New Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R.S.D.) said it is unclear whether all of President-elect Trump's Cabinet nominations will be approved.
Thune took part in an interview on NBC News' “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday as he led the Senate at the start of the 119 session.th meeting.
“What I promised them was a fair process,” Thune said of Trump's selection. “And these candidates have to go through a committee and answer questions there. There's going to be some tough questions asked.”
Thune emphasized that he wants to give Trump the Cabinet he wants, but noted that the Senate has a role to “advise and agree,” especially on national security choices.
“Many of our senators take that role very seriously,” he said. “Therefore, we want to ensure that these candidates have a fair chance to make their case not only to the members of the committee, but ultimately to the entire Senate as well as the American people.” We’re going to secure the process.”
Thune said Trump's nominations include some of the most controversial nominees, including Kash Patel for FBI director, former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii for director of national intelligence, and Pete Hegseth for Pentagon. He did not say whether he would vote for or against the candidate. .
Thune said he met some of Trump's nominees and was “really, really impressed” with some of them.
“As we move through the process, there will be opportunities throughout for members and senators to make sure their questions are answered,” Thune said. “And let's take a look.”
As the new leader of the Senate, Thune said he expects Trump to put “his people” into key positions “quickly.”
