Thune Questions GOP Support for Trump’s Second-Term Nominees Amid Narrow Senate Margin

Jan 5, 2025, 11:30 AM

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed uncertainty about whether all 53 Republican senators will support President-elect Donald Trump's nominees for his second administration. Thune, who recently assumed his role as Senate leader, emphasized the importance of a fair confirmation process for the nominees. Among the key appointments are Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, Kash Patel for FBI director, Marco Rubio for secretary of state, Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health and human services, and Elise Stefanik as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Thune noted that while many Republican senators are inclined to approve Trump's choices, individual votes remain uncertain, especially given the Republicans' three-vote margin in the Senate. Patel's nomination has sparked concerns about potential politicization of the FBI, while Hegseth has faced allegations of misconduct. The confirmation process is a priority for the new Congress, as Trump urges swift action following recent national security incidents, including a terrorist attack in New Orleans.