WASHINGTON — The Cabinet for the president-elect is steadily forming as nominations are moving towards confirmation. Recently, Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Defense Secretary was deemed precarious, yet following a heated Senate hearing addressing his past statements on women in combat and concerns about his management experience, he seems on track for approval. The hearing also scrutinized his drinking habits, but improved support now positions him favorably for confirmation.
On Wednesday, other nominees from President-elect Donald Trump proceeded through confirmation hearings, bolstered by supportive Senate Republicans. Despite facing Democratic resistance, these nominees continued to advance, with potential FBI director Kash Patel making an appearance at a private Senate GOP lunch.
Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, the GOP whip, characterized the nominees as “bold choices” and expressed confidence that the Senate would initiate voting on Inauguration Day, January 20, for Trump’s selections. However, some choices regarded as controversial, including Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., have not yet been seen by the Senate for questioning. Once they appear, they will need to navigate skepticism from both Republican and Democratic senators.
A letter circulated on Wednesday by an organization led by Donald Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, voiced serious concerns about Kennedy’s stance on abortion and urged senators to reject his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services. In contrast, Hegseth’s ability to counter criticisms and leverage support from prominent figures, including billionaire Elon Musk, showcases the new administration’s determination to push forward its agenda. Trump ally Charlie Kirk warned any Senate GOP member opposing Hegseth’s confirmation might face primary challenges.
Hegseth, along with others, is anticipated to face a vote from the Senate Armed Services Committee on Monday, moving his nomination to the broader Senate. His confirmation could follow later that week. Support from GOP Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran, helped Hegseth overcome significant challenges regarding his nomination. As Ernst herself received political backlash for wavering on Hegseth, this further signals the tightrope others must walk in deciding their votes.
Meanwhile, during a series of hearings, Pam Bondi, Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, answered intense questioning about her views on the 2020 election results. Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut pressed her on the necessity of being candid about the election integrity and the January 6 insurrection, highlighting the importance of an Attorney General who can assert independence from presidential influence.
Furthermore, Russ Vought, who is nominated to lead the White House Office of Management and Budget, was queried about releasing congressionally sanctioned funds for Ukraine, to which he assured his allegiance to upholding the law. In another exchange, California Senator Alex Padilla questioned Energy nominee Chris Wright regarding his past remarks on climate issues, which drew significant attention following recent devastating wildfires in Southern California.
With Trump set to be inaugurated and officially submit his Cabinet nominations on Monday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated readiness for prompt voting on nominees. Among the first could be Senator Marco Rubio, now the pick for Secretary of State, who highlighted an “America First” foreign policy approach during his own hearing. His familiarity and status in the Senate are likely to garner substantial bipartisan support, potentially leading to a swift confirmation.
Other nominees, including Hegseth, may encounter a more challenging confirmation journey given the slim Republican majority in the Senate at 53-47, temporarily reduced to 52. This means that Trump’s nominees require the backing of nearly all GOP senators to secure a majority against Democratic objections. Expect procedural delays from Democrats, which may extend the confirmation timeline for Hegseth and others into the following week.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer acknowledged the limitations of the minority party, recognizing the difficulty in stalling Trump’s desired appointments while emphasizing the need to document the records of these nominees. As the hearings proceed, he underscored the significance of accountability even if confirmations happen ultimately.
