Trump’s nominees need to be very careful dealing with these crooked Democrats.
As President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees prepare for their high-stakes Senate confirmation hearings next week, Senate Republicans are urging them to stay calm and composed, especially in the face of likely attacks from Democrats. The hearings, which will kick off after Trump’s inauguration on January 20, could determine the success of several key nominees, including Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has already faced significant hurdles during his confirmation process, including allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking, and mismanagement. Although Hegseth has strongly denied these claims, Senate Democrats are expected to bring them up once more during his confirmation hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee. Republicans are warning him—and all other nominees—to resist the temptation to engage in these partisan distractions.
Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) emphasized the importance of sticking to the facts and avoiding any missteps. “If it’s not true, say it’s not true,” he advised, drawing parallels to the contentious confirmation battle for Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018. Republicans are fully aware that their nominees need to maintain focus, as their success relies on securing enough GOP votes. “Be very, very careful not to jeopardize that support,” Cramer added.
The stakes are high for several other Trump nominees, including Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for Secretary of State, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for Attorney General, and Congressman John Ratcliffe for CIA Director. As these hearings unfold, Senate Republicans are urging their colleagues to stay steady under questioning. “The bigger challenge is making sure the president still has confidence in them when the hearings are over,” said Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), noting that the nominees must prove they are technically capable and prepared for the job.
Although some of Trump’s more controversial picks, like former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel, will not face hearings immediately, the focus will be on the nominees set to appear in the coming days. Republicans are hopeful that the nominees, especially Hegseth, will be able to successfully navigate the hostile questioning without stumbling. “He’s been on TV. He’s been in front of an audience before. I think he’ll do just fine,” Rounds said of Hegseth’s chances.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) shared a piece of advice that she believes all nominees should keep in mind as they face the Senate: “Don’t take the bait.” She recalled a time when a political opponent tried to undermine her, but her husband texted her a simple message: “Don’t take the bait.” In the midst of a heated political environment, Republicans are hoping their nominees will stay focused, avoid the distractions, and emerge victorious from the confirmation process. The success of these hearings will set the tone for the Trump administration’s early days in office and could determine how effectively his Cabinet can begin working on the president’s agenda.
