1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the potential nominations of Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Kash Patel for leadership positions in federal government departments. As one of your constituents, I urge you to exercise your constitutional duty to assess these nominees with independence, integrity, and careful judgment. The Senate’s role in the confirmation process is one of the most critical checks and balances in our constitutional system. The Framers entrusted this body with the responsibility to thoroughly evaluate each nominee to ensure they possess the qualifications, temperament, and dedication to serve the American people effectively and without prejudice. This duty is not merely a formality but a safeguard against the appointment of individuals who may undermine the very institutions they are meant to lead. Each of these individuals raises significant concerns about their fitness for high office: • Pete Hegseth: His lack of relevant experience in governance and troubling rhetoric on various policy issues signal a potential inability to lead with the impartiality and expertise required of a department head. • Tulsi Gabbard: While she has served as a Member of Congress, her foreign policy positions and controversial associations have drawn bipartisan criticism, casting doubt on her alignment with key American values and international commitments. • Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: While he has a prominent name and public platform, his promotion of conspiracy theories and unsubstantiated claims on critical public health and science issues raise serious doubts about his ability to lead with evidence-based policies and sound judgment. • Kash Patel: His role in spreading misinformation and his alleged politicization of sensitive national security matters undermine the trust necessary to effectively lead any federal department. The responsibilities of department heads extend beyond political ideology; they must ensure competent administration, uphold ethical standards, and protect the integrity of the American government. These nominees, however, raise serious questions about their capacity to meet these standards. I urge you to thoroughly investigate these individuals’ records and qualifications and to reject any nominees who fail to meet the high bar of competence, impartiality, and dedication to public service. The Senate’s role is not to rubber-stamp presidential nominations but to act as an independent and discerning body in service of the American people. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I trust that you will carefully weigh these concerns and act in the best interests of our nation.