WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — More Senate hearings have been scheduled for President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees, marking a significant week ahead for some of his more controversial picks.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s choice to run the Department of Health and Human Services, will have his first hearing Wednesday. Kennedy is a former Democratic presidential candidate who dropped out and endorsed Trump. His nomination alarmed some concerned about his record of spreading misinformation regarding vaccines.
On Thursday, Kennedy will have a second hearing before a different committee. Kash Patel, who is nominated to run the FBI, also has a hearing Thursday.
Former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is Trump’s choice for national intelligence director; she also has a hearing Thursday. Sources told NewsNation that Gabbard may face more issues with a smaller group of Republicans than Democrats.
Hearings are not yet scheduled for all of Trump’s picks, including Lori Chavez-DeRemer, nominated to lead the Department of Labor; Howard Lutnick, tapped to lead the Department of Commerce; and Linda McMahon, picked to lead the Department of Education.
Vance: Tulsi Gabbard will ‘restore trust’ in intel
Democratic senators have been scrutinizing Gabbard’s past support for deposed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, as well as her calls to pardon national security leaker Edward Snowden. While some Republicans appear willing to consider those concerns, many continue to defend Gabbard as a proud, patriotic figure who isn’t afraid to challenge the political establishment.
Gabbard’s path through Intelligence Committee narrows ahead of key hearing
“I’m going to see how the hearing goes. I’m inclined to be ‘yes’ on everybody, but there’s some questions she will be asked that I want to hear the answers to,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
“It’s fine for people to have policy differences and ask questions about those differences. I hope no one would impugn Ms. Gabbard’s patriotism or her integrity,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark.
“The bureaucrats at our intelligence services have gotten completely out of control. They’ve been part of the weaponization of our political system, the weaponization of our justice system. We need to have good intelligence services who keep us safe, but part of that is restoring trust in those services, and we think Tulsi is the right person to do it,” said Vice President JD Vance.
Overall, several Republican lawmakers told NewsNation they feel it’s their responsibility to support Trump’s nominees. However, some stated they will reserve judgment until hearing from the nominees.
Arrest quotas for ICE officers ‘a bad idea’: William Enyart
Pete Hegseth, Kristi Noem confirmed
Pete Hegseth was confirmed as the nation’s defense secretary late Friday. Vance broke a 50-50 tie to narrowly seal Hegseth’s confirmation. Three Republicans — Sens. Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, Susan Collins, of Maine; and Lisa Murkowski, of Alaska — also voted against him.
While Hegseth received bipartisan pushback against his nomination, Kristi Noem was confirmed as homeland security secretary on Saturday with bipartisan support, receiving seven Democratic votes.
