The confirmation juggernaut: How Trump is getting everything he wants in building his Cabinet
is expected to confirm Gabbard and Kennedy on party-line votes later this week.
President Trump is getting what he wants, despite the initial doubts surrounding some of his nominees. The confirmation juggernaut in the Senate has seen previously controversial picks sail through the process with the help of Vice President JD Vance and key Republican senators.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s nomination for attorney general was withdrawn last November, but now, the Senate has confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and is on track to confirm Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary.
Republican senators have largely stuck together to support Trump’s nominees, fearing potential backlash from the president and his supporters. Some, like Sen. Joni Ernst and Sen. Todd Young, initially had reservations but ultimately came around after reassurances from the administration and discussions with key officials.
Vance, in particular, has played a crucial role in convincing skeptical Republicans to support controversial nominees. His quiet, behind-the-scenes work has helped salvage nominations that were once on shaky ground.
The Senate has confirmed 13 of Trump’s nominees so far, with bipartisan support for most. However, Democrats are pushing back against nominees like Gabbard and Kennedy, citing objections to their positions and the administration’s actions regarding USAID and budget cuts.
Despite the challenges, President Trump is on track to fill his cabinet with the people he wants, thanks to the support of key Republican senators and Vice President JD Vance’s strategic efforts to build consensus. The confirmation process may not always be smooth, but for now, Trump is getting what he wants.
