West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice sidestepped questions Friday about whether he supports President-elect Donald Trump’s recent controversial cabinet picks, including the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Justice made it clear that it’s too soon to weigh in, saying that the vetting process should play out before any conclusions are drawn.
Justice, who has been a longtime ally of Trump, emphasized the need for loyalty and reliable leadership in any administration, especially with some of Trump’s high-profile selections facing scrutiny. But he also noted that, for now, he would remain neutral on matters such as the future of the Affordable Care Act, which has deeply affected health coverage for thousands in his state.
Trump’s Cabinet Picks: Too Early to Comment
Justice refrained from commenting on Trump’s recent nominations during his regular briefing. The West Virginia governor was asked about the controversial appointments, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head Health and Human Services. Kennedy is known for his vaccine skepticism and criticism of the CDC, which has sparked concern among public health advocates.
“I think it’s premature for me to comment on the nominations,” Justice told reporters. “Naturally, I’m really supportive of President Trump, and I’m sure that his folks are evaluating, vetting, whatever you want to call it, the appointments.”
Justice explained that while he trusts Trump’s team to assess these nominees, he, too, will wait for the full confirmation process to unfold before taking any stance. His comments align with the stance of some other Republicans, such as Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who has indicated she’s willing to consider Trump’s picks but will wait to see how they fare in the Senate hearings.
Trump’s nominations, which include notable figures such as Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, have already drawn criticism due to various allegations surrounding some of these individuals. Gaetz, for example, faced a federal sex trafficking investigation, and Hegseth was reportedly investigated over an alleged sexual assault in 2017.
Health Care Law: “Way Too Premature” to Weigh In
Another topic Justice was asked about Friday was the future of the Affordable Care Act, a law that has provided health insurance to more than 200,000 West Virginians. As Trump’s first administration pushed to repeal the ACA, uncertainty remains about whether his second term will see a similar attempt.
“I’m not going to say what I’d do on that right now,” Justice said when asked about voting on any potential repeal efforts. “Let’s just take some deep breaths and just wait and see what really does come.”
The Affordable Care Act has had a significant impact on the state, and any changes could disrupt the coverage many residents depend on. Justice’s reluctance to make early predictions on such a contentious issue is understandable, especially given the polarized nature of the ACA debate.
The Trump administration has, over the years, sent mixed signals about its stance on the ACA. While some Republicans have called for its full repeal, others have shifted focus to tweaks or reforms, leaving many states, including West Virginia, in a state of limbo.
Loyalty, Leadership, and Transparency
Beyond politics, Justice took time to touch on other issues affecting the state, including the delayed high school football playoffs due to legal disputes surrounding school reclassifications. Justice expressed frustration over the lack of transparency in decision-making and the failure of state officials to provide clear guidelines to resolve the issue.
“There’s got to be unbelievable transparency, but we’ve got to have people who will stand up and say, ‘These are the guidelines, and this is what we’re going to do,’” Justice said.
In other state matters, Justice lifted a statewide burning ban due to drought conditions, which had led to an increased risk of forest fires. His actions came after monitoring fire risks and ensuring that residents remain safe.
As for Trump, Justice remains confident in his relationship with the president-elect, stating that his loyalty to Trump remains unchanged. “I’m going to be objective and fair, and I’m going to try with all in me to protect the people of West Virginia,” he affirmed.
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