Gaetz

Times: Trump knows Gaetz pick might flounder, that cabinet nominations test Senate’s pushback

President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks, including controversial nominees like Matt Gaetz for attorney general, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS, and Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, reflect a bold “flood-the-zone” strategy. By nominating several polarizing figures simultaneously, Trump appears to bet that the Senate won’t block them all. While some Republicans voice concerns over nominees’ qualifications and past scandals, Trump’s strong GOP majorities in Congress suggest minimal resistance.

This approach, unprecedented for cabinet appointments, contrasts with Trump’s more traditional early-term picks in 2016. Critics worry this tactic further erodes norms of Senate oversight. If successful, Trump’s gambit could shift the standard for confirmation battles, reinforcing his goal to reshape Washington’s power dynamics.

Horizon cutting-room links: Monday, 23 December 2024

Sunny, with a high near 35. North wind around 6 mph. Federal agencies in the Washington, DC area are Open. Employees are expected to begin the workday on time. Normal operating procedures are in effect “Congress Approves Spending Extension, Ending Shutdown Crisis,” New York Times “The 85-to-11 Senate vote followed

Air Force may adjust F-35 buy as tech advances—Kendall pushes back on Musk’s remarks

The Air Force could curtail its planned purchase of 1,763 F-35 jets if advanced systems, like the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), prove viable, outgoing Secretary Frank Kendall said at a Mitchell Institute event. While reaffirming the F-35’s role in the near

GAO identifies $47M in Antideficiency Act violations across agencies in fiscal 2024

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has detailed significant Antideficiency Act (ADA) violations in its fiscal 2024 compilation report. Violations spanning multiple agencies totaled $47 million and highlighted widespread challenges in federal fiscal compliance. The Navy faced scrutiny for $5.6 million in unauthorized expenditures supporting Marine Corps National Defense Cadet

Times: Trump knows Gaetz pick might flounder, that cabinet nominations test Senate’s pushback

Read next

Horizon cutting-room links: Monday, 23 December 2024

Air Force may adjust F-35 buy as tech advances—Kendall pushes back on Musk’s remarks

GAO identifies $47M in Antideficiency Act violations across agencies in fiscal 2024

Comments ()

Read next

Comments ( )

Comments ()