WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump’s nominees for key Cabinet positions are facing growing scrutiny, not just from Democrats but from within his own party. As confirmation hearings turn contentious, a key Trump ally is warning Republican senators to fall in line—or face political consequences.
Several GOP senators have expressed doubts about some of Trump’s picks, signaling potential obstacles to his administration’s plans. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) voiced “reservations” about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Health and Human Services secretary, citing his controversial past statements on vaccine safety.
Meanwhile, former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, nominated for Director of National Intelligence, faced tough questioning over her positions on Russian aggression, government surveillance, and Edward Snowden. Her refusal to label Snowden a “traitor” left Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) unimpressed.
Gabbard repeated a carefully worded statement from her opening remarks: “He broke the law.” When pressed further, she declined to clarify whether she still supported Snowden or condoned his actions. She also appeared to defend his disclosures, stating that he “exposed egregious, illegal, and unconstitutional programs that are happening within our government.”
Lankford later told Punchbowl News that he was “kinda surprised. I thought that was gonna be an easy softball question.” With Republican resistance mounting, the White House has issued a firm directive: back every nominee or risk undermining Trump’s presidency. “It’s pass-fail. You either support everyone or you don’t,” a senior White House official told NBC News earlier this month.
“The Senate needs to advise and consent, not advise and adjust.” On Thursday, Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative group Turning Point Action, took the pressure campaign a step further, warning Senate Republicans that obstructing Trump’s nominees would come at a political cost.
“Senate Republicans wouldn’t have a majority if it wasn’t for Trump. Now, they want to try and block his Cabinet and thwart his agenda. This is against every core principle we hold dear. They think they can overrule the will of the voters. They must confirm Kash, Tulsi, and RFK or face serious consequences,” Kirk wrote on X.
The brewing tension highlights a deeper divide within the GOP, with some lawmakers wary of rubber-stamping controversial nominees while Trump’s most vocal allies demand total loyalty. As confirmation battles continue, the question remains: will Senate Republicans stand firm on their concerns, or will they bow to mounting pressure from the White House and Trump’s political machine?