A new opinion poll has revealed which members of Donald Trump's administration American voters would most like to see removed from their posts. The survey indicates a clear rejection of one of the president's most controversial appointments: Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy and Hegseth Lead Unpopularity Contest
Conducted by JL Partners for the Daily Mail between December 3 and 5, the poll asked respondents to choose which cabinet official they would dismiss if forced to pick one. Nineteen percent named the independent 2024 presidential candidate turned health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., putting him at the top of the list.
In a close second place was Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, with 15 percent of voters selecting him for removal. Both officials faced bruising confirmation processes, drawing criticism from across the political aisle. Kennedy was opposed for his well-documented anti-vaccine stance, while Hegseth's background as a Fox News host and perceived lack of experience compared to past defence secretaries raised eyebrows.
Controversial Agenda Sparks Backlash
The strong sentiment against RFK Jr. is seen as a direct rebuke of his 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda, which promises a sweeping overhaul of the US public health system. Despite Democratic efforts to block his confirmation, focusing on his vaccine conspiracies, Republicans ultimately secured his position.
The poll highlights other divisive figures in Trump's cabinet. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, now US Attorney General, ranked third with 13 percent wanting her gone. Tied for fourth were FBI Director Kash Patel and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, each on 11 percent.
McMahon's unpopularity is closely tied to her mission. Rather than leading the Department of Education, her stated role is to dismantle it, returning power to states. Through voluntary departures and firings, her department's staff has been gutted by roughly 50 percent, falling from around 4,000 to approximately 2,000 employees.
Surprising Support for Hawkish Officials
In a notable finding, only 8 percent of respondents chose to fire Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, despite her agency's hardline tactics making it a frequent target for Trump's critics. Dubbed 'ICE Barbie', Noem has personally joined ICE and CBP raids to round up and deport illegal immigrants, a strategy that has even drawn condemnation from some pro-Trump voices like podcaster Joe Rogan.
Ultimately, when presented with the choice, 21 percent of Americans said they would not choose to fire any of the listed officials. The poll surveyed 1,013 voters and underscores the deep divisions and contentious nature of several key appointments in the current administration.
