Things could get even more dicey this week in the narrowly GOP-controlled Senate, as multiple Cabinet picks set to testify have raised eyebrows among senators on both sides of the aisle.
Democrats were widely appalled by Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks, whom they described as dangerous and “historically unqualified.” Now even a few of Trump’s Republican congressional allies are “stunned and disgusted” over his second-term Cabinet picks,
Trump’s pick to lead the Central Intelligence Agency is John Ratcliffe, who formerly served as Director of National Intelligence in Trump’s first term. His confirmation hearing took place last week, during which he repeatedly said he would not hire or fire employees based on their political views.
So far, three people have been confirmed to Trump’s Cabinet: former Sen. Marco Rubio as the secretary of state, John Ratcliffe as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and Pete Hegseth as secretary of Defense.
But moving those nominees across the Senate floor will be no easy feat. It took two months to confirm the 15 department heads who made up President Joe Biden’s Cabinet. In 2017, Trump did not have his Cabinet in place until April 27, or three months after his inauguration.
President Donald Trump has kicked off his second term with a flurry of executive actions on immigration, the economy, DEI and more. Federal agencies are being directed to place all employees working on DEI programs and initiatives to be put on paid administrative leave by Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Trump announced Stephen Miller as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, plus the additional role of homeland security adviser. Miller was a senior adviser to Trump during his first administration and one of the architects of some of his most controversial immigration policies, including his family separation program.
Murkowski issued a statement on X earlier Wednesday similarly denouncing the pardons, calling the Capitol Police officers the “backbone of Congress.” She was one of seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial over the riot.
One by one, President-elect Donald Trump's hoped-for Cabinet is falling into place, even for his more controversial choices.
Back in 2016, Democrats were widely appalled by Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks ... they can only afford three GOP defections. Here’s the Senate confirmation hearing schedule so far, with ...
Donald Trump will huddle with House Republicans at a GOP retreat on Monday. Keep up with live updates from the USA TODAY Network.