What began as a commentary about team Trump’s missed deadline to submit an ethics code—a legally required document meant to reassure the public about transparent and ethical leadership—has morphed into something much darker. Trump has been transparent, but not about an ethics code, but his frightening, self-serving picks for top cabinet posts.

Tulsi Gabbard has been chosen to become Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard has zero experience in intelligence but checks one essential box: Trump loyalist.

Pete Hegseth has been chosen as Secretary of Defense. Of course, the former Fox News host’s barrage of criticisms of the military qualifies him to make significant decisions on national defense. Trump loyalist, check.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is expected to be appointed Director of Health and Human Services. Having founded one of the nation’s leading anti-vaccine organizations, he has frequently promoted the disproven claim that childhood vaccines are linked to autism. Recently, he’s said he doesn’t plan to eliminate any approved vaccines but argues that health agencies haven’t thoroughly researched their safety. HHS oversees Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Loyalist over scientific research, perfect.

And the icing on the cake (for now): former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz to head the Department of Justice. Gaetz’s main qualifications: his well-documented contempt for the FBI, the CDC, and the Justice Department itself. Trump loyalist? No, a Trump favorite!

Gaetz resigned on Wednesday just as an ethics report was set to be released, detailing allegations of sex trafficking that the Justice Department had been investigating. How convenient! Now, he’s off the hook—at least for now—avoiding both the scrutiny of the Justice Department and a likely damning report from a House committee.

Gaetz will be aided by Trump’s “hush money” attorneys, with Todd Blanche stepping in as deputy attorney general and Emil Bove taking on the role of principal associate deputy attorney general.

The noise echoing through the halls of Justice is the plaintive cry of honest, trustworthy, non-partisan prosecutors—individuals who have served with integrity under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

What began as campaign bluster about “retribution” and a “shake-up” is now shaping up to be the strategic plan to consolidate power within the president’s office. Trump’s choices clearly emphasize loyalty and ideology over experience and a commitment to public accountability. Responsibility should be the driving force behind these roles, yet that vital word appears to be getting left in the dust along with accountability, honesty and trustworthiness.

Trump’s total disregard for qualifications and ethics raises terrifying concerns about the future of our government. Leadership is not about loyalty to one person; it’s about responsibility to the people.

And what would Richard Nixon say, “Why didn’t I think of this?”