Several Republican senators are emerging as significant barriers to President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominations, particularly for some of his most controversial choices. His selections of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) for attorney general and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are sparking strong opposition within the GOP. Trump’s relationship with certain Republican senators, who have historically been less deferential to the president, could complicate his efforts to secure confirmation for these picks.
While Trump can afford to lose three Republican votes in the Senate, four defections would be enough to block his nominees. Notably, moderate senators such as Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) have already expressed concerns about Gaetz, who has been embroiled in a federal sex trafficking investigation, and about Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines and public health. Here’s a closer look at the GOP senators who could stand in the way of Trump’s Cabinet appointments.
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
McConnell’s position as the Senate’s longest-serving Republican leader gives him significant influence over the confirmation process. While McConnell helped confirm many of Trump’s nominees during his first term, his relationship with Trump has grown more complicated in recent years. McConnell is known for his commitment to the Senate’s institutional prerogatives, and he is unlikely to rubber-stamp Trump’s most controversial picks, especially if he believes they could damage public trust in key government agencies. McConnell’s skepticism about both Gaetz and Kennedy, coupled with his defense hawk position, could make him a major obstacle to Trump’s more unconventional nominations.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
Murkowski wasted little time signaling her opposition to Trump’s pick of Matt Gaetz for attorney general. After the nomination was announced, she told reporters, “I don’t think it’s a serious nomination for attorney general. We need to have a serious attorney general.” Murkowski, a long-time critic of Trump, also raised doubts about Kennedy’s nomination, especially given his history of vaccine skepticism and fringe views on health issues. As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, she’s expected to scrutinize Kennedy’s record closely.
Murkowski, who was one of seven Republican senators to vote to convict Trump during his 2021 impeachment trial, has also expressed surprise over some of Trump’s other nominations, including Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Collins, who represents a state that Biden won in 2020, is also a key figure in the fight over Trump’s Cabinet picks. Upon hearing about Gaetz’s nomination, she immediately expressed concerns, calling it a “shock” and suggesting that Gaetz would face intense scrutiny at his confirmation hearing. Collins is expected to take a similarly cautious approach to Kennedy’s nomination, particularly given his long-standing opposition to vaccines and his advocacy for removing fluoride from public water—a position many lawmakers consider fringe. Collins, like Murkowski, will likely oppose any nominee who she feels could damage public confidence in vital government institutions.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.)
Cassidy, a doctor by training, is likely to be a key voice in the confirmation hearings for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as he will serve as chair of the HELP Committee next year. Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trial, has publicly endorsed vaccines and criticized vaccine misinformation, making him a potential opponent of Kennedy, who has espoused anti-vaccine views. Cassidy has also expressed doubts about Trump’s other picks, including Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense, questioning his qualifications for such a critical role.
Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.)
Young has been a vocal critic of Trump in the past, particularly over his stance on Russia and the events of January 6, 2021. Although Young did not vote to convict Trump, he has made clear that he is not afraid to break with the president when necessary. As someone who values policy over personality, Young could play a pivotal role in determining whether Trump’s Cabinet picks, especially Gaetz, can secure enough support in the Senate.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)
While Cornyn has been a loyal ally of Trump in the past, he’s also shown a willingness to break ranks when necessary. As a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Cornyn has called for full access to the findings of an investigation into Gaetz’s alleged misconduct, which could hinder Gaetz’s confirmation. Cornyn has also expressed concerns about Gabbard’s nomination, given her past statements defending Putin and Assad. Cornyn’s cautious stance could make him an important swing vote on several of Trump’s most controversial picks.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)
Ernst, like Collins, represents a state that could be a battleground in future elections. Although she’s taking a “wait-and-see” approach to Trump’s nominees, she has expressed doubts about Gaetz’s chances of confirmation, calling it an “uphill climb” for the former congressman. Ernst is likely to scrutinize Trump’s other picks, including Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, given Gabbard’s past controversial statements regarding Syria and Russia.
Sen.-elect John Curtis (R-Utah)
As a practical centrist, Curtis, who is set to replace Mitt Romney in the Senate, is expected to approach Trump’s nominations with a careful and measured stance. Curtis has already expressed reluctance to support Gaetz, who had campaigned against him during his Senate bid. Curtis has signaled that he would not support allowing Trump to bypass the confirmation process by making recess appointments. A member of the Conservative Climate Caucus, Curtis is likely to take a serious look at the qualifications of Trump’s nominees, particularly those with controversial backgrounds.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)
Tillis, who represents a key swing state, has made it clear that he would not be an automatic ally of Trump when it comes to controversial Cabinet picks. He’s already voiced concerns about Gaetz’s viability, noting that Gaetz will have to work hard to secure support from Senate Republicans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Tillis will likely demand strong answers from Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, especially given Hegseth’s lack of experience managing large organizations.
