Voters support Trump's appointments, but Gaetz faces strong opposition.

At a crucial moment in American politics, voters have shown a remarkable level of approval for some of the appointments made by President-elect Donald Trump for his upcoming administration. According to the latest Morning Consult poll published this week, 54% of respondents approve of the way Trump is managing his transition, with significant support mostly coming from Republican voters. However, not all names have been well received, and the figure of Matt Gaetz has generated backlash even among the party's base.

The poll, conducted between November 15 and 17, revealed that 93% of Republican voters support the appointments proposed by Trump, compared to 20% of Democrats. Independents, who have become a key group in current politics, also show slight support, with a 46% approval for the President-elect's decisions. This level of approval is notably close to the 60% that Joe Biden had during his transition in 2020, suggesting a consolidation of support within the Republican Party.

Among the names that have generated the most interest, Marco Rubio, who has been proposed as Secretary of State, and Elon Musk, in charge of a new Department of Government Efficiency, stand out as favorites. Both have received a 45% approval rating, although their disapproval ratings differ significantly: while Rubio has a 34% disapproval rate, Musk faces a 40%, demonstrating the polarization that his figure still generates in politics and public opinion.

Unfortunately for Gaetz, his candidacy for Attorney General has proven to be the most controversial and undoubtedly the briefest. Despite his intention to take the position, he announced his withdrawal this Thursday under pressure from allegations of sexual abuse and inappropriate conduct that have pursued him for years. A total of 41% of voters expressed opposition to his appointment, making him the least popular candidate on the list. The scandals surrounding Gaetz, including accusations of sex trafficking, have made his candidacy not only controversial but also unsustainable.

In the context of the other appointments, Michael Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas, has been proposed as Ambassador to Israel and has received 44% support. Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose designation as Secretary of Health has generated much conversation, also obtained a 44% approval rating. Despite his history as an anti-vaccine activist, the media exposure and coverage of his appointment seem not to have diminished the support he receives among voters, underscoring a disconnect between media narratives and public perception.

The phenomenon of Musk in politics is also noteworthy. His proposal to lead a Department of Government Efficiency has sparked both enthusiasm and skepticism, reflecting the views many have on the intersection between technology and public service. Despite his wealth and notoriety, Musk remains a polarizing figure, complicating his reception among different political groups.

On the other hand, the poll also included appointments related to Trump’s immigration agenda, which was a central theme during his campaign. Kristi Noem, as Secretary of Homeland Security, and Stephen Miller, as Deputy Chief of Staff, received support levels of 37% and 36%, respectively. These numbers reflect the ongoing attention that immigration issues generate among voters and the importance of these positions in shaping the policies of the upcoming administration.

However, the absence of Tom Homan, designated as the "border czar," in the poll suggests that public perception of his role and immigration policy is still developing. Against the backdrop of the recent election, it is clear that immigration policy will continue to be a delicate and divisive issue in the near future.

As Trump moves forward in shaping his cabinet, voter response will remain a critical barometer of the acceptance and legitimacy of his administration. The path to the White House is fraught with difficult decisions and controversies, and the future of American politics may largely depend on how the electorate responds to these nominations and the figures they choose to support.