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3. The Trump Team Takes Shape: Part 1 – Nominations Requiring Senate Confirmation

The week leading up to the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20 was marked by a marathon of Senate hearings. The nominees for the new Cabinet were questioned to secure confirmation from the senators. This is Beirut provides an overview of the confirmation process and the candidates undergoing this scrutiny.

President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in on Monday, January 20, officially signaling his return to power. In the lead-up to the inauguration, Senate confirmation hearings have begun, giving the public a chance to watch committees evaluate Trump’s nominees and their suitability for their designated roles. But how does the confirmation process work? And, more importantly, which members of Trump’s new administration are subject to it?

The Senate Confirmation Process

The United States Senate serves as the upper chamber of Congress, comprising 100 members—two from each state—elected by direct popular vote for six-year terms. Alongside the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress, it forms the legislative branch of the federal government. The Senate meets in the north wing of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., while the south wing houses the House of Representatives.

In the United States, the Constitution mandates that certain presidential appointments be approved by a Senate vote. A new president is tasked with filling over 1,200 executive branch positions, requiring the Senate's advice and consent, according to the Center for Presidential Transition. These appointments primarily include key roles such as department heads (similar to ministers), judges, ambassadors, as well as the directors of the FBI and CIA, and various secretaries.

However, Senate confirmation is not required for members of the president's team working closely with him in the White House, such as advisors and special envoys.

The vetting process is based on FBI investigations, including a personal financial disclosure report and a background check.

During these public Senate hearings, nominees face direct and often tough questions from lawmakers across both parties, Republican and Democrat. This will be an opportunity, particularly for Democrats, to hold Trump’s nominees accountable and challenge his agenda.

These hearings can last for several hours, with committee members asking candidates about their backgrounds and political views.

Once the hearings are complete, the nomination may be scheduled for a vote by the full Senate, according to the Center for Presidential Transition.

To be confirmed, a nominee must receive a simple majority in the Senate, meaning 51 votes or more out of 100 senators.

Currently, Republicans hold the majority in the Senate, with 53 seats to the Democrats' 47. This means most of Trump's appointments are likely to be confirmed without much difficulty shortly after he takes office on January 20. For less controversial nominations, the process could be quick and straightforward. However, for more contentious ones, the process may be longer and the battle more intense, especially if some Republican senators oppose them.

If the Senate rejects a nomination, the individual cannot assume the Cabinet position. The last time this occurred was in 1989, under George H. W. Bush. He nominated former Senator John Tower as Secretary of Defense, but the nomination sparked controversy due to Tower's issues with money, alcohol, and women.

Thirteen hearings were held on January 14, 15, and 16. A session is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, the day after Donald Trump’s inauguration, with more hearings to be scheduled in the coming weeks.

In his first term, Donald Trump largely relied on the Republican establishment to appoint experienced individuals to key positions. This time, however, the president-elect has mostly selected loyalists and financial supporters. Who are the key figures appointed to positions in the new Trump administration, and which ones are generating the most controversy?

Nominees subject to Senate confirmation
 

 

Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense

Nominated by Donald Trump as Secretary of Defense, 44-year-old Pete Hegseth was the first candidate to undergo a hearing, and his nomination has sparked significant controversy. A former National Guard veteran and Fox News host, he testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, January 14.

For more than four hours, he was pressed to respond to allegations of sexual assault, alcohol abuse, misogyny, and financial misconduct. The conservative denied the charges and deflected the probing questions as much as possible. "A small group of anonymous sources orchestrated a smear campaign against me," he said.

Upon the announcement of his nomination, Pete Hegseth vowed to completely overhaul the Pentagon, which he believed had become too "woke" and aligned with left-wing ideology. He proposed firing certain generals and reinstating the ban on transgender individuals enlisting in the military. However, his critics pointed out his lack of experience in leading the world's most powerful military.

"I don't believe you're qualified to meet the demands of this position," declared Democratic Senator Jack Reed.
Pete Hegseth, referencing Donald Trump, said, "He, like me, wants a Pentagon laser-focused on warfighting, lethality, meritocracy, standards, and readiness. That's it. That is my job."
He made this statement before the committee, despite repeated interruptions from the audience by protestors to the war in Gaza.
"Can we truly rely on calling Hegseth at 2 AM to make life-or-death decisions about national security? No," countered Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren.
In early December, Trump reiterated his support for Pete Hegseth, asserting that his support among Republican senators was "strong and deep." He added that Hegseth's primary mission would be to "restore the warrior culture" at the Pentagon.

Pam Bondi, Attorney General

Pam Bondi, nominated for the position of Attorney General, was among the candidates closely examined in the week leading up to Donald Trump's inauguration. She appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. Despite facing tough questioning from Democrats, her nomination is expected to be confirmed. If the Senate approves her appointment, Bondi will oversee three of Trump's personal lawyers, who have been appointed to key positions within the Department of Justice.

