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Tracking Trump cabinet confirmations – so far Tracking Trump cabinet confirmations – so far
(2 days later)
Donald Trump’s picks for top posts in his administration have tested the loyalty of Senate RepublicansDonald Trump’s picks for top posts in his administration have tested the loyalty of Senate Republicans
Senate confirmation hearings are under way for Donald Trump’s cabinet nominations.Senate confirmation hearings are under way for Donald Trump’s cabinet nominations.
All cabinet-level positions require a majority vote of senators to be approved. With a current 53-seat Republican majority, Trump’s more fraught nominees can only afford to lose three Republican senators, assuming Democrats are uniformly opposed.All cabinet-level positions require a majority vote of senators to be approved. With a current 53-seat Republican majority, Trump’s more fraught nominees can only afford to lose three Republican senators, assuming Democrats are uniformly opposed.
Marco Rubio was the first cabinet appointee to win confirmation, skating through with a unanimous vote in his favor. John Ratcliffe, Pete Hegseth, and Kristi Noem, have also secured confirmation, with Hegseth requiring Vice-President JD Vance to cast a tie-breaking vote.Marco Rubio was the first cabinet appointee to win confirmation, skating through with a unanimous vote in his favor. John Ratcliffe, Pete Hegseth, and Kristi Noem, have also secured confirmation, with Hegseth requiring Vice-President JD Vance to cast a tie-breaking vote.
ConfirmedConfirmed
Russell Vought
Role offered: Office of management and budget chief
Confirmed by the Senate on 6 February
Russell Vought, the OMB chief during Trump’s first term in office, has been deeply involved in Project 2025.
During a 15 January hearing, Vought declined to fully commit to distributing congressionally approved funds, specifically US military aid to Ukraine.
Vought was confirmed in a 53-47 vote on 6 February.
Confirmed
Scott TurnerScott Turner
Role offered: Department of Housing and Urban Development secretaryRole offered: Department of Housing and Urban Development secretary
Confirmed by the Senate on 5 FebruaryConfirmed by the Senate on 5 February
Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term.Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term.
Turner was confirmed in a 55-44 vote.Turner was confirmed in a 55-44 vote.
Pam BondiPam Bondi
Role offered: Attorney generalRole offered: Attorney general
Confirmed by the Senate on 5 FebruaryConfirmed by the Senate on 5 February
Pam Bondi, the first female attorney general of Florida and a lawyer for Trump during his first impeachment trial, replaced the president’s first pick, Matt Gaetz, to head the justice department.Pam Bondi, the first female attorney general of Florida and a lawyer for Trump during his first impeachment trial, replaced the president’s first pick, Matt Gaetz, to head the justice department.
At her 15 January hearing, Bondi, 59, insisted she would ensure the justice department would remain independent. At the same time, she failed to say that Trump lost the 2020 election.At her 15 January hearing, Bondi, 59, insisted she would ensure the justice department would remain independent. At the same time, she failed to say that Trump lost the 2020 election.
Bondi was confirmed by the Senate in a 54-46 vote.Bondi was confirmed by the Senate in a 54-46 vote.
Doug CollinsDoug Collins
Role offered: Veterans affairs secretaryRole offered: Veterans affairs secretary
Confirmed by the Senate on 4 FebruaryConfirmed by the Senate on 4 February
Doug Collins, the former Georgia representative who defended Trump during his first impeachment trial, was nominated by Trump to be secretary of veterans affairs.Doug Collins, the former Georgia representative who defended Trump during his first impeachment trial, was nominated by Trump to be secretary of veterans affairs.
During his 22 January hearing, Collins pledged to “take care of the veterans” should he succeed in the confirmation process.During his 22 January hearing, Collins pledged to “take care of the veterans” should he succeed in the confirmation process.
Collins was confirmed on 4 February in a 77-23 vote.Collins was confirmed on 4 February in a 77-23 vote.
Doug BurgumDoug Burgum
Role offered: Interior secretaryRole offered: Interior secretary
Confirmed by the Senate on 30 JanuaryConfirmed by the Senate on 30 January
Trump named Doug Burgum, governor of North Dakota, as his pick for secretary of the interior. His directive from Trump is to make it even easier for energy companies to tap fossil fuel resources, including from public lands, which has alarmed environmentalists.Trump named Doug Burgum, governor of North Dakota, as his pick for secretary of the interior. His directive from Trump is to make it even easier for energy companies to tap fossil fuel resources, including from public lands, which has alarmed environmentalists.
