Additional Coverage:
Trump’s Ally Claims Voters Don’t Care About Cabinet Background Checks
Senator Bill Hagerty, a close associate of former President Trump, believes voters are indifferent to who conducts background investigations on Trump’s Cabinet nominees. He asserts that Trump will dismiss any officials who deviate from his directives.
Hagerty criticized the records of some of President Biden’s Cabinet members, such as Secretary of State Blinken and Defense Secretary Austin, for their role in the Afghanistan withdrawal. He believes they should be held accountable for their actions.
Trump Expects Swift Cabinet Confirmations
Trump has rapidly assembled his Cabinet team, nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary, former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for National Intelligence Director, and environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services Secretary. Hagerty anticipates swift confirmation hearings and expects Trump to begin implementing his agenda immediately.
Scandals Shadow Trump’s Cabinet Picks
Several of Trump’s nominees face controversies. Kennedy has expressed skepticism about vaccines and supported abortion access, while Gabbard has criticized NATO and met with Syrian President Assad. Hegseth has been accused of sexual misconduct and has opposed women in combat roles.
Hagerty Defends Trump’s Vetting Process
Despite these scandals, Hagerty insists that Trump’s transition team has thoroughly vetted the nominees. He believes the public is more concerned with Trump’s agenda than who conducts background checks.
FBI background checks have typically been a standard practice for nominees requiring Senate confirmation, but Trump’s team has yet to authorize them. However, Hagerty believes that the public is not concerned about this process.
Recess Appointments as an Option
Hagerty supports Trump’s use of recess appointments to fill Cabinet positions temporarily while Congress is in recess. He did not specify whether Trump would consider this option if a nominee lacked sufficient support for Senate confirmation.