Kirkpatrick's appointment raised eyebrows among some of Ronald Reagan's close advisers, particularly those in the Kitchen Cabinet, who viewed her Democratic affiliation as a betrayal of Reagan's core principles. Their concerns reflected a broader apprehension about loyalty within the administration, as they expected only staunch Reagan supporters to hold key positions.

This tension highlights the challenges Reagan faced in balancing his diverse team while maintaining a unified front. Despite her capabilities, Kirkpatrick was perceived by some as an outsider, leading to division among those who believed her political background conflicted with the administration's conservative values.