Sen. Mitt Romney has advised against criticizing Donald Trump's Cabinet selections, as they align with the commitments made during his presidential campaign.

Romney, a departing Republican senator and long-term critic of Trump, shared his views during a CNN interview, emphasizing the president-elect's electoral mandate and the need for patience with his administration's approach, as the Washington Examiner reports.

As Romney prepares to step down from the Senate in January after serving a single term, many will recall that he has been vocal about his criticisms of Trump in the past.

However, in a recent appearance on CNN's State of the Union, Romney declared that he isn't surprised by Trump's choices for Cabinet positions, given the president-elect's campaign promises. Romney's comments underscore his belief that Trump's actions as president-elect are in line with the expectations set during his campaign.

Romney Reflects on Campaign Promises

In the interview, Romney acknowledged the striking contrast between his own political views and those represented by Trump's nominees.

He argued that Trump's election victory, which he described as "overwhelming," gives Trump the mandate to implement the policies he campaigned on. Romney expressed that it is not appropriate to complain about Trump's appointments or policy moves, as they fulfill campaign pledges.

While Romney admitted alignment with Trump on several policy issues, he also noted disagreements on others. Yet, rather than focusing solely on these differences, Romney advocated for giving the new administration the chance to demonstrate its effectiveness. He urged skeptics to allow Trump to implement his agenda, observing how its outcomes unfold.

Acknowledging the Diversity Among Nominees

Romney further commented on the distinct backgrounds of Trump's Cabinet picks. He drew a comparison to a historical book about Abraham Lincoln, noting that Trump's selections form a team with remarkably varied experiences and viewpoints. Romney described this collection of individuals as significantly different from those he would have chosen.

Despite acknowledging that these weren't the nominees he would have selected, Romney conceded that the electorate's decision in Trump's favor justifies the president-elect's choices.

"He won, all right?" Romney remarked, recognizing Trump's victory as a determinant for the Cabinet formation.

Senate's Role in Vetting Nominees

Romney also highlighted the importance of the Senate's duty to thoroughly examine Trump's nominees. With Senate control resting in Republican hands, the likelihood of approval for most selections appears high.

However, Romney emphasized that this responsibility remains significant, irrespective of political alignment, ensuring that each nominee is rigorously evaluated.

Some of Trump's selections have been deemed unconventional. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Pete Hegseth, and Tulsi Gabbard exemplify choices that deviate from traditional categories. Despite this, Republican domination of the Senate suggests general support for the upcoming Cabinet, easing the path toward confirmation.

Contrasting Cabinets and Lost Opportunities

Reflecting upon his own experiences, Romney recalled his loss in the 2012 presidential election as a factor differentiating his potential Cabinet from Trump's current picks. Although Romney might have opted for different candidates had he won, he acknowledged that the administration's composition is ultimately Trump's prerogative. This acknowledgment illustrated a respect for the democratic process, even when faced with divergent viewpoints.

Romney's remarks, though issuing from a historical critic, portrayed a willingness to afford Trump's administration an opportunity to enact its vision. "People are saying, ‘oh, I don’t like this appointment or this policy that he’s talking about,'" he noted, underscoring the challenge of expectations versus electoral outcomes.

Balancing Criticism With Opportunity

The dialogue marks a significant juncture as Romney navigates his transition from active politics. Although his tenure in the Senate nears its conclusion, Romney's statements offer an insight into his pragmatic approach -- advocating for Trump's chance to materialize campaign visions, despite his personal disparities.

As Romney prepares for his senatorial departure, his willingness to support the legitimacy of Trump's Cabinet echoes broader democratic principles. Amid contrasting personal values and political ideologies, Romney underscores the importance of democratic processes in shaping governance.

With his remarks, Romney not only reflects on his path but also emphasizes the significance of political responsibility, showed in both the electorate's choice and a Senate's evaluative role. In navigating these dynamics, Romney advocates for a balanced perspective -- one that recognizes electoral legitimacy and the potential inherent in granting a new administration its due course.