Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees go under the microscope in a frenzied week on Capitol Hill starting Tuesday, as U.S. senators hold confirmation hearings that could make or break their political careers.
Thirteen nominees will be grilled before 11 committees, and while many will sail through, others face controversies ranging from alleged sexual assault and heavy drinking to their relationships with dictators and vaccine skepticism.
The Trump picks have been in stringent preparations, taking part in mock hearings and coaching on how to negotiate tough questions while still maintaining unswerving loyalty to the president-elect.
Senate Republicans are keen for Trump’s national security nominees to be confirmed quickly and Democrats may agree to fast-track some. But they are determined to throw up roadblocks in front of candidates they see as unfit.
One of the first on the docket will be one of the most controversial — Pete Hegseth, the former Army National Guard officer and ex-Fox News host nominated for secretary of defence.
Hegseth, whose hearing is on Tuesday morning, has faced allegations of sexual assault, financial misconduct, excessive drinking, and lingering questions over his views on women in the military. He also has no comparable management experience.
Hegseth can only afford three Republican rejections and still be confirmed, should every Democrat and independent vote against him.
