Trump Cabinet Hits Road, Runs Into Angry Voters

The sharpest attack came from Trump's own flank. Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon said Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has lost the base: "Everyone in MAGA knows Markwayne Mullin is a squish on immigration enforcement — look at the lack of [temporary protected status] removals or work site raids — they have to hide him. Bobby, Bessent, Marco you can promote, DHS no way."

A Homeland Security spokesman, granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the record, said that under Mullin, "ICE is working around the clock every day to arrest and deport the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from American communities. The results speak for themselves," adding that anyone who says otherwise is "just trying to sow division and create an illusion of chaos."

Republican strategist Matthew Bartlett, who served in Trump's first administration, said the tour is backfiring: "Instead of assuring voters, they end up raising more questions and sometimes showing the liability that this entire administration has across the board. It's hard to point to a good spokesman or even a high point in this administration right now, and certainly the polls reflect it."

An Iowa Republican operative, granted anonymity to discuss the beef fallout, said the issue "has legs, to be honest," and pointed to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand's use of it: "They clearly think it's an issue."

The White House rejected the premise. "President Trump has assembled the most talented Cabinet in American history who work every day to implement his common sense, America First agenda," said White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales. Aides argued the secretaries frequently discuss many topics of importance to Americans.

HHS spokeswoman Emily Hilliard noted Kennedy completed an 18-day tour in August "to bring the MAHA agenda directly to communities" and said he would keep engaging directly with Americans.