Here is the thing I don't think I got through. Whether they are or are not, there was no proclamation that someone was picked outside of the best choice and chosen as a result of DEI. You may, and others may have different perspectives on who was the best, but nobody has a reason to suggest that DEI was in play since it was never a consideration. THAT is a huge problem! When identity politics are a priority not only as a major platform of the democratic party, but when prefigured prior to an appointment of course DEI is a thought held by many. Had identity politics not been in play and had there not been a public statement with preference to identity politics, then most would not have DEI enter their minds. I don't recall Condi with her accomplishments being considered a DEI.
Now relative to the three you listed. I don't have the insight and relative background to know who was best to address the major mandates the public wanted as a result of the overwhelming percent of people that wanted a few things having a major change like the border, economy, crime and the threat of all chaos in all the wars, and other countries that might explode as well since the USA has no leadership.
Hegseth apparently has a good academic background and actual experience in war and military in general as well as his distinguished service. He might not be the best, but who is then? I don't know.
Most of the country realized the politicization of the DOJ, FBI and CIA used against Trump and other conservative causes...even going back to Obama in targeting with the IRS conservatives. Gaetz would be a bulldog to clean up THAT mess as well. However, it is possible that Trump put him out there as a lightening rod from the libs figuring what happened would and now has Bondi that could be just as tough and will fly through since the dems already shot their wad and Trump had to submit another. Course Gaetz could serve with Bondi and not need approval.
Kennedy , that in spite of the anti-vax stance on many things has always been interested in health as well as wanting to see the files on the deaths of Bobby and John...which now that the country has seen first hand the lying and unethical activities of the FBI and such no doubt has rekindled the desire to know more of what was not to be released until we that were alive at the time are dead. We have a major health problem in this country and the food industry and its lobbyists are culprits. Of course there are others that others would prefer...that is always the case...but there is NONE that would compare to the disasters Biden appointed relative to DEI...and Trannies in particular. Could Kennedy be nearly as bad as this?