'All the options' are on the table to get Trump's Cabinet picks through confirmation, says Sen. John Thune
Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune said "all the options" are on the table to get President-elect Trump’s Cabinet picks through the confirmation process amid concern some appointees won’t receive enough votes to be confirmed.
Recently, Trump announced key nominations, including Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) told Fox News that Senate Republicans aim to expedite Trump's appointments to implement his agenda, emphasizing their constitutional role in confirmation but pledging not to let Democrats obstruct these picks.
The nomination of Gaetz, who recently resigned from Congress amid unresolved allegations of misconduct (which he denies), has sparked bipartisan surprise and some skepticism. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) called it an unexpected choice, questioning Gaetz’s seriousness for the role.
Thune acknowledged the option of “recess appointments” if nominees struggle for Senate approval but noted this requires cooperation from both Republican senators and the House. He stressed that nominees deserve a full confirmation process, with Republicans determined to secure Trump’s choices in line with the mandate voters gave him.
"The people want change, and Trump is here to deliver that," Thune stated, affirming the importance of thoroughly vetting nominees while respecting the president's cabinet preferences.