Trump's Cabinet picks send shockwaves through Washington - Washington Examiner

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) were met with skepticism from the senators who would be tasked with confirming them.

Republicans were generally surprised by the choice of Fox News host Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense, but his nomination did not evoke the same kind of reaction.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said she was “shocked by the announcement” in a brief interview.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski said, “I don’t think it’s a serious nomination for the attorney general.” The Department of Justice investigated the Florida lawmaker over sex trafficking offenses involving minors last year .

The Justice Department would decline to bring charges against Gaetz .

“She loves Assad . Assad is a butcher.” It is unclear whether Gaetz , Gabbard, or Hegseth will ultimately survive Senate confirmation, and if Trump selects Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a confirmable position, he, too, would likely struggle to win over skeptical senators. Recess appointments are one way to shortcut the confirmation process, but even then, the Senate would have to acquiesce to that scenario. “I always think everyone has good qualities, OK, but some people, you have to look harder,” said Manchin..