Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) sharply criticized President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday for nominating billionaires and individuals with controversial records to key positions in his incoming administration. Speaking on the House floor, McGovern argued that Trump was failing to meet the expectations of voters who hoped for a government that would serve their interests.
“I mean, it looks like the requirements to be in the Trump White House are that you either abuse women or you’re an out-of-touch billionaire,” McGovern said. “What’s next? Are they going to replace FBI background checks with a Fox News screen test?”
McGovern pointed to Trump’s nominations for commerce secretary and education secretary, both of whom are billionaires, and questioned their ability to represent the needs of average Americans. He also highlighted the president-elect’s pick for attorney general, calling the nominee “an election denier.”
“The person he tapped to lead Health and Human Services? He thinks tap water turns kids gay,” McGovern continued, citing concerns about the appointee’s controversial statements.
One of McGovern’s strongest rebukes was reserved for former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, whom Trump nominated to be defense secretary. McGovern referenced allegations that Hegseth had engaged in inappropriate behavior, including drinking on the job and attempting to cover up sexual assault accusations.
“I mean, this guy is probably dropping out momentarily,” McGovern said. “Apparently, he drinks on the job and paid to cover up his sexual assault allegations. Even his mom doesn’t like him.”
This reference to Hegseth’s mother comes after a 2018 email she sent to her son, calling him an “abuser of women” following allegations of sexual assault and infidelity. In the email, she wrote, “Get some help and take an honest look at yourself.”
On Wednesday, Hegseth’s mother spoke with Fox News and explained that the email was written “out of love.” She added, “And about two hours later, I retracted it with an apology, but nobody’s seen that.”
McGovern’s comments highlight the growing tension surrounding Trump’s cabinet nominations and raise questions about the president-elect’s choices as he prepares to take office.