Trump Team Already Making Major Moves
Vice President-elect JD Vance is taking proactive steps to support President-elect Trump’s upcoming Cabinet picks, meeting with key GOP senators this week to help introduce Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth. Gaetz, the former Congressman from Florida, and Hegseth, a well-known Fox News personality, are Trump’s selections to lead the Justice and Defense departments, respectively. Vance, who represents Ohio in the Senate after his election in 2022, is leading efforts to ensure these nominations gain the support they need in the Senate.
As part of his efforts, Vance is arranging meetings between influential Republican senators and Trump’s nominees, aiming to build momentum for confirmation. A source close to Vance’s office revealed that these meetings are designed to address concerns and foster a favorable environment for Gaetz and Hegseth, particularly given the challenges they may face in the confirmation process.
Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team, emphasized that the administration is moving swiftly to get critical nominees confirmed. “President Trump’s team is working at an accelerated pace to ensure these key positions are filled quickly, so we can begin delivering on the promises made to the American people,” Hughes stated.
Despite this push, there have been some reservations among Republicans about Gaetz’s nomination. Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine have voiced concerns about his qualifications to serve as attorney general. Similarly, Hegseth’s nomination has raised questions among some GOP members, as many senators were initially unfamiliar with the former military veteran and TV host.
Vance’s role in this process underscores the importance of solidifying Republican support for the Trump administration’s nominees and ensuring the new administration can hit the ground running when it takes office next year. With more meetings scheduled after the Thanksgiving recess, the focus remains on securing confirmation for these critical positions.
