Republican senators are uneasy as they anticipate that allegations of se*xual misconduct against President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees may dominate Senate confirmation hearings. With these accusations poised to become a focal point, many fear a contentious confirmation process.
The withdrawal of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) from consideration for attorney general earlier this week offered some relief to Senate Republicans, as it removed one controversial nominee facing serious allegations of misconduct and drug use. However, GOP lawmakers are bracing for similar challenges surrounding other controversial Trump nominees.
Among those under scrutiny are Pete Hegseth, nominated to head the Defense Department, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services, and Linda McMahon for the Department of Education. All have been linked to allegations of se*xual misconduct or enabling abuse, prompting fears of more public hearings involving uncomfortable questions.
Allegations of misconduct cast a shadow over nominees like Hegseth and Kennedy as Senate deliberations approach
Some Republican senators privately hope that other nominees may voluntarily step down if their confirmation would embroil the administration in scandals early in Trump’s second term.
“The Constitution is vital in this process,” one anonymous senator remarked, emphasizing the importance of the Senate’s role in advising and consenting. “The president has some leeway in selecting his team, but that doesn’t mean it’s unchecked. We need to do our jobs.”
As Gaetz exits the scene, attention shifts to other nominees facing similar accusations. A second anonymous GOP senator expressed concern that the issues could spread beyond Gaetz, leading to damaging hearings. “It would be disastrous for the Senate and for the nation,” this senator stated.
The most recent nominee to face serious allegations is Hegseth, who has been accused of locking a woman in his hotel room and assaulting her during a Republican women’s event in 2017. The woman claimed her drink was drugged before she ended up in Hegseth’s room, leading to a se*xual assault exam and police involvement. Hegseth has denied the claims, stating that the incident was fully investigated and he was cleared of any wrongdoing.
While the police report was forwarded to the district attorney, charges were not pursued due to insufficient evidence. However, Hegseth’s confirmation will likely be scrutinized by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), a leading advocate for military se*xual assault reforms, who has already raised concerns about his record.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a critical swing vote in the Senate, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. “Any claim of drug use or se*xual misconduct is serious, and the Senate will closely examine these matters,” she said, expressing relief that Gaetz withdrew. Collins added that the issues surrounding other nominees would be explored during hearings, though she noted that no criminal charges have been filed as of yet.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) also commented on the allegations against Hegseth, noting that the Armed Services Committee would thoroughly vet him. She suggested that an FBI background check would be useful in the process, though the Trump transition team has not yet arranged for the Justice Department to conduct one.
Kennedy, Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services, is facing accusations from a former nanny who claims he groped her when she was 23. Kennedy has denied the allegations, but they have become a serious issue in his nomination process.
Similarly, McMahon, Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Education, is named in a lawsuit accusing her of failing to stop child se*xual abuse by an employee at World Wrestling Entertainment, which she ran with her husband, Vince McMahon.
These allegations have provided Democrats with ammunition, as they argue that the pattern of accusations reflects the president-elect’s own history of alleged misconduct.
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) expressed concern over the charges against Hegseth, linking them to broader concerns about Trump’s approach to se*xual misconduct. “This kind of behavior starts at the top,” she said, stressing the importance of FBI investigations into these allegations.
Hirono further emphasized the need for nominees to answer questions about past behavior during confirmation hearings, underscoring that such issues may stem from a president who does not consider se*xual misconduct a priority. Trump himself continues to face legal battles, with recent guilty verdicts in cases involving Stormy Daniels and writer E. Jean Carroll, both of which he is appealing.