Burgum was confirmed in a 79-18 vote with more than half of Senate Democrats joining Republicans.Burgum was confirmed in a 79-18 vote with more than half of Senate Democrats joining Republicans.
Lee ZeldinLee Zeldin
Role offered: Environmental Protection Agency administratorRole offered: Environmental Protection Agency administrator
Confirmed by the Senate on 29 JanuaryConfirmed by the Senate on 29 January
Trump named the former New York congressman Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Zeldin said he would work to “restore American energy dominance”.Trump named the former New York congressman Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Zeldin said he would work to “restore American energy dominance”.
Zeldin was confirmed on 29 January in a 56-42 vote.Zeldin was confirmed on 29 January in a 56-42 vote.
Sean DuffySean Duffy
Role offered: Secretary of transportationRole offered: Secretary of transportation
Confirmed by the Senate on 28 JanuaryConfirmed by the Senate on 28 January
Trump named Sean Duffy, a former Republican congressman and co-host on Fox Business, to serve as the secretary of transportation. Duffy will oversee billions of dollars in unspent infrastructure funds and has promised safer Boeing planes, less regulation and help for companies developing self-driving cars.Trump named Sean Duffy, a former Republican congressman and co-host on Fox Business, to serve as the secretary of transportation. Duffy will oversee billions of dollars in unspent infrastructure funds and has promised safer Boeing planes, less regulation and help for companies developing self-driving cars.
Duffy was confirmed in a 77-22 vote.Duffy was confirmed in a 77-22 vote.
Scott BessentScott Bessent
Role offered: Treasury secretaryRole offered: Treasury secretary
Confirmed by the Senate on 27 JanuaryConfirmed by the Senate on 27 January
Trump named Scott Bessent, a prominent Wall Street investor and Trump fundraiser, to be his nominee for treasury secretary. He has praised Trump for using tariffs as a negotiating tool.Trump named Scott Bessent, a prominent Wall Street investor and Trump fundraiser, to be his nominee for treasury secretary. He has praised Trump for using tariffs as a negotiating tool.
The Senate voted 68-29 to confirm Bessent as treasury secretary on 27 January.The Senate voted 68-29 to confirm Bessent as treasury secretary on 27 January.
Kristi NoemKristi Noem
Role offered: Homeland security secretaryRole offered: Homeland security secretary
Confirmed by the Senate on 25 JanuaryConfirmed by the Senate on 25 January
Trump selected South Dakota’s governor, Kristi Noem – a staunch ally who has little experience on the national security stage – to serve as the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. She will oversee everything from border protection and immigration to disaster response and the US Secret Service.Trump selected South Dakota’s governor, Kristi Noem – a staunch ally who has little experience on the national security stage – to serve as the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. She will oversee everything from border protection and immigration to disaster response and the US Secret Service.
Noem was confirmed on 25 January.Noem was confirmed on 25 January.
Pete HegsethPete Hegseth
Role offered: Secretary of defenseRole offered: Secretary of defense
Confirmed by the Senate on 24 JanuaryConfirmed by the Senate on 24 January
Trump nominated the former Fox News host and army veteran Pete Hegseth to be defense secretary, a surprise decision that stunned the Pentagon.Trump nominated the former Fox News host and army veteran Pete Hegseth to be defense secretary, a surprise decision that stunned the Pentagon.
During his hearing, Democrats asked Hegseth pointed questions about allegations of sexual misconduct and claims that he was frequently intoxicated in the workplace when he led two different non-profit organizations. Democratic senators and several Republicans expressed concerns that he was not qualified to lead the country’s largest government agency.During his hearing, Democrats asked Hegseth pointed questions about allegations of sexual misconduct and claims that he was frequently intoxicated in the workplace when he led two different non-profit organizations. Democratic senators and several Republicans expressed concerns that he was not qualified to lead the country’s largest government agency.
He was confirmed in a late-night vote on 24 January, with a tie-breaking vote from JD Vance.He was confirmed in a late-night vote on 24 January, with a tie-breaking vote from JD Vance.
