Senate Majority Leader Thune Uncertain of GOP Support for Trump's Cabinet Picks

Senate Majority Leader Thune Unsure of GOP Support for Trump's Cabinet Picks

Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed uncertainty about whether all 53 Republican senators will support President-elect Donald Trump's picks for his second administration.

In an interview with "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Thune acknowledged that some nominees, including Pete Hegseth for defense secretary and Kash Patel for director of the FBI, face potential opposition from within the GOP.

"We don't have, at this point I don't think, clarity on that," Thune said. "I think these are nominees who are new enough, they've been going around and conducting their meetings, which I think, frankly, have gone very well, but they still have to make their case in front of the committee. And, you know, we don't know all the information about some of these nominees. I think we know a lot about them, but they deserve a fair process, and that's what we've committed to and promised and and I expect to deliver on."

Thune noted that Republicans hold a slim three-vote margin in the Senate, leaving individual senators with significant influence over confirmation votes.

"I do think that in most cases, at least most of our Republican senators are inclined to give the president the people that he wants in these positions, given, you know, the process that they go through and whether or not they can manage the committee process and ensure that they get to the floor for a vote," he said.

While Thune predicted that many of Trump's nominees will ultimately be confirmed, he acknowledged the possibility of some facing opposition.

"I think that's why we have the process, and we will adhere to that process and give all of these nominees an opportunity to make their case," he said.

Thune's comments come as he assumes the role of Senate majority leader, succeeding Mitch McConnell. One of his first tasks will be overseeing the confirmation process for Trump's cabinet picks.

Several nominees, including Hegseth and Patel, have faced scrutiny over past controversies. Hegseth has been accused of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement, and excessive drinking, while Patel's selection has raised concerns about potential politicization of the FBI.

Confirmation hearings for Trump's nominees are expected to begin in January, with Hegseth's hearing scheduled for January 14th. The process could be further delayed by FBI background checks, which some senators have requested access to.

Thune has emphasized the urgency of confirming Trump's nominees, citing the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans as evidence of the need for a fully-staffed national security team.