Trump warns of Democratic delays on Cabinet nominees

President-elect Trump on Tuesday urged Republicans to be “smart and tough” in the face of potential Democratic efforts to delay the confirmation of his nominees.

“We just won a Historic Landslide and Mandate from the American People, but Senate Democrats are organizing to improperly stall and delay the confirmation process of many of our Great Nominees,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “They will try all sorts of tricks starting very soon. Republicans must not allow them to do that.”

“We have a Country to run, and many big problems to solve, mostly created by Democrats. REPUBLICANS, BE SMART AND TOUGH!!!” he added.

The Senate is expected to begin holding hearings next week for Trump’s Cabinet picks, all of whom will need to be confirmed by a majority of senators.

Republicans will have a 53-47 majority in the Senate, making it difficult for Democrats to halt nominations. But Democrats are still expected to intensely question a number of Trump picks at their confirmation hearings, and senators could use certain procedural measures to slow down the process.

Some nominees, such as Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for secretary of State or Rep. Elise Stefanik (R.N.Y.) for ambassador to the United Nations, are likely to receive bipartisan support.

Others, however, are expected to face more resistance. Democrats in particular have expressed reservations about Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, director of national intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard and Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.