WASHINGTON – With over two months remaining before President-elect Donald Trump reclaims the Oval Office, he is already challenging Senate Republicans over contentious Cabinet nominees.

As Republicans prepare to regain control of the Senate next year, they generally express their desire to swiftly approve Trump’s Cabinet picks. However, many GOP senators are privately expressing significant unease regarding some of these candidates.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., a strong supporter of Trump, stated on the Senate floor Tuesday that backing all of Trump’s Cabinet selections should be an obvious choice for Senate Republicans. He highlighted that no Democrats opposed President Joe Biden’s Cabinet nominees in 2021.

“Yet, in recent days, I’ve heard from some of my Senate Republican colleagues who are worried about who President Trump is choosing for his administration. I expected this kind of feedback from my left-leaning colleagues, not from my own party,” he remarked. “My advice to them is to either support the nominees or step aside.”

Trump has nominated former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., as attorney general, which has sparked considerable debate. Gaetz was subjected to a Department of Justice investigation concerning allegations of sex trafficking involving minors; however, he faced no criminal charges.

Additionally, the House Ethics Committee was investigating similar claims. Just two days after Gaetz’s unexpected resignation from Congress, this committee was set to vote on whether to publish its findings. Lawyers for two women testified to the committee that they saw Gaetz high on drugs and assaulting a minor in 2017. Gaetz firmly denies these accusations.

Trump has also selected Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. Hegseth faced allegations of rape from a woman in 2017, which he denies. Law enforcement did not press charges, but Hegseth did acknowledge settling with the woman, citing concerns over his employment at Fox.

In the past, such accusations against nominees like Gaetz and Hegseth might have ended their prospects for a Cabinet position.

For instance, Zoë Baird, former President Bill Clinton’s pick for attorney general, withdrew when it was revealed she had employed an undocumented immigrant as a nanny. Similarly, Tom Daschle, former President Barack Obama’s nominee for Health and Human Services, withdrew due to significant unpaid taxes. During Trump’s first term, Ronny Jackson had to withdraw his nomination for Veterans Affairs amid allegations of inappropriate conduct as White House physician.

Yet, only nine Cabinet nominees have been rejected by the Senate historically, most of whom were selected in the 19th century. The latest rejection occurred in 1989.

As of 2024, Trump is facing a standoff with the GOP-majority Senate over his Cabinet choices. Trump declared on Tuesday that he would not reconsider his nomination of Gaetz, even though it seems he may not garner the required Republican support for approval.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., a member of the Judiciary Committee overseeing Gaetz’s nomination, stated to YSL News that Gaetz’s nomination presents “the first significant challenge for Republicans” on whether they will stand up to Trump.

“They are discussing privately about voting against him, but the question remains whether they will summon the courage to do so,” he remarked. “History offers little reassurance.”

If Republican senators decide to reject nominees like Gaetz and Hegseth, they risk prompting Trump to utilize a strategy to push them aside, allowing him to appoint his nominees without Senate approval.

Trump has urged senators to agree to what is known as “recess appointments.” While most GOP senators are open to this approach if Democrats block nominees, they are less clear about their stance when it is their own party creating the obstruction.

Taking such action would represent a significant concession by Congress.

Both Democratic and Republican senators frequently reference the Senate’s constitutional authority to give “advice and consent” regarding presidential nominees.

Senator Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., stated, “We’re not trying to block anyone. We will provide (Gaetz) the chance to present his case. They must earn every vote.” When questioned whether Trump realizes this, especially in light of his comments on recess appointments, Mullin affirmed: “President Trump comprehends the system as well as anyone.”

This week, Vice President-elect JD Vance will facilitate meetings between important Republican senators and Gaetz and Hegseth. Gaetz has been actively reaching out to some senators to garner their support.

In the meantime, tensions are rising between the House and Senate regarding the release of the House Ethics Committee report on Gaetz. Senators like Mullin believe it’s crucial to review the report before casting votes on Gaetz’s nomination.

Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, remarked, “I’m telling everyone invested in any Cabinet nominee, not just Gaetz, that it will be a much quicker process if you provide us with all the information we seek.”

However, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., announced on Friday his intention to “strongly request” the Ethics Committee not to disclose the report, claiming it would create “a terrible precedent.” Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., indicated it should be the House’s decision about making the report public.

When queried about what the president-elect would do if one of his nominees did not secure adequate Republican backing, Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the Trump-Vance Transition, stated via email to YSL News: “President Trump’s new administration is operating on a fast track to ensure key nominees are confirmed and to begin fulfilling promises to the American people.”

He further mentioned that Gaetz, Hegseth, and other Trump nominees will “start their meetings with lawmakers this week” and will continue after the Thanksgiving break.