- United States
- Alaska
- Letter
These nominations raise significant concerns about the Administration's commitment to science, democratic institutions, and public safety. While the full context is complex, several key points stand out: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a long history of promoting anti-vaccine misinformation that endangers public health. Senators expressed doubts about whether he could be trusted to implement sound, evidence-based policies given his past advocacy undermining vaccine programs. His nomination signals a troubling prioritization of fringe views over established science. Kash Patel's combative hearing performance and refusal to directly address his role in spreading false voter fraud claims and an "enemies list" raises red flags about his ability to lead the FBI in an apolitical manner. His association with efforts to fundraise off the January 6 rioters is particularly alarming for the potential head of the preeminent law enforcement agency. Tulsi Gabbard's foreign policy stances, including her meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and failure to definitively reject Russian disinformation, undermine confidence in her ability to serve objectively as Director of National Intelligence. Her evasive answers regarding Edward Snowden also demonstrate a concerning lack of clear principles. Given the gravity of these roles overseeing intelligence, law enforcement, and public health, these nominees appear ill-suited to uphold democratic values and keep Americans safe from foreign and domestic threats. Their confirmations would likely continue the divisive politicization plaguing critical institutions. Rejecting them would be a prudent course to restore integrity and nonpartisanship.