President Donald Trump’s most controversial Cabinet nominees faced intense scrutiny during back-to-back-to-back confirmation hearings in the Senate. The hearings, involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Kash Patel, were characterized by conspiracy theories, secret meetings with dictators, and the creation of enemies lists. Amidst the chaos, Trump himself was embroiled in controversy over diversity hiring and a tragic airplane-and-helicopter crash near Reagan National Airport.
The day marked the 10th day of the new White House administration and saw a reversal of a decision to halt federal funding for critical programs following public outcry. The events unfolded in a politically charged atmosphere with the Senate divided along party lines.
In a notable development, Tulsi Gabbard defended her loyalty during her confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence. Despite facing skepticism, she received support from some senators, including a key endorsement from former Senator Richard Burr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense questioning on vaccine safety during his confirmation hearing for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Democratic senators expressed concerns about his past views and trustworthiness, while some Republicans lauded his alternative perspectives.
Kash Patel, nominated to lead the FBI, engaged in a combative hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. He defended himself against allegations of voter fraud claims and maintaining an enemies list, insisting that his words were taken out of context.
Additionally, Russ Vought, Trump’s budget nominee, advanced towards confirmation despite a Democratic boycott of the Senate Budget Committee meeting. Vought’s involvement in Project 2025 and the controversial decision to freeze federal funding drew criticism and legal challenges.
Overall, the confirmation hearings highlighted the deep political divisions in the Senate and the challenges faced by Trump’s Cabinet nominees. The week’s events underscored the intense scrutiny and opposition that characterize the current political landscape in Washington.
Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri, Matt Brown, and Stephen Groves contributed to this report.