**Trump's Controversial Picks for Senior Positions Spark Outcry**

Concerns about Donald Trump's second term have heightened with a series of nominations for top positions that critics argue could herald an even more extreme administration. Donald Trump's recent decision to name far-right Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, who was recently under investigation, as attorney general has caused widespread disbelief, even among his Republican peers. This move has exacerbated fears of retaliatory actions within the Department of Justice for past investigations into Trump.

Ty Cobb, a lawyer during Trump's first presidency, slammed Gaetz's nomination, asserting it was an affront to the nation. Cobb described Gaetz as lacking the necessary qualifications in various respects. Adding to the dismay were Trump’s nominations of Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence and Fox News’s Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. Both figures have contentious profiles, with Gabbard facing past accusations of pushing Kremlin narratives and Hegseth vocally opposing “woke” leadership in the military.

Observers believe these nominations might be a deliberate challenge to Senate Republicans, following their recent election of John Thune to replace Mitch McConnell as Senate leader. Trump has also suggested bypassing traditional confirmation hearings, much to the chagrin of political analysts who see this as undermining Senate authority.

Further concerns emerged with Trump's picks for immigration-related roles. Tom Homan, known for his hardline approach, has been nominated as border czar. Meanwhile, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, infamous for admitting to shooting her own dog, has been named as the new secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Stephen Miller, architect of the previous administration's controversial child separation policy, has been appointed to a key role as deputy White House chief of staff for policy.

Internationally, Trump’s selection of Mike Huckabee as the US ambassador to Israel and Steve Witkoff as Middle East envoy has also raised eyebrows. Huckabee's support for illegal Israeli settlements has drawn criticism, while Witkoff’s relationship with Trump and presence during an assassination attempt have made his nomination particularly notable.

Amid these controversial choices, some figures, like Marco Rubio for secretary of state and Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff, have been met with relatively less resistance, standing out as stabilizing nominees within an otherwise turbulent list.