Trumps cabinet struggles whether defend boss
You're referring to the controversy surrounding the Trump administration's cabinet members and their willingness to defend or criticize their boss, President Donald Trump.
It's true that some cabinet members have faced criticism for not being vocal enough in defending the president's policies or actions, while others have been more outspoken in their support. Here are a few examples:
- Attorney General Jeff Sessions: Sessions was a key figure in the Trump campaign and was initially a strong supporter of the president. However, after recusing himself from the Russia investigation, Sessions faced criticism from Trump, who accused him of being "weak" and "disloyal." Sessions has since been a more low-key presence in the administration.
- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson: Tillerson was a vocal critic of Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, and his comments were seen as a rebuke to the president. Trump eventually fired Tillerson in March 2018, citing "differences in views" on foreign policy.
- Defense Secretary James Mattis: Mattis was a respected figure in the military and was seen as a stabilizing influence in the administration. However, he faced criticism from Trump over issues like the withdrawal from Syria and the handling of the Iran nuclear deal. Mattis eventually resigned in December 2018, citing "fundamental disagreements" with the president.
- Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen: Nielsen faced intense criticism from Trump over the administration's handling of immigration policy, particularly the separation of families at the border. She eventually resigned in April 2019, citing the "erosion of trust" between her and the president.
- National Security Adviser John Bolton: Bolton was a hawkish figure who was known for his strong views on national security issues. However, he faced criticism from Trump over issues like North Korea and Iran, and eventually resigned in September 2019.
On the other hand, some cabinet members have been more vocal in their support of the president, including:
- Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos: DeVos has been a strong supporter of Trump's education policies, including his efforts to roll back Obama-era regulations.
- Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta: Acosta has been a key figure in the administration's labor policies, and has been a vocal supporter of Trump's efforts to reform the labor market.
- Secretary of Energy Rick Perry: Perry has been a strong supporter of Trump's energy policies, including his efforts to promote fossil fuels and reduce regulations on the industry.
Overall, the Trump administration has been marked by a high level of turnover and controversy, with many cabinet members facing criticism from the president or resigning in protest.