Republicans Push for Trump Cabinet Confirmations Following New Orleans Attack

GOP leaders cite national security concerns and claim the U.S. is 'under attack' as they advocate for swift approval of President-elect Trump's controversial nominees.

• A terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day left 14 dead and dozens injured, prompting Republican lawmakers to demand expedited confirmation of Trump's national security team.
• Senator Lindsey Graham and other GOP leaders have framed the situation as a national security crisis, calling for immediate action to confirm Trump's cabinet picks, including Kash Patel for FBI director and Pete Hegseth for defense secretary.
• The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was a U.S.-born citizen and former Army veteran, with officials confirming no connection to illegal immigration or border security despite Republican claims linking the attack to these issues.
• Trump's nominees face significant opposition, with concerns raised over Patel's lack of FBI experience and controversial plans for the bureau, as well as past allegations against Hegseth and criticism of Tulsi Gabbard's foreign policy stances.
• President-elect Trump has urged Republican senators to resist Democratic efforts to delay confirmations, emphasizing the urgency of forming his cabinet before his inauguration on January 20.

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