Former Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus pushed back against former Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Donna Brazile during an appearance on ABC’s This Week, defending President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominations and reminding Brazile that Trump’s policies and leadership were chosen by the American people.

The discussion centered on Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, including Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Brazile claimed Trump’s team had “unleashed” the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement to pressure undecided senators into supporting the nominees.

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Priebus countered Brazile’s remarks, emphasizing Trump’s broad electoral support and the public’s endorsement of his agenda. “Yeah, but they didn’t unleash MAGA. America unleashed MAGA,” Priebus said. “The whole point of Trump’s victory is how did the traditional picks that we used to always put in place, how did that work for us? The American people rejected it and they accepted what Donald Trump’s been selling in this country for the last couple of years.”

He highlighted Trump’s appeal across a diverse voter base. “He won with Muslim voters in Dearborn. He won with Puerto Ricans in Florida. He won a majority of male Hispanic voters. He won in every state across the country better, except for I think like Washington and Oregon or something like that,” Priebus added. “MAGA is here because MAGA has been accepted by the American people, and so that’s why we’re here.”

Brazile argued that millions of Americans do not identify with the MAGA movement and emphasized the Senate’s constitutional role in vetting Trump’s nominees.

She asserted that the process is critical, especially for some of the more unconventional picks.

Priebus acknowledged the Senate’s role in the confirmation process but dismissed concerns over the internal disagreements among Republicans.

“It’s their own people. It’s their own family,” he said, expressing confidence that Trump’s nominees would ultimately secure the necessary support.

One of Trump’s most polarizing picks, Pete Hegseth, has faced significant criticism since his nomination on November 12.

The former Fox News host and veteran has been accused of misconduct, and media reports have raised questions about his past behavior.

Despite the backlash, Trump has continued to stand by Hegseth, encouraging him to advocate for his nomination.

Hegseth has been holding private meetings with senators in an effort to secure their support, but resistance remains strong among some lawmakers.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska told The Washington Post that Trump and his allies have applied pressure on GOP senators, saying, “We got you here. And if you want to survive, you better be good.”

As Trump’s second administration takes shape, his nominees face an uphill battle in a politically charged Senate.

The heated exchanges on ABC’s panel reflect broader tensions surrounding the president-elect’s cabinet choices, many of whom represent a break from traditional appointments.

The confirmation process will likely see intense scrutiny, but Priebus’s remarks underscore the administration’s confidence in its selections and its belief that the American people have validated the MAGA movement through their votes.

For now, Trump’s team appears determined to push forward, despite resistance from both the media and members of Congress.