With Pam Bondi was approved as U.S. Attorney General and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard passed major Senate obstacles, Donald Trump’s cabinet selections are proceeding. Kennedy and Gabbard now wait for a full Senate vote; Bondi’s appointment guarantees her leadership of the Department of Justice. Notwithstanding turmoil, the Trump Cabinet is forming with great Republican backing.
With all Republican senators supporting Bondi’s nomination, the Senate approved her by a 54-46 vote. Only the Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted in her favor. With a 53-47 majority, the Republican-owned Senate guarantees Kennedy and Gabbard a solid chance of confirmation in the forthcoming votes.
How Will Pam Bondi's Confirmation Affect the Department of Justice?
Longtime Trump loyalist Pam Bondi, former Florida Attorney General, has been outspoken about her disdain of criminal investigations against the outgoing president. Declaring she would cease what Trump described as the “weaponization” of the Justice Department against Republicans—a contention the Biden government has denied—Trump hailed her selection. The Trump Cabinet continues to strengthen with her appointment.
Born in Tampa, Florida, Bondi attended the University of Florida studying criminal justice before graduating from Stetson University College of Law with a law degree. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1991, she focused on opioid misuse and human trafficking as Florida’s first female Attorney General from 2010 forward.
Why is the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. divisive?
The Senate Finance Committee advanced Kennedy, nominated for U.S. Health Secretary, by a 14-13 vote, with Republicans supporting him and Democrats opposed. His appointment has attracted criticism because of his past of vaccination mistrust and inexperience with public health management.
Kennedy said he favors more thorough safety testing but he is not anti-vaccine during his confirmation hearings. However, earlier statements, notably his claim that “there’s no vaccine that is safe and effective,” were emphasized by Democratic senators, raising worries about his capacity to manage organizations like the CDC, FDA, and NIH.
Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” motto was praised by Senator Bernie Sanders, but he also challenged him with instances of anti-vaccine advertising offered by Children’s Health Defense, a group Kennedy had once oversaw. Kennedy distancing himself, saying he has no control over the organization now.
In spite of first mistrust, After Kennedy promised “serious commitments” from the White House and himself, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana finally endorsed Kennedy. With Cassidy’s support, Kennedy’s nomination will now go to a full Senate vote. The Trump Cabinet will consist of people with dubious pasts and strong party allegiance.
What difficulties does Tulsi Gabbard encounter in her confirmation?
Nominated as Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard advanced past the Senate Intelligence Committee in a close 9-8 vote and also broke along party lines. Her prior behavior has generated discussion including proposals to pardon National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden and a 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Both Republican and Democratic senators grilled Gabbard about whether she considered Snowden to be a traitor. She said just that he “broke the law” but also revealed “egregious illegal and constitutional programs,” so refraining from calling him such. She guaranteed the committee she would try to stop next illegal leaks.
Her view on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also begged questions. She denied Democratic Senator Michael Bennet’s accusation of supporting Russia’s actions. Republican senators who first hesitated to back her, on the other hand, subsequently turned around. While Senator Todd Young of Indiana backed her nomination after she promised to give U.S. national security top priority, Senator Susan Collins of Maine said Gabbard addressed her worries.
What credentials equip Gabbard for the position?
Gabbard, a former Congresswoman from Hawaii and military veteran, was sent to an Iraq medical unit. She had once identified as a Democrat, supporting progressive ideas including government-run healthcare. After competing for the Democratic presidential candidacy in 2020 and endorsing Joe Biden, she quit the Democratic Party in 2022, claiming worries over “warmongers” and “cowardly wokeness.” In 2024, she joined the Republican Party and embraced Trump.
Should confirmed, Gabbard would supervise eighteen intelligence agencies and handle a budget above $70 billion. Her vote of confirmation in the full Senate is still pending, but with Republican support, she has a great likelihood of landing the post. Strong Republican allegiance and eminent controversial figures will help the Trump Cabinet to take form.
For these nominees, what is next?
All eyes are now on the next Senate votes for Kennedy and Gabbard, Bondi already confirmed. Although the Republican majority offers them a good road forward, disagreements on their contentious pasts and policy stances will probably still influence conversations before the ultimate judgments.