Pam Bondi, 59, previously served as the Attorney General of Florida before joining the conservative think tank America First Policy Institute. She was appointed to this role after Trump's first choice, former Congressman Matt Gaetz, withdrew his candidacy following intense criticism, particularly over his lack of experience.

With more than 20 years of experience as a prosecutor in Florida, Pam Bondi is well-prepared to address these concerns. She was also part of Donald Trump's legal team during his 2020 Senate impeachment trial. "For too long, the Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans. That ends now," Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

On Tuesday, Special Prosecutor Jack Smith released a report suggesting that Donald Trump would have been convicted for illicit attempts to overturn the 2020 election results if he had not won the presidential race last November.

John Ratcliffe, CIA Director

John Ratcliffe, 59, former Director of National Intelligence and Texas Representative, is poised to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). A key figure in the Republican right, he has earned respect for his strong commitment to defending Americans' constitutional rights.

During his testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday, Ratcliffe’s nomination seemed to clear the path for his confirmation as the next CIA Director.

The discussion covered various topics, including intelligence gathering, global threats to the United States, and some of Ratcliffe’s actions as Director of National Intelligence at the close of Trump’s first term.

Ratcliffe assured senators that he would maintain the CIA's apolitical stance. Known for his firm positions against China and its Communist Party, he called for heightened surveillance of the Asian power during his confirmation hearing.

"Understand that the nation that wins the race in emerging technologies today will dominate the world of tomorrow," he emphasized in his remarks.

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio has been chosen by Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of State, a significant step following their rivalry in the 2016 Republican primaries. Born in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents, Rubio is known for his strong positions against China and Iran, his staunch defense of Taiwan’s sovereignty, and his unwavering support for Israel.

Widely regarded as a respected and unifying figure, Rubio enjoys bipartisan support. During his remarks on Wednesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he serves as a member, he received praise from senators who commended his deep expertise in foreign policy.

"Under President Trump, the top priority of the US State Department will be the United States," Rubio stated firmly.

He went on to stress that "the 21st century will be defined by the relationship between the United States and China," reaffirming his long-held belief that the US must take a stronger stance to counter China’s influence.

If confirmed by the Senate, Marco Rubio will oversee the world’s largest diplomatic network, with more than 55,000 employees, and will represent the US on the global stage. As Secretary of State, he will lead efforts to implement Donald Trump’s vision of "peace through strength," reviving a traditional realpolitik approach to American diplomacy.

Kash Patel, FBI Director

Kash Patel, Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has pledged to dismantle the agency he would be tasked with running. In his 2023 book, Patel declared that “senior FBI officials will be fired” if he takes charge. He also outlined plans to shutter the FBI’s headquarters in downtown Washington, drastically reduce its influence, and refocus its mission.

A polarizing figure, the former attorney Kash Patel appeals to Trump for their mutual disdain of Washington’s entrenched bureaucracy. His appointment would require the ousting of current FBI Director Christopher Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017 and has three years remaining in his ten-year term. Wray preemptively announced on December 11 that he would resign if Trump returned to the White House.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on Thursday for Kash Patel to address his past support for conspiracy theories, including QAnon.

Patel has ties to the far-right QAnon movement, which the FBI has identified as a potential driver of violence. He is also a vocal supporter of the "Deep State" conspiracy theory, which claims that the country is secretly controlled by a shadowy network of financiers, intelligence agents, politicians, senior officials, lobbyists, and mainstream media. According to this belief, the group operates in its own interests, steering national policy and undermining the executive branch.

Democrats have voiced concerns that under Patel’s leadership, the FBI could be weaponized against political opponents of the incoming president and members of the press.

Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi was pressed on the matter, as she would oversee the FBI. Senators questioned her about reports suggesting that Patel had allegedly drawn up an "enemies list" of Biden administration officials and Democrats he planned to investigate during a second Trump presidency.

Pam Bondi, in turn, defended Patel, telling the Judiciary Committee that she did not believe such a list existed. She also emphasized Patel's experience within the Intelligence and Defense departments.

A staunch ally of Donald Trump and a prominent figure in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, Patel held multiple roles in the previous Republican administration. These included Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Counterterrorism Advisor at the National Security Council, Senior Advisor to the Director of National Intelligence, and Federal Prosecutor at the Department of Justice.

Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

Former representative from New York, Lee Zeldin, was questioned about climate change, environmental regulations, and energy production during his hearing on Thursday.

In his testimony, which lasted just over three hours, Zeldin stated that Americans deserve a clean environment "without stifling the economy." If confirmed, he would lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a crucial department in Donald Trump’s push to cut federal regulations and promote the growth of the oil and gas industries.

While Zeldin avoided committing to specific policies, he emphasized that he wouldn’t prejudge outcomes before officially taking the helm of the EPA.

However, he hesitated when asked about the EPA’s role in reducing the US's reliance on fossil fuels, acknowledging that climate change is real and poses a serious threat.

