As President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees undergo Senate confirmation hearings, a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll reveals widespread public skepticism regarding several key selections.
The poll, conducted December 5-9, 2024, surveyed 1,251 adults and highlights significant disapproval for several high-profile appointees.
The lowest approval ratings belong to Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense. Only around 20% of Americans approve of his nomination, with roughly 40% expressing unfamiliarity with him and a further 36% disapproving. While Hegseth enjoys slightly higher support among Republicans (around one-third approve), a significant portion remain undecided. His nomination has faced scrutiny due to past allegations of excessive drinking and a settled sexual assault claim, which he denies.
Tulsi Gabbard, the choice for Director of National Intelligence, fares similarly poorly. Approximately 20% of Americans approve, with 30% disapproving. A large segment (40%) lack sufficient information to form an opinion. While her approval rating among Republicans is slightly higher than Hegseth’s, substantial uncertainty remains within the party. Gabbard’s recent ties to Syria have also drawn criticism.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services has generated more recognition but not necessarily greater acceptance. While better known than Hegseth or Gabbard, roughly 40% disapprove of his selection, compared to 30% who approve. Kennedy’s controversial stances on vaccines have contributed to this polarized response. However, he enjoys significantly higher approval among Republicans (some 60%), reflecting a partisan divide.
Marco Rubio’s nomination for Secretary of State garners a more divided response. Roughly 30% approve, while a similar percentage disapprove. His selection, however, enjoys significantly higher approval among Republicans (nearly 60%). While Rubio enjoys greater approval among Hispanic adults than some other nominees, disapproval still outweighs approval within that demographic.
The poll’s margin of sampling error for all adults is ±3.7 percentage points.
