Overview

• Politico writer Bill Scher published a list of 21 nominees for a Democratic shadow cabinet ranging from former officials like Samantha Power to entertainers such as Jon Stewart and Bill Nye.
• The concept, modeled on European opposition parties, was originally put forward by Sen. Elissa Slotkin as a strategy to counter President Trump’s policy agenda.
• Critics across the political spectrum derided high-profile selections with limited policy experience, singling out Gisele Fetterman for homeland security and Nikki Glaser for small business.
• Conservative commentators and some media figures labeled the proposal a fantasy exercise that undermines the seriousness of Democratic opposition efforts.
• Proponents say a shadow cabinet could sharpen policy critiques, but experts warn that replicating Europe’s model poses practical hurdles within the U.S. two-party system.