'Clownish': Critics mock new Trump nominee — Fox News pundit for his 'As Seen On TV' list
President-elect Donald Trump has once again pulled from Fox News to bolster his administration.
On Thursday night, Trump said he tapped Leo Terrell to be his senior counsel to the assistant attorney general for civil rights in the Justice Department.
"Leo is a highly respected civil rights attorney and political analyst. He received his law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has defended many high profile cases throughout his incredibly successful career. Leo will be a fantastic advocate for the American People, and ensure we will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" touted Trump.
Social media critics quickly noted that Terrell is yet another Fox News alum to join team Trump, including Pete Hegseth, nominated for Defense Secretary; Thomas Homan, tapped to be the next "border czar;" former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, picked as ambassador to Israel; former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, nominated for director of national intelligence; Sean Duffy, selected as Transporation secretary; and Janette Nesheiwat, chosen for surgeon general.
Fox News said it has terminated Terrell’s contributor contract, according to Politico.
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Terrell also shared the news in a post and video on X.
"Fair minded friend I have a special message to share. I will be leaving Fox News and joining @realDonaldTrump in Washington. I will be once again be working for Civil Rights for all Americans - this time in the Department of Justice. Thank you to Fox News for having me on the past four years. I look forward to Making America Great Again!"
Social media users, however, were less impressed with the pick.
"Trump just named Leo Terrell, a clownish Fox News pundit most known for wearing (and selling) Leo 2.0 hats to promote his MAGA conversion, as a DOJ special counsel. This is also, per my count, the 13th Fox News personality to receive an appointment or nomination to the Trump administration," chided Justin Baragona, a senior reporter at The Independent.
David S. Bernstein, a contributing editor at Boston Magazine, wrote on Bluesky: A"lso he’s putting Leo Terrell at DOJ’s Civil Rights division, so that’s another in the 'As Seen On TV' list."