Chris Wright, Energy Secretary

A climate skeptic, Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy and backed by American oil companies, is Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Energy, with a focus on deregulating the sector.

In his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Wednesday, Wright stated his support for all American energy sources, while also acknowledging that fossil fuel combustion contributes to climate change.

Wright founded Liberty Energy in 2011, a company specializing in hydraulic fracturing, a method of hydrocarbon extraction that is particularly polluting. He has long been one of the industry's most vocal opponents of efforts to combat climate change, believing that increased fossil fuel production could help lift people out of poverty worldwide.

His confirmation hearing was repeatedly interrupted by opponents voicing concerns about his positions and his ties to the fossil fuel industry.

Chris Wright is also reported to be a member of the newly created National Energy Council by Donald Trump, which is tasked with "overseeing the path to US energy dominance."

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic member of the House of Representatives, ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries. In October 2022, she left the Democratic Party and, by August 2024, actively supported Donald Trump's campaign. She was briefly considered as a potential running mate for Trump.

A lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve with service in Iraq, Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation hearing for the position of Director of National Intelligence was postponed until the week after the new president's inauguration due to administrative reasons. She is expected to appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee, which requires candidates to submit their documents at least one week prior to the hearing.

Her nomination has drawn criticism due to her lack of intelligence experience and pro-Russian stance. Gabbard garnered attention following a 2017 trip to Syria, where she met with former president Bashar al-Assad. While she initially defended the meeting as a "fact-finding mission," by 2019, she revised her position, calling Assad a "brutal dictator."

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, Secretary of Health and Human Services

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated to head the Department of Health and Human Services, is a former environmental attorney without scientific credentials. At 70, he is the son of the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy.

Kennedy's political journey began as a member of the Democratic Party, where he ran for the presidential nomination before leaving the party and later backing Donald Trump.

His nomination has drawn opposition from both sides of the political spectrum due to his spread of misinformation regarding vaccines, especially during the 2019 measles outbreak. Known for his vaccine skepticism, Kennedy has also promoted conspiracy theories about Covid-19 vaccines and purported links between vaccines and autism. He has additionally called for an end to the fluoridation of drinking water, a controversial public health measure widely credited with significantly reducing dental cavities.

The date for his confirmation hearing is still pending.

Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security

Kristi Noem, Governor of South Dakota, has been chosen by Donald Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security. During her confirmation hearing on Friday before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, she addressed a range of topics, including border security, domestic terrorism, and disaster relief efforts.

Noem referred to the US-Mexico border as a "war zone," emphasizing her commitment to backing Trump's "Remain in Mexico" policy. "The challenges ahead are enormous, and securing our borders against illegal trafficking and unauthorized immigration is essential," she asserted.

She further promised, "Under my leadership, the Department of Homeland Security will ensure that disaster relief is provided to the American people without any political bias."

At 53, Noem became governor in 2018 after serving eight years in the US House of Representatives. She had been considered as a potential vice-presidential candidate for Trump early in the campaign. A steadfast ally of the president-elect, she is expected to oversee crucial areas like customs and border protection—key priorities for this administration. Despite some criticism for her strong positions, Trump regards her as an unwavering defender of American security interests. Thus far, she enjoys significant support from Republican senators.

Elise Stefanik, US Ambassador to the United Nations

Elise Stefanik, the representative from New York, has been selected to serve as the US Ambassador to the United Nations. Widely recognized for her unwavering loyalty to Trump and her conservative stance, she is also known for her fierce defense of the president and her sharp criticism of the U.N., which she frequently accuses of antisemitism.

Alongside Senator Marco Rubio, nominated as Secretary of State, Stefanik stands as a key figure through whom Trump aims to realign US foreign policy. Her tenure at the U.N. is expected to be marked by a more combative approach, one that challenges the multilateral norms of the United Nations more directly than her predecessor, while positioning US foreign policy as less reliant on international consensus. Although she is likely to adopt a less confrontational stance toward Russia, her approach to China will continue to prioritize competition over cooperation.

With limited experience in foreign policy, Stefanik aligns closely with Donald Trump’s positions, particularly on Israel and Ukraine. A vocal supporter of Israel’s right to self-defense, she addressed the Knesset in May 2024, calling for unconditional US military aid. On Ukraine, Stefanik initially backed the country’s NATO membership in 2022 but reversed course in 2024, voting against military aid and aligning with Trump’s preference for negotiated solutions.

The date for her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has not yet been set.

Mike Huckabee, United States Ambassador to Israel

Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas and ex-pastor, is a figure of the conservative Christian right who is set to be appointed as the US Ambassador to Israel. He unsuccessfully ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016.

Close to pro-settlement Israeli circles, Huckabee is a staunch advocate of a biblical view of the territory, refusing to consider the West Bank as "occupied territory." "Mike is committed to working tirelessly to bring peace to the Middle East," said Donald Trump in a statement.

No specific date has yet been provided for his confirmation hearing.