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Sunday, Jul 19, 2020

Has Donald Trump appointed political rivals to prominent positions in his administration?

Ercole Durini di Monza, Gigafact Foundry
yes

President Trump later appointed at least three 2016 primary opponents to prominent positions in his administration. Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie was the first head of his transition team. Two others still serve in his cabinet: Former Texas governor Rick Perry, as Secretary of Energy, and Dr. Ben Carson as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Nikki Haley's support for first Sen. Marco Rubio and then Sen. Ted Cruz in the primary did not prevent Trump from naming the former South Carolina governor as his first ambassador to the U.N.

Others who previously expressed disdain or dislike of Trump later became appointees, such as former House member Mick Mulvaney, who became budget director and then chief of staff. Sen. Lindsay Graham, who also sought the 2016 nomination, denounced Trump forcefully during the campaign but became a staunch supporter.

Sources

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