Key Trump Nominees Advance Toward Senate Confirmation Despite GOP Divisions

Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. clear critical committee votes following intense scrutiny and internal Republican negotiations.

Tulsi Gabbard, nominated for Director of National Intelligence, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated for Health and Human Services Secretary, passed narrow Senate committee votes on Tuesday.
Republican Senators Todd Young and Bill Cassidy, who initially expressed reservations, provided pivotal support after securing assurances from the nominees and the White House.
Gabbard faced bipartisan criticism for her past positions on Edward Snowden, Russia, and Syria, while Kennedy's anti-vaccine rhetoric raised concerns about his suitability to lead U.S. health agencies.
The confirmations of both nominees are expected to face tight votes in the full Senate, with a few Republican senators still undecided and strong Democratic opposition.
GOP leadership, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, has worked to unify the party around Trump’s nominees, highlighting the political risks of opposing the president early in his second term.