WASHINGTON (AP) — While securing support for their confirmations in the U.S. Senate, several appointees of President Donald Trump made statements that they have since begun to distance themselves from after taking office.
This overview highlights some of these promises, ranging from FBI leadership to vaccine protocols and Russian sanctions, including their subsequent actions in their own words.
Requests for comments from all four agencies regarding their leaders’ remarks were not answered by Monday afternoon.
Kash Patel, FBI Director
What he’s said: As noted by Natalie Bara, president of the FBI Agents Association, Patel expressed agreement last month — prior to becoming FBI director — that the agency’s No. 2 position should be filled by a career agent, as has historically been the case for the nation’s top federal law enforcement agency.
Bara stated in an internal newsletter sent to members on Feb. 23 that Patel had concurred during a January meeting that the FBI deputy director “should continue to be an on-board, active Special Agent, as has been the practice for 117 years, due to compelling reasons such as operational expertise, experience, and the trust of our Special Agent community.”
What he’s done: Patel expressed support for Trump’s decision to take a different approach.
Later that Sunday, following Bara’s internal newsletter with Patel’s comments, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that Dan Bongino, a former U.S. Secret Service agent with a background in conservative media, had been appointed as FBI deputy director.
“Tremendous news for law enforcement and the future of American justice!” Patel wrote on Feb. 24 in a social media post welcoming Bongino. “His leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to justice make him the ideal choice to help lead the FBI at this critical time. He’s a cop’s cop.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary
What he’s said: During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy assured Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., that he would maintain the current national vaccination schedule.
“I recommend that children adhere to the CDC schedule, and I will support that schedule if I am fortunate enough to be confirmed,” Kennedy stated to senators on Jan. 30.
What he’s done: During his first address to thousands of U.S. Health and Human Services agency employees, Kennedy on Feb. 18 pledged to investigate the childhood vaccine schedule that manages diseases like measles and polio.
“Nothing is going to be off limits,” he remarked, noting that pesticides, food additives, microplastics, antidepressants, and electromagnetic emissions from cell phones and microwaves would also be examined.
Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary
What he’s said: At his confirmation hearing, Bessent advocated for more stringent sanctions on Russia, criticizing former President Joe Biden for not being “muscular” enough with sanctions on Russian oil due to concerns about rising energy costs during elections.
“I believe the previous administration was worried about raising U.S. energy prices during an election season,” he remarked to senators on Jan. 16.
What he’s done: However, as Trump’s stance on Russia shifted, Bessent indicated that the U.S. is ready to either intensify or reduce sanctions on Russia based on its willingness to negotiate an end to the war.
“That’d be a very good characterization,” Bessent told Bloomberg Television on Feb. 20 when asked about the possibility of sanction adjustments on Russia. “The president is committed to concluding this conflict very swiftly.”
Brooke Rollins, Agriculture Secretary
What she’s said: “One of my top four priorities on day one is to assemble the right team to ensure that what you have discussed and outlined is being executed,” Rollins told senators on Jan. 23, addressing how she would mitigate the spread of avian flu.
What she’s done: Speaking to agency employees, Rollins noted on Feb. 14 that she was “proud to welcome the Department of Government Efficiency into USDA,” expressing her enthusiasm for the initiative “with open arms.”
Just four days later, the department rushed to rehire several individuals who had played crucial roles in the response to the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has severely impacted egg and poultry farms over the last three years, yet who were part of the thousands of federal employees let go on Musk’s recommendations.
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Reporting contributed by Associated Press writers Fatima Hussein and Amanda Seitz in Washington.
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Kinnard can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP
