Donald Trump’s nominees for top national security roles assured U.S. Senate panels Wednesday that their duty to the country outweighs loyalty to the president-elect. Their hearings come days before Trump’s Monday inauguration, with confirmation appearing likely for many picks.
Pam Bondi, nominee for attorney general, and John Ratcliffe, CIA director choice, faced questioning as Republicans, holding a 53-47 majority, signaled strong support. Senator John Kennedy told Bondi, “You’re going to be confirmed.”
Trump’s cabinet nominees include Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, Sean Duffy for Transportation, and Russ Vought for budget director, all appearing poised for approval. Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary pick, also gained backing despite allegations of sexual misconduct and heavy drinking. Health Secretary candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard face more uncertainty, with no hearings set.
During her testimony, Bondi vowed to avoid politicizing the Justice Department, promising, “There will never be an enemies list.” Democrats pressed her on resisting pressure to target Trump critics, citing his history of retribution rhetoric. Vought echoed Trump’s claims about “weaponized” federal agencies, calling out the Justice Department specifically.
Ratcliffe pledged to maintain nonpartisanship at the CIA and not purge employees for political views. Republicans urged nominees to combat perceived opposition within government ranks, with Senator Kennedy telling Bondi to “find out who the bad guys are and get rid of them.”
Trump’s second term marks a shift toward loyalists aligned with his confrontational policies. While Democrats raised concerns over potential politicization, most nominees seem headed for swift confirmation.
