Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has urged his caucus to be assertive during the confirmation hearings for President-elect Trump's nominees, which are set to begin this week. Schumer emphasized the importance of questioning the nominees about how they plan to implement Trump's campaign promises and agenda.
The Democrats view these hearings as an opportunity to hold Trump's selections accountable on key issues that resonate with working-class Americans, a crucial voting bloc in recent elections. They intend to thoroughly examine the backgrounds of the nominees and establish a record of any potential concerns early on.
The confirmation hearings will commence with Doug Collins and Pete Hegseth being considered for secretary of Veterans Affairs and Defense secretary, respectively. Other nominees scheduled for hearings this week include Gov. Kristi Noem for secretary of Homeland Security, Chris Wright for secretary of Energy, and Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of State.
Despite the Republican majority in the Senate, Democrats plan to scrutinize each nominee during the hearings. Questions are expected to be raised about allegations against some nominees, such as fund mismanagement and sexual assault claims against Hegseth.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Jack Reed have expressed concerns about Hegseth's qualifications for the role of Secretary of Defense. Warren highlighted her apprehensions about Hegseth's leadership abilities and impact on national security, while Reed emphasized the need for thorough scrutiny of the nominee.
While Hegseth's confirmation process has garnered significant attention, Democrats are prepared to apply pressure on various Trump picks, with exceptions like Marco Rubio, who has garnered support from some Democrats.
