump’s TV-inclusive lineup. Some Republican lawmakers support Hegseth due to his previous experience in the Army National Guard, while others are reported to have never heard of him. Aside from politics, Hegseth’s personal past is morally concerning, as he has sexual assault allegations against him. It is alleged that Hegseth paid off his alleged victim in fear that she would open a lawsuit and get him fired from his job at Fox News. Though he has not been indicted, these allegations raise red flags for many Americans.
As Americans, it is important to pay close attention to what goes on inside the executive branch. It’s important to remember that the presidency doesn’t end with one person. Due to the winner-take-all nature of the presidential election, the president decides who handles each part of the bureaucracy, which closely impacts Americans. As many Canisius students are new to political participation, now is a good time to pay attention to what happens in the government, how it affects us and how you can change it.