Trump Team Looking To Be Bipartisan?
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assemble his Cabinet for his second term, his team is making a concerted effort to garner bipartisan support for nominees who may not be as controversial. One nominee of particular focus is Scott Turner, chosen for the position of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). According to reports, Trump’s advisers are hoping Turner can win some support from Democrats, including a scheduled meeting with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), the incoming ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee.
Turner, a former NFL player, previously led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term, where he was instrumental in advocating for policies aimed at improving economic opportunities for underserved communities. His extensive background in both business and community development positions him as a candidate who could bridge divides between both parties.
Warren’s office confirmed that she plans to meet with all key nominees who will appear before the Banking Committee, noting her approach will be to assess each nominee’s track record, particularly their stance on fighting special interests and promoting policies that benefit working Americans. While Warren’s positions often align with the left-wing of the Democratic Party, her willingness to engage with certain nominees suggests a more pragmatic approach as Senate Democrats seem less inclined to engage in the fierce confirmation battles that marked Trump’s first term.
Other Democrats, including Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.), have expressed interest in engaging with nominees, showing a shift in strategy. Senator Kim, for instance, emphasized the importance of working to make the American Dream of homeownership attainable for all Americans, underscoring the importance of bipartisan cooperation in tackling housing challenges.
While some of Trump’s nominees, such as Pete Hegseth for Defense and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services, are likely to face significant opposition from Democrats, others are gaining support. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, nominated for Secretary of State, and Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, nominated for Labor Secretary, are expected to garner backing from some Democratic senators as well.
The approach by Senate Democrats reflects a desire to avoid the gridlock that often ensues when both parties remain entrenched in partisan battles. As Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) remarked, the mood among Senate Democrats is different this time around. There is a recognition that constant opposition is counterproductive, and it’s more effective to focus on real concerns rather than opposing every nominee out of reflex. This shift suggests that there could be more opportunities for bipartisan cooperation in confirming Trump’s Cabinet picks this time around.
