Assessing the Health of Donald Trump's Nominees
An update on the performance of 18 leading selections in the Senate.
TroibNews 
President-elect Donald Trump’s key nominees are set to face intense scrutiny from the Senate.
The confirmation hearings commence on Tuesday, and while some of Trump’s more controversial choices seem likely to secure approval, others are struggling to gain the necessary support, as indicated by discussions with several GOP senators and aides.
The upcoming questioning sessions could prove pivotal: “Right now, I think it looks like smooth sailing, but sometimes unexpected things happen,” stated Sen. John Cornyn.
With a 53-seat majority and incoming Vice President JD Vance on hand to break any tie votes, the nominees could face challenges if more than three GOP senators withdraw their backing. A number of Republican senators, under close observation from their peers, have been cautious to remain publicly neutral regarding several nominees.
Additionally, Republicans are experiencing significant public pressure to expedite the confirmation process, as Trump may publicly criticize any GOP member who appears hesitant, with some allies hinting at possible primary challenges.
Here’s a roundup of 18 of Trump’s most notable nominees:
**Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense**
*Tuesday, Jan. 14, 9:30 a.m., Senate Armed Services Committee*
Hegseth was initially facing significant obstacles due to allegations of sexual assault and alcohol abuse, but he has fought back by denying any wrongdoing and utilizing a MAGA pressure campaign to regain traction. This hearing could be crucial for his confirmation, with many anticipating that the public questioning will bring up his past controversies. Trump has remained supportive, and allies have warned that they will challenge any Republican senators who falter. Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted that Hegseth “has a path” to confirmation, though that is far from certain.
**Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services**
*Date TBA, Senate Finance and HELP Committees*
Kennedy faces the most precarious situation among Trump’s nominees, primarily due to his controversial views on various issues. Senate HELP Chair Bill Cassidy described a recent meeting with Kennedy as “frank,” but he did not indicate whether he would support the nomination. Kennedy's skepticism about vaccinations has drawn scrutiny, particularly from Cassidy, along with Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitch McConnell. The nominations could hinge significantly on whether Kennedy can attract any Democratic support.
**Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence**
*Date TBA, Senate Intelligence Committee*
Initial predictions suggested Gabbard would encounter significant difficulties in confirmation due to her critical stance on the national security establishment. However, some GOP senators have had positive private interactions with her, suggesting a potential turnaround for her nomination. Yet her fate is uncertain, heavily tied to her upcoming committee hearing, including a closed session. “Her chances decrease as Hegseth’s improve,” shared a source familiar with the discussions regarding her nomination, indicating that Republicans are wary but do not want to jeopardize multiple nominees.
**Kash Patel, FBI Director**
*Date TBA, Senate Judiciary Committee*
Patel’s nomination to lead the FBI has been controversial, particularly as it involves the potential ousting of Director Chris Wray before the conclusion of his term. Patel has since worked to reassure Republican skeptics through individual meetings. Republican leaders believe he could be confirmed, although he is expected to face inquiries about how he would handle the FBI's role in political matters.
**Pam Bondi, Attorney General**
*Wednesday, Jan. 15, 9:30 a.m., Senate Judiciary Committee*
Bondi’s background as a former Florida attorney general has garnered more favorable responses from Senate Republicans compared to Trump’s initial pick. This has bolstered her confirmation prospects, although it is unlikely she will win substantial Democratic support given her close alignment with Trump. Sen. Dick Durbin expressed doubts about her capability, underscoring the Democrats’ concerns regarding her loyalty to the president over impartiality as attorney general.
**Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary**
*Wednesday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m., Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee*
Noem is expected to lead Trump’s initiatives on immigration following controversies regarding her past comments. Though Democrats have expressed reservations about her views, her nomination has not attracted much attention in the Senate as she prepares for her hearing.
**Doug Burgum, Interior Secretary**
*Thursday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m., Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee*
Burgum is likely to be confirmed with bipartisan support, despite a recent partisan clash in committee. With the expectation of heated exchanges over Trump’s energy policies, Burgum’s confirmation is still anticipated to proceed without major obstacles.
**Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Labor Secretary**
*Date TBA, Senate HELP Committee*
Chavez-DeRemer could represent a potential bipartisan collaboration, having previously co-sponsored significant labor legislation. Despite some support, most Republicans are expected to oppose her as they look for a nominee focused on rolling back Biden-era regulations.
**Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary**
*Wednesday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m., Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee*
Former Congressman Duffy appears positioned for a smooth confirmation, with some Democrats expressing support. He will oversee critical issues faced by the department, including aviation safety.
**Marco Rubio, Secretary of State**
*Wednesday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m., Senate Foreign Relations Committee*
Rubio arguably stands the best chance of confirmation, bolstered by his established relationships and experience in international affairs. Several Senate Democrats have already indicated their willingness to support his nomination.
**Chris Wright, Energy Secretary**
*Wednesday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m., Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee*
Wright's views align closely with Trump’s and are expected to encounter resistance from Democrats, yet he appears acceptable to Republican senators eager to confirm his nomination quickly.
**Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary**
*Thursday, Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m., Senate Finance Committee*
Bessent has earned Republican backing and may attract some moderate Democratic support. Noted for his ties to Wall Street, he is expected to navigate smoothly through the confirmation process.
**Elise Stefanik, United Nations Ambassador**
*Thursday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m., Senate Foreign Relations Committee*
Stefanik is likely to receive confirmation quickly, aided by her past relationships with senators on both sides despite tensions during her congressional service.
**Scott Turner, Housing and Urban Development Secretary**
*Thursday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m., Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee*
Turner’s previous roles make him a lower-profile nominee facing Democratic inquiries about potential shifts in HUD’s direction, but he is not expected to encounter significant opposition from Republicans.
**Doug Collins, Veterans Affairs Secretary**
*Date TBA, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee*
Collins’ nomination is regarded as a safe bet, but he is expected to face questioning regarding the future of the Veterans Affairs department.
**Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary**
*Date TBA, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee*
Lutnick has received support from Republicans and has even garnered some favorable remarks from Senate Democrats, reflecting his perceived capabilities in carrying out Trump’s commerce initiatives.
**Linda McMahon, Education Secretary**
*Date TBA, Senate HELP Committee*
McMahon’s background as a Trump ally could facilitate her path to confirmation, as many Republican senators appreciate her previous experience in a federal role.
**Brooke Rollins, Agriculture Secretary**
*Date TBA, Senate Agriculture Committee*
Rollins is viewed as a likely nominee with bipartisan support but has faced delays in the scheduling of her hearing, impacting her timeline for confirmation.
Contributors to this report include Jasper Goodman, Meredith Lee Hill, Eleanor Mueller, and John Sakellariadis.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
The confirmation hearings commence on Tuesday, and while some of Trump’s more controversial choices seem likely to secure approval, others are struggling to gain the necessary support, as indicated by discussions with several GOP senators and aides.
The upcoming questioning sessions could prove pivotal: “Right now, I think it looks like smooth sailing, but sometimes unexpected things happen,” stated Sen. John Cornyn.
With a 53-seat majority and incoming Vice President JD Vance on hand to break any tie votes, the nominees could face challenges if more than three GOP senators withdraw their backing. A number of Republican senators, under close observation from their peers, have been cautious to remain publicly neutral regarding several nominees.
Additionally, Republicans are experiencing significant public pressure to expedite the confirmation process, as Trump may publicly criticize any GOP member who appears hesitant, with some allies hinting at possible primary challenges.
Here’s a roundup of 18 of Trump’s most notable nominees:
**Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense**
*Tuesday, Jan. 14, 9:30 a.m., Senate Armed Services Committee*
Hegseth was initially facing significant obstacles due to allegations of sexual assault and alcohol abuse, but he has fought back by denying any wrongdoing and utilizing a MAGA pressure campaign to regain traction. This hearing could be crucial for his confirmation, with many anticipating that the public questioning will bring up his past controversies. Trump has remained supportive, and allies have warned that they will challenge any Republican senators who falter. Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted that Hegseth “has a path” to confirmation, though that is far from certain.
**Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services**
*Date TBA, Senate Finance and HELP Committees*
Kennedy faces the most precarious situation among Trump’s nominees, primarily due to his controversial views on various issues. Senate HELP Chair Bill Cassidy described a recent meeting with Kennedy as “frank,” but he did not indicate whether he would support the nomination. Kennedy's skepticism about vaccinations has drawn scrutiny, particularly from Cassidy, along with Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitch McConnell. The nominations could hinge significantly on whether Kennedy can attract any Democratic support.
**Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence**
*Date TBA, Senate Intelligence Committee*
Initial predictions suggested Gabbard would encounter significant difficulties in confirmation due to her critical stance on the national security establishment. However, some GOP senators have had positive private interactions with her, suggesting a potential turnaround for her nomination. Yet her fate is uncertain, heavily tied to her upcoming committee hearing, including a closed session. “Her chances decrease as Hegseth’s improve,” shared a source familiar with the discussions regarding her nomination, indicating that Republicans are wary but do not want to jeopardize multiple nominees.
**Kash Patel, FBI Director**
*Date TBA, Senate Judiciary Committee*
Patel’s nomination to lead the FBI has been controversial, particularly as it involves the potential ousting of Director Chris Wray before the conclusion of his term. Patel has since worked to reassure Republican skeptics through individual meetings. Republican leaders believe he could be confirmed, although he is expected to face inquiries about how he would handle the FBI's role in political matters.
**Pam Bondi, Attorney General**
*Wednesday, Jan. 15, 9:30 a.m., Senate Judiciary Committee*
Bondi’s background as a former Florida attorney general has garnered more favorable responses from Senate Republicans compared to Trump’s initial pick. This has bolstered her confirmation prospects, although it is unlikely she will win substantial Democratic support given her close alignment with Trump. Sen. Dick Durbin expressed doubts about her capability, underscoring the Democrats’ concerns regarding her loyalty to the president over impartiality as attorney general.
**Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary**
*Wednesday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m., Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee*
Noem is expected to lead Trump’s initiatives on immigration following controversies regarding her past comments. Though Democrats have expressed reservations about her views, her nomination has not attracted much attention in the Senate as she prepares for her hearing.
**Doug Burgum, Interior Secretary**
*Thursday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m., Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee*
Burgum is likely to be confirmed with bipartisan support, despite a recent partisan clash in committee. With the expectation of heated exchanges over Trump’s energy policies, Burgum’s confirmation is still anticipated to proceed without major obstacles.
**Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Labor Secretary**
*Date TBA, Senate HELP Committee*
Chavez-DeRemer could represent a potential bipartisan collaboration, having previously co-sponsored significant labor legislation. Despite some support, most Republicans are expected to oppose her as they look for a nominee focused on rolling back Biden-era regulations.
**Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary**
*Wednesday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m., Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee*
Former Congressman Duffy appears positioned for a smooth confirmation, with some Democrats expressing support. He will oversee critical issues faced by the department, including aviation safety.
**Marco Rubio, Secretary of State**
*Wednesday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m., Senate Foreign Relations Committee*
Rubio arguably stands the best chance of confirmation, bolstered by his established relationships and experience in international affairs. Several Senate Democrats have already indicated their willingness to support his nomination.
**Chris Wright, Energy Secretary**
*Wednesday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m., Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee*
Wright's views align closely with Trump’s and are expected to encounter resistance from Democrats, yet he appears acceptable to Republican senators eager to confirm his nomination quickly.
**Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary**
*Thursday, Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m., Senate Finance Committee*
Bessent has earned Republican backing and may attract some moderate Democratic support. Noted for his ties to Wall Street, he is expected to navigate smoothly through the confirmation process.
**Elise Stefanik, United Nations Ambassador**
*Thursday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m., Senate Foreign Relations Committee*
Stefanik is likely to receive confirmation quickly, aided by her past relationships with senators on both sides despite tensions during her congressional service.
**Scott Turner, Housing and Urban Development Secretary**
*Thursday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m., Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee*
Turner’s previous roles make him a lower-profile nominee facing Democratic inquiries about potential shifts in HUD’s direction, but he is not expected to encounter significant opposition from Republicans.
**Doug Collins, Veterans Affairs Secretary**
*Date TBA, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee*
Collins’ nomination is regarded as a safe bet, but he is expected to face questioning regarding the future of the Veterans Affairs department.
**Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary**
*Date TBA, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee*
Lutnick has received support from Republicans and has even garnered some favorable remarks from Senate Democrats, reflecting his perceived capabilities in carrying out Trump’s commerce initiatives.
**Linda McMahon, Education Secretary**
*Date TBA, Senate HELP Committee*
McMahon’s background as a Trump ally could facilitate her path to confirmation, as many Republican senators appreciate her previous experience in a federal role.
**Brooke Rollins, Agriculture Secretary**
*Date TBA, Senate Agriculture Committee*
Rollins is viewed as a likely nominee with bipartisan support but has faced delays in the scheduling of her hearing, impacting her timeline for confirmation.
Contributors to this report include Jasper Goodman, Meredith Lee Hill, Eleanor Mueller, and John Sakellariadis.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
