Some of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees are set to face Senate confirmation hearings this week, marking the first step in determining whether they will join his administration.
Who’s Up First?
Pete Hegseth, tapped for Secretary of Defense, and Doug Collins, the nominee for Veterans Affairs, are slated to appear before the Senate committees starting Tuesday morning. Hearings will continue through the week, with several high-profile nominees on the docket.
Why It Matters
Trump’s Cabinet selections are integral to advancing his agenda, but Senate approval is required before they can assume office. If nominees fail to secure enough votes, Trump must nominate alternatives, which could delay his plans and consume valuable political capital.
What to Watch For
While Republicans hold a narrow Senate majority (52-48), nominees can only afford to lose two GOP votes. This tight margin heightens the stakes for contentious candidates like Pete Hegseth, who faces sexual assault allegations. Senate Democrats have pledged to scrutinize every nominee rigorously.
Confirmation Hearing Schedule
January 14
- 9 a.m.: Doug Collins (Veterans Affairs Committee)
- 9:30 a.m.: Pete Hegseth (Armed Services Committee)
- 10 a.m.: Doug Burgum (Energy and Natural Resources Committee)
January 15
- 9 a.m.: Kristi Noem (Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee)
- 9:30 a.m.: Pam Bondi (Judiciary Committee)
- 10 a.m.: Marco Rubio (Foreign Relations Committee)
- 10 a.m.: John Ratcliffe (Intelligence Committee)
- 10 a.m.: Sean Duffy (Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee)
- 10 a.m.: Chris Wright (Energy and Natural Resources Committee)
- 1 p.m.: Russell Vought (Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee)
January 16
- 10 a.m.: Scott Turner (Banking, Housing, and Urban Development Committee)
- 10 a.m.: Lee Zeldin (Environment and Public Works Committee)
- 10:15 a.m.: Pam Bondi (Judiciary Committee)
- 10:30 a.m.: Scott Bessent (Finance Committee)
Awaiting Scheduling
Several nominees still lack confirmed hearing dates, including:
- Brooke Rollins
- Howard Lutnick
- Lori Chavez-DeRemer
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Linda McMahon
- Jamieson Greer
- Tulsi Gabbard
- Elise Stefanik
Key Quotes
- Donald Trump on Pete Hegseth: “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” (Truth Social)
- Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND): “While his credentials may not align with traditional nominees, Hegseth brings a unique perspective that could be disruptive in a positive way.”
What’s Next
President-elect Trump will officially take office on January 20. Cabinet members confirmed by then will join him in the White House. If any nominees are rejected, Trump will need to appoint replacements after his inauguration.
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