Delays in President-elect Trump’s nominees may hinder swift confirmations due to incomplete paperwork and the late start of FBI background checks, raising concerns about finalizing Trump’s national security appointments.
Senate Republicans have urged colleagues to act swiftly on confirming Trump’s security team following a suspected terrorist incident in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. However, procedural challenges in the Senate, where even standard tasks can extend over days or weeks, are slowing progress.
As of Thursday evening, only Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing for Defense Secretary had been scheduled for Jan. 14. Other prominent nominees, including Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence and Kash Patel for FBI Director, remain without dates.
Republican insiders acknowledge that Gabbard faces skepticism in the Senate due to her prior legislative efforts to limit surveillance laws, while Patel seems likely to secure confirmation despite logistical delays prioritizing Pam Bondi’s nomination for Attorney General.
A Senate GOP aide noted that delays stem from incomplete ethics forms and background checks, compounded by the transition team’s sluggish start in coordinating with federal offices for necessary access. The aide characterized the delay as preventable and stemming from mismanagement within the transition.
Democratic staff confirmed background check delays for key nominees, but a transition strategist defended the timeline, attributing it to the lengthy vetting process required by ethics offices.
Republican leaders, including Majority Leader John Thune and Whip John Barrasso, emphasized the urgency of confirming national security nominees, citing recent domestic terror events as examples of why a functional security team is critical. Thune also condemned the New Orleans attack, urging swift Senate action.
Nominees like John Ratcliffe for CIA Director are expected to proceed without resistance, but others, particularly Gabbard, could face roadblocks. Her upcoming meeting with Senator Mark Warner of the Intelligence Committee will be pivotal in determining her prospects.
The Senate committees seem focused on security-related appointments, leaving domestic nominees for Treasury, HHS, and U.S. Trade Representative with uncertain timelines. Internal committee business also faces delays due to unresolved organizational resolutions between Senate leaders.
Despite procedural challenges, Senate Democrats have pledged bipartisan cooperation to process nominations, provided full vetting is ensured. This commitment, outlined by Chuck Schumer, aims to maintain thorough evaluations while overcoming the problems of confirmation logistics.
