Bill Clinton claims Trump’s cabinet picks demonise those with a 'good education'

Clinton says Trump’s second-term cabinet picks aim to undermine public trust in the federal government

Bill Clinton has accused Donald Trump of demonising individuals with "a good education" and those who "wear ties to work" through his controversial cabinet appointments.

The 42nd president of the United States said that Mr Trump’s choices for key positions in his second-term administration represent an attempt to undermine public trust in the federal government.

Mr Trump, the Republican president-elect, has selected a number of contentious figures for influential roles, including an intelligence chief with pro-Kremlin views and an attorney general facing unresolved allegations involving a 17-year-old girl. The Telegraph has reported that loyalty, rather than qualifications or experience, has been a priority for Mr Trump in assembling his cabinet, following his feeling of betrayal by more establishment-friendly picks during his first term.

Speaking in an interview on MSNBC, 78 years old Mr Clinton said that Mr Trump’s new cabinet would blindly support the president, regardless of the facts or the consequences. "He believes that his supporters have no confidence whatsoever in the federal government. And, Lord knows he has done everything to destroy that confidence," Mr Clinton said.

The former president added: "He believes he can just say: 'Well, I appointed these people. They’re smart, and they’re going to shake things up.' But I think in demonising all establishments, and people who wear a tie – like you and me – to work and have a good education, we’re breaking down the legitimacy of not only people who are too sanctimonious and too set in their ways, but people who know things that are very important for us today and very important for our continued growth, prosperity and harmony."

Mr Trump’s anti-establishment cabinet faces significant challenges in securing confirmation from the Senate, with some of his nominees already encountering difficulties. His choice for attorney general was forced to withdraw from the confirmation process after facing allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. Additionally, Pete Hegseth, a Fox News anchor selected for defence secretary, is facing sexual assault allegations, although he maintains the encounter was consensual. Mr Hegseth’s lawyer also revealed that he had paid the accuser to keep the matter quiet, fearing it could cost him his job at the network.