On Thursday, Senators questioned some of President-elect Donald Trump’s important Cabinet nominees regarding his significant campaign pledges, essential disaster relief, and more.

Interior secretary nominee Doug Burgum, proposed Environmental Protection Agency director Lee Zeldin, Treasury secretary nominee Scott Bessent, and Housing secretary nominee Scott Turner all testified before lawmakers. Following earlier intense exchanges, the hearings were calmer as they delved into topics such as the economy and the nation’s preparedness for natural disasters and climate change.

Bessent would serve as Trump’s main advisor on major Republican initiatives like tax reductions and tariffs. Meanwhile, Burgum and Zeldin are expected to influence the Trump administration’s energy strategy, a vital aspect of the president-elect’s campaign for reelection.

Here are four main insights from YSL News regarding the hearings.

Concerns Over Tariffs Across Party Lines

Trump frequently discusses the imposition of tariffs on imports, implementing them during his initial term while vowing to introduce more in a subsequent administration.

“The term tariff, when effectively used, is a wonderful term—one of the most delightful words I’ve ever heard,” Trump remarked to supporters in Georgia last September. “It’s music to my ears.”

Bessent, a well-known hedge fund manager, explained that Americans should view tariffs under Trump in three contexts: as a negotiation tactic, a remedy for “unfair trading practices,” and as a source of revenue.

However, some legislators have expressed apprehension about increased tariffs.

Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., informed Bessent that Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian products could negatively affect the economy in Vermont.

“It would increase costs for businesses, likely result in job losses, and raise prices for consumers,” Welch asserted. “What guarantees can we receive from the Trump administration that their tariff policies won’t harm American consumers and businesses in Vermont?”

Bessent responded by emphasizing Trump’s awareness of “working America’s” needs but acknowledged to lawmakers that it’s “very hard for me to focus on Vermont specifically.”

Conversely, Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., voiced concerns on how tariffs could impact American farmers.

“Tariffs may provide strong negotiating power temporarily…but excessive tariffs can increase costs and lead to retaliatory trade actions,” Young noted, highlighting the struggles faced by farmers in Indiana. “They often bear the brunt of such policies.”

Analysts predict that Trump’s strategy of imposing significant tariffs and deporting millions of undocumented immigrants could spark inflation and hinder economic growth.

Nonetheless, his commitment to prolong and broaden the expansive tax cuts from his first term and reduce the regulatory burden on businesses could stimulate the economy, potentially leading to mixed inflation effects.

Climate Change Discussion

Trump aims to boost oil production in the U.S., relying on Burgum for support. The former governor of North Dakota informed senators that he sees America facing an energy crisis.

Republicans like Sen. Jim Justice from West Virginia, who owns a coal mining operation, told Burgum that energy is “a key that opens every door.”

However, Burgum soon encountered inquiries about climate change, asserting to senators that he does recognize its existence.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, referenced remarks made by former Secretaries of Defense James Mattis and Chuck Hagel, who identified climate change as a significant national security threat that affects military operations’ locations.

“Within fossil fuels, the worry has been about emissions, and we have technology, like carbon capture, to address harmful emissions,” Burgum stated.

Hirono responded, “Military leaders acknowledge that climate change is a significant issue. For you to take actions that increase fossil fuel consumption is concerning.”

Zeldin also faced questioning on climate change during his inquiry.

“Do you agree with President-elect Trump that climate change is a hoax?” Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., inquired.

Zeldin affirmed that he recognizes climate change as legitimate while defending Trump’s perspective.

“From what I understand, President Trump critiqued certain policies linked to climate change because of their economic implications,” Zeldin explained. “He is worried about the economic impact of some policies which are subjects of political debate.”

“I would respectfully disagree,” Sanders replied.

Importance of Wildfire Management

Burgum would be responsible for a department that oversees extensive land areas, making wildfire management a significant focus during his hearing.

Senators Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., opened their comments highlighting the recent California wildfires, which resulted in 25 fatalities and extensive destruction in the Greater Los Angeles area. Lee urged Burgum that, if confirmed, prioritizing wildfire control in affected Western states should be a “very key priority.”

Additionally, Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., questioned Zeldin regarding his commitment to advocate for Californians impacted by the wildfires, pointing to the state’s traditionally Democratic leanings.

Trump and certain House Republicans have shown interest in conditionally attaching disaster relief for California amidst fraught relations with California’s Governor Gavin Newsom.

“Mr. Zeldin, I trust your response won’t vary based on whether a disaster occurs in a red or a blue state; you will work to expedite relief for all affected Americans?” Schiff asked on Thursday.

“Yes, senator,” Zeldin affirmed. He pledged to “do everything in my power to assist” the impacted communities.

Preview of the Tax Debate

Trump’s notable accomplishment during his first term was a significant tax reduction.

Many provisions of the tax cut are set to expire by the end of 2025. Trump is advocating for their renewal and is proposing additional cuts, including eliminating taxes on tipped wages and Social Security payments.

Bessent indicated that renewing Trump’s tax cuts is the most critical economic challenge at present.

“This is a pass-fail situation; if we don’t fix and extend these tax provisions, we may face an economic disaster,” he stated.

Republicans echoed his sentiments, while Democrats contended that the tax cuts primarily benefitted the wealthy, a claim contested by Bessent.

“Is there a better idea than to cut taxes for the richest individuals and expect it to benefit everyone else?” asked Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo.

Bessent was also questioned on various topics from increasing the federal minimum wage to imposing caps on credit card interest rates and enhancing economic sanctions on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine.

Bessent expressed his opposition to raising the federal minimum wage, arguing that states should determine their pay scales, which vary considerably.

He did express support for strengthening sanctions against Russia.

“If any officials in the Russian Federation are viewing this confirmation hearing, they should understand that if I am confirmed, and if President Trump requests an increase in sanctions as part of his strategy to conclude the Ukraine conflict, I would fully endorse that,” Bessent stated.

Contributing: Paul Davidson