Key Republican senators are wavering in their support for several of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees, which could upend their confirmation prospects.
Four of Trump’s picks are facing scrutiny from within his own party:
- Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense
- Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services Secretary
- Kash Patel as FBI Director
Below 9 Republican senators are likely to vote against President Trump’s cabinet appointments:
- Lisa Murkowski
- Susan Collins
- Bill Cassidy
- Joni Ernst
- Thom Thillis
- John Cornyn
- Mitch McConnell
- Todd Young
- John Curtis
According to the Daily Caller’s Henry Rodgers, the threat extends beyond traditional GOP sceptics.
Rodgers noted that South Dakota Senators Mike Rounds, John Thune and Louisiana’s Bill Cassidy, have emerged as potential swing votes in the upcoming confirmation battles.
Hegseth’s nomination has been plagued with unproven sexual assault allegations.
Meanwhile, reports emerged that Trump is exploring a potential last-minute change to his Defense Secretary nomination, considering replacing Hegseth with former rival Ron DeSantis.
Media outlets are also reporting stories suggesting issues with alcohol and personal conduct.
RINOs have also used Gabbard’s previous meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad to raise concerns about her views on foreign policy.
However, Rodgers noted that Gabbard defended her position, stating, “I will never apologize for doing all that I can to prevent more of my brothers and sisters from being sent into harm’s way.”
RFK Jr.’s nomination also drew criticism about “scientific backing” for his claims about water fluoridation, despite it being proven true.
Kash Patel is also facing a battle over his intentions to reform the FBI following its investigations of Trump during his first term.
Senator Collins took a cautious approach regarding Patel, saying, “I don’t know Kash Patel. I had heard his name, but I don’t know his background, and I’m going to have to do a lot of work before reaching a decision on him.”
Senator Mike Lee of Utah urged colleagues to unite behind Trump’s choices, stating, “Donald Trump survived attempts to kill him and have him imprisoned through a perversion of America’s justice system.”
“The American people elected him again to smash Washington corruption with a hammer, and gave him a mandate to choose the right team to do it,” he continued, as highlighted by Rodgers.
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