1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The proposed appointments of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary, Russell Vought as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Labor Secretary are concerning due to their ideological leanings and policy positions that could undermine critical government functions and harm vulnerable communities. Bessent's prioritization of deficit reduction over other economic goals risks austerity measures that disproportionately impact low-income Americans. His support for extending tax cuts that have added trillions to the debt reveals a skewed fiscal philosophy favoring the wealthy. As an open ally of Wall Street, he may prioritize corporate interests over those of ordinary citizens. Vought's extreme budget proposal demonstrates a willingness to decimate social safety nets like Medicaid, Medicare, and food assistance programs that millions rely on. His promotion of "Ending Woke and Weaponized Government" signals an intent to purge the civil service of perceived ideological foes, jeopardizing its nonpartisan integrity. Such an assault on democratic norms is unacceptable. While Chavez-DeRemer has union support, her endorsement of national "right-to-work" laws undermining labor organizing rights should give pause. Her defeated re-election bid also raises questions about her mandate. These nominees share an ideological bent that threatens to exacerbate inequality, erode civil rights protections, defund vital services, and politicize government operations. Their appointments could catalyze immense harm and societal fracturing. Thoughtful reconsideration grounded in upholding the national interest is warranted.