In this episode of Passing Judgment, we explore the political landscape of President Trump's new cabinet picks through the expert lens of Michelle Shen from CNN's politics team. Jessica and Michelle dissect the confirmation hearings of controversial figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services Secretary and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, along with Elise Stefanik's smoother path as UN Ambassador. The discussion sheds light on the intrigues and political maneuvers surrounding these nominations and their potential impact on Trump's administration over the next four years.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

RFK Jr.'s Nomination for Health and Human Services Secretary: The discussion focuses on RFK Jr.'s controversial stance on vaccines and his break from the Kennedy family, who have been stalwarts in the Democratic Party. His views, which have been scientifically disproven, present difficulties in his confirmation process, even among some Republicans.

Media and Reporting Challenges: Michelle Shen shares the challenges faced in reporting on the Trump administration, emphasizing the importance of careful fact-checking and contextualization in her journalism work.

Inauguration Reflections: Shen reflects on the inaugural weekend, highlighting the contrast between Trump supporters and the wealthier individuals who have close access to him. This theme underscores questions of who will have influence in Trump's administration.

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