Senate braces for intense confirmation hearings for Trump Cabinet picks

The Senate is set for a week of high-stakes confirmation hearings for President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees. The hearings, beginning Tuesday, are expected to range from smooth sailing for some nominees, like Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, to contentious debates over others, including Pete Hegseth for defense secretary.

A packed week of hearings

The schedule includes hearings for nominees across key departments:

• Tuesday: Pete Hegseth (Defense), Doug Collins (Veterans Affairs), Doug Burgum (Interior).
• Wednesday: Marco Rubio (State), Pam Bondi (Attorney General), Kristi Noem (Homeland Security), John Ratcliffe (CIA), Russell Vought (OMB), Sean Duffy (Transportation), Chris Wright (Energy).
• Thursday: Bondi (second day), Lee Zeldin (EPA), Scott Bessent (Treasury), Eric Scott Turner (HUD).

GOP seeks quick confirmations

With a Republican majority in the Senate, GOP leaders aim to confirm many of Trump’s nominees shortly after his inauguration on January 20. The party holds 53 seats, giving them a slim margin to confirm nominees without Democratic support.

Several nominees, like Rubio, are expected to garner bipartisan backing. Others, however, face strong opposition due to controversies and incomplete background checks.

High-profile challenges

• Pete Hegseth (Defense): Hegseth faces allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement, and excessive drinking. While some Republicans, including Sen. Joni Ernst, have expressed reservations, Ernst has since stated her support for a fair hearing.
• Tulsi Gabbard (Director of National Intelligence): Gabbard’s past dealings with foreign adversaries and shifting positions on surveillance laws have raised bipartisan concerns. Her hearing may be delayed due to incomplete background checks.
• Pam Bondi (Attorney General): A former Trump lawyer, Bondi is expected to face tough questions but has gained support among Senate Judiciary Republicans after other candidates faltered.
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Health Secretary): Kennedy’s controversial statements on public health policies have drawn scrutiny, complicating his path to confirmation.

Democratic pushback

Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, accuse Republicans of rushing the process without proper vetting. They have raised concerns about missing FBI background checks and Office of Government Ethics paperwork for nominees like Burgum, Wright, and Gabbard.

“When Republicans rush nominees without basic documentation, Americans must ask what they’re trying to hide,” Schumer said.

A test of GOP unity

While many nominees are expected to secure confirmation, the hearings will test the GOP’s ability to unite behind Trump’s picks amid bipartisan scrutiny. With some Republican senators expressing reservations and Democrats vowing to oppose controversial nominees, the coming days are likely to shape the early dynamics of Trump’s second term.