On Monday, the incoming national security adviser for Trump emphasized the urgency of confirming a range of Cabinet nominees in light of the recent attack in New Orleans that resulted in 14 fatalities.
Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) expressed on “Fox & Friends” that the early morning assault on New Year’s Day highlighted the importance of having a national security team in place, including several controversial nominees for the FBI and Pentagon leadership.
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“Having these positions filled from day one is crucial, as we are in a period of transition marked by vulnerability. President Trump will convey a narrative of strength, and ensuring our personnel are established from the outset is essential,” Waltz stated.
He called upon the Senate to expedite the confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for Secretary of State, Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, Kash Patel as FBI Director, John Ratcliffe as CIA Director, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) for Homeland Security Secretary.
Gabbard and Patel are anticipated to encounter rigorous confirmation hearings, particularly as Democrats express concerns regarding their qualifications for the positions. Questions about Gabbard’s fitness have been raised, especially regarding accusations of her promoting Russian propaganda related to the conflict in Ukraine.
Waltz, who does not require Senate confirmation for his role, is not alone among Trump supporters advocating for the swift approval of the nominees in light of the New Orleans incident.
Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) asserted on the social platform X that “every single national security nominee” ought to be confirmed by January 20, while Donald Trump Jr. urged Democrats to place “the safety and security of the American people ahead of their Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
