Politico’s Bill Scher has proposed a ‘Democratic shadow cabinet’ of 21 individuals to counter the Trump administration’s policies. The list includes notable figures like New York Attorney General Letitia James and comedian Nikki Glaser, who are suggested for roles such as U.S. Attorney General and Administrator for the Small Business Administration, respectively. Scher argues that these individuals bring credibility and public appeal to challenge the Trump administration’s narratives.
He highlights James, with her significant legal battles against Trump, as a key figure. Scher also suggests unconventional choices like Jon Stewart for Secretary of Veteran Affairs and Nikki Glaser for the Small Business Administration, emphasizing their ability to critique high-profile celebrities and public figures. The proposal includes more conventional figures like Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, but also includes Gisele Fetterman, the wife of Senator John Fetterman, highlighting her experience as an undocumented migrant to address the ongoing deportation campaigns under Trump.
Scher’s idea is part of broader efforts to reform the Democratic Party, citing Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin’s call for a shadow cabinet to address internal party reforms. Additionally, Rep. Wiley Nickels from North Carolina has also proposed a similar concept in a Washington Post op-ed following Trump’s election in November. The initiative aims to provide a unified and credible opposition to the Trump administration without the need for formal political structures.