John RatcliffeJohn Ratcliffe
Role: CIA directorRole: CIA director
Confirmed by the Senate on 23 JanuaryConfirmed by the Senate on 23 January
Trump loyalist John Ratcliffe previously served as director of national intelligence during the final months of the president’s first term.Trump loyalist John Ratcliffe previously served as director of national intelligence during the final months of the president’s first term.
Ratcliffe was confirmed by the Senate on 23 January in a 74-25 vote, with 20 Democrats and one independent joining Republicans in backing the nomination.Ratcliffe was confirmed by the Senate on 23 January in a 74-25 vote, with 20 Democrats and one independent joining Republicans in backing the nomination.
Marco RubioMarco Rubio
Role: Secretary of stateRole: Secretary of state
Confirmed by the Senate on 20 JanuaryConfirmed by the Senate on 20 January
Senator Marco Rubio, 53, was confirmed as the first Latino to serve as secretary of state on 20 January. It was widely expected Rubio would secure confirmation, as senators largely viewed him as one of the least controversial of Trump’s cabinet picks.Senator Marco Rubio, 53, was confirmed as the first Latino to serve as secretary of state on 20 January. It was widely expected Rubio would secure confirmation, as senators largely viewed him as one of the least controversial of Trump’s cabinet picks.
Rubio received 99 votes, becoming the first member of Trump’s cabinet to win Senate approval.Rubio received 99 votes, becoming the first member of Trump’s cabinet to win Senate approval.
Not yet confirmedNot yet confirmed
Elise StefanikElise Stefanik
Role offered: UN ambassadorRole offered: UN ambassador
The New York representative Elise Stefanik was selected by Trump to be the ambassador to the UN. Floated as a possible Trump running mate, Stefanik is the highest-ranking woman in the Republican conference in the House of Representatives.The New York representative Elise Stefanik was selected by Trump to be the ambassador to the UN. Floated as a possible Trump running mate, Stefanik is the highest-ranking woman in the Republican conference in the House of Representatives.
During her confirmation hearing, Stefanik endorsed Israeli claims of biblical rights to the entire West Bank, aligning herself with positions that could complicate diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.During her confirmation hearing, Stefanik endorsed Israeli claims of biblical rights to the entire West Bank, aligning herself with positions that could complicate diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
Russ Vought
Role offered: Office of management and budget chief
OMB chief during Trump’s first term in office, Russ Vought has been deeply involved in Project 2025.
During a 15 January hearing, Vought declined to fully commit to distributing congressionally approved funds, specifically US military aid to Ukraine.
Brooke RollinsBrooke Rollins
Role offered: Agriculture secretaryRole offered: Agriculture secretary
If confirmed, Brooke Rollins would lead a 100,000-person agency that would carry out an agenda with implications for American diets and wallets, both urban and rural.If confirmed, Brooke Rollins would lead a 100,000-person agency that would carry out an agenda with implications for American diets and wallets, both urban and rural.
Rollins was president of America First Policy Institute, a group helping lay the groundwork for Trump’s second administration.Rollins was president of America First Policy Institute, a group helping lay the groundwork for Trump’s second administration.
Chris WrightChris Wright
Role offered: Energy secretaryRole offered: Energy secretary
Trump named Chris Wright, an oil and gas industry executive with no political experience, to lead the US Department of Energy.Trump named Chris Wright, an oil and gas industry executive with no political experience, to lead the US Department of Energy.
During a 15 January confirmation hearing, Wright faced criticism for disputing the ties between climate change and more frequent or severe wildfires, and for calling wildfire concerns “hype” and dismissing their connection to climate policies.During a 15 January confirmation hearing, Wright faced criticism for disputing the ties between climate change and more frequent or severe wildfires, and for calling wildfire concerns “hype” and dismissing their connection to climate policies.
Howard LutnickHoward Lutnick
Role offered: Commerce secretaryRole offered: Commerce secretary
Trump nominated Howard Lutnick, co-chair of his transition team, to be his commerce secretary. Lutnick has uniformly praised the president-elect’s economic policies, including his use of tariffs.Trump nominated Howard Lutnick, co-chair of his transition team, to be his commerce secretary. Lutnick has uniformly praised the president-elect’s economic policies, including his use of tariffs.
