Trump's camp pressures Republican senators to approve controversial nominations

President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is increasing pressure on Republican senators to support controversial nominations to lead the Justice Department , Health and Human Services Department, the Pentagon and other key agencies. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance is leading the effort to shore up support from wavering GOP senators who were caught off guard by Trump’s most controversial cabinet picks, such as former Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general and anti-vaccine politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of health and human services, according to GOP lawmakers.

Newly elected US President Donald Trump. Photo: New York Times

A source familiar with Mr. Vance’s plans said Mr. Trump’s deputy will begin arranging meetings this week between key GOP senators and Mr. Gaetz. Mr. Vance will also arrange meetings between GOP senators and Pete Hegseth, Mr. Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense . Hegseth is a former major in the Minnesota National Guard and a Fox News anchor. The vice president-elect is doing a lot of lobbying behind the scenes in the Senate, according to a GOP lawmaker who asked not to be named. “I think he’s been with the entire Judiciary Committee and is calling people, trying to get a handle on the situation,” the person familiar noted. Mr. Vance is urging GOP senators to give Gaetz and Kennedy a “chance” or at least “listen to them” before making public statements about their qualifications for the job. Several GOP senators have said they are feeling increasing pressure to support Trump’s nominees. Trump allies warn that if they oppose the president-elect, they could face political risks, including primary challengers or losing support from Trump’s loyal base come election time. Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the Trump-Vance transition team, said the new administration wants to lay the groundwork for Trump’s cabinet picks to be approved more quickly, as soon as he is sworn in in January 2025.

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