Trump is stuck playing defense already

Even now, even as I write these words, some of Donald Trump’s nominees are imploding. Yes, not just ONE nominee — a whole applecart of them. Take for example, Tulsi Gabbard. In an interview with CNN, GOP Senator James Lankford said Gabbard would need to answer LOTS of questions at her confirmation hearing.

Lankford specifically singled out Syrian leader Bashar Assad and the meeting that Tulsi took with him. He said questions would be asked about what that meeting entailed. Will she be able to answer such questions? Then there’s RFK Junior. Democratic Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts said proceeding with his hearing ,might “spark an uproar.”” He also said he would not be voting for him.

Then there’s Pete Hegsetth. Many senators on both sides say he will face tough questions. Even some Republican outlets have questioned his nomination by Trump, with Bloomberg putting out an editorial entitled: “Pete Hegseth is the wrong person to lead the Pentagon.”

Many lawmakers, Republican and Democratic, are also said to be deeply concerned by the lack of FBI background checks. This subject refuses to die down, as many Senators see it as a “red flag.” Maine Senator Susan Collins is demanding “extensive committee investigations ” into Trump’s nominations specifically his health administration appointees.

This makes sense. Collins will be up for relocation in 2026. That is one seat we will want to challenge. So, as this goes on, Trump and others in his immediate circle keep getting more defensive. You KNOW what they say in politics — when one is constantly on defense– they’re losing.

So yes, amid all the terrible picks, a little cup of sunshine has been poured into the mix. This sunshine is that senators from BOTH sides are demanding scrutiny, and asking pointed questions. Who will make it though? Stay tuned.