Lori Chavez-DeRemerLori Chavez-DeRemer
Role offered: Labor secretaryRole offered: Labor secretary
Trump tapped the Oregon Republican for labor secretary, a position that would oversee the department’s workforce and its budget, and would put forth priorities that affect workers’ wages, health and safety, the ability to unionize and employers’ rights to fire workers, among other responsibilities.Trump tapped the Oregon Republican for labor secretary, a position that would oversee the department’s workforce and its budget, and would put forth priorities that affect workers’ wages, health and safety, the ability to unionize and employers’ rights to fire workers, among other responsibilities.
Robert F Kennedy JrRobert F Kennedy Jr
Role offered: Secretary of health and human servicesRole offered: Secretary of health and human services
Trump has named Robert F Kennedy Jr his secretary of health and human services. In a statement, Trump said Kennedy would protect Americans from “harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives” that have caused a health crisis.Trump has named Robert F Kennedy Jr his secretary of health and human services. In a statement, Trump said Kennedy would protect Americans from “harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives” that have caused a health crisis.
Linda McMahonLinda McMahon
Role offered: Education secretaryRole offered: Education secretary
Trump named Linda McMahon, co-chair of his transition team, his pick for education secretary. Trump, who previously promised to dismantle the Department of Education, said McMahon would work to “expand ‘choice’” across the US and send education “back to the states”.Trump named Linda McMahon, co-chair of his transition team, his pick for education secretary. Trump, who previously promised to dismantle the Department of Education, said McMahon would work to “expand ‘choice’” across the US and send education “back to the states”.
Tulsi GabbardTulsi Gabbard
Role offered: National intelligence directorRole offered: National intelligence director
Trump announced Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat, as his nominee for director of national intelligence.Trump announced Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat, as his nominee for director of national intelligence.
Jamieson GreerJamieson Greer
Role offered: US trade representativeRole offered: US trade representative
Trump lauded Jamieson Greer for his role enacting the USMCA, a revamped trade pact between the US, Mexico and Canada, and imposing tariffs on China. If confirmed, Greer will be tasked with reining in the trade deficit and opening up “export markets everywhere”.Trump lauded Jamieson Greer for his role enacting the USMCA, a revamped trade pact between the US, Mexico and Canada, and imposing tariffs on China. If confirmed, Greer will be tasked with reining in the trade deficit and opening up “export markets everywhere”.
Kelly LoefflerKelly Loeffler
Role offered: administrator of the Small Business AdministrationRole offered: administrator of the Small Business Administration
Trump named former senator Kelly Loeffler to head the Small Business Administration. He said she will use her business experience to “reduce red tape” and “unleash opportunity” for small businesses.Trump named former senator Kelly Loeffler to head the Small Business Administration. He said she will use her business experience to “reduce red tape” and “unleash opportunity” for small businesses.
Mehmet OzMehmet Oz
Role offered: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administratorRole offered: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator
Trump tapped Dr Mehmet Oz to serve as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator, adding that he would work closely with Robert F Kennedy Jr.Trump tapped Dr Mehmet Oz to serve as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator, adding that he would work closely with Robert F Kennedy Jr.
Brendan CarrBrendan Carr
Role offered: Chair of the Federal Communications CommissionRole offered: Chair of the Federal Communications Commission
Trump tapped Brendan Carr to be the chair of the Federal Communications Commission, the independent agency that regulates telecommunications.Trump tapped Brendan Carr to be the chair of the Federal Communications Commission, the independent agency that regulates telecommunications.
In a statement, Trump said Carr “is a warrior for Free Speech, and has fought against the regulatory Lawfare that has stifled Americans’ Freedoms, and held back our Economy”.In a statement, Trump said Carr “is a warrior for Free Speech, and has fought against the regulatory Lawfare that has stifled Americans’ Freedoms, and held back our Economy”.
Kash PatelKash Patel
Role offered: FBI directorRole offered: FBI director
Trump nominated the “deep state” critic Kash Patel to be FBI director. He has called for leadership of the federal law enforcement agency to be fired as part of a drive to bring federal law enforcement “to heel”.Trump nominated the “deep state” critic Kash Patel to be FBI director. He has called for leadership of the federal law enforcement agency to be fired as part of a drive to bring federal law enforcement “to heel”.