A number of Republican senators may pose challenges to President-elect Trump’s controversial Cabinet appointments, particularly concerning his two most contentious picks: former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Trump’s relationship with several GOP senators has been tumultuous, and some of them may not show the same level of support as his staunch allies, like Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), who recently urged his colleagues to “get out of the way” and approve Trump’s nominations.
Even though Trump can afford to lose three votes within the Senate GOP and still get his nominees confirmed, four defections would block any of them. Already, two moderate senators—Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Sen.
Sen. Murkowski’s political history suggests caution toward Trump’s controversial nominations
Susan Collins (R-Maine)—have expressed strong concerns over Gaetz’s involvement in a federal sex trafficking investigation and his nomination to lead the Justice Department.
Here are the key senators who could impede Trump’s choices.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
Murkowski wasted little time in indicating her likely opposition to Gaetz after his nomination for attorney general. She described it as an unserious pick, emphasizing the need for a credible attorney general.
Given her political history, including not supporting Trump or Vice President Harris, Murkowski may also be wary of Kennedy’s nomination to head the Department of Health and Human Services.
A member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Murkowski has publicly advocated for vaccines during the pandemic but also voted to overturn the vaccine mandate for private businesses in December 2021.
Her reaction to Trump’s pick of Pete Hegseth, a military veteran and Fox News host, for Defense Secretary was one of surprise. She did not offer an opinion but was taken aback by the choice, which was outside the realm of the typical candidates.
Murkowski was also one of the seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump for inciting the January 6 insurrection during his Senate impeachment trial.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Collins, who faces reelection in 2026 in a state that supported Harris, immediately expressed concerns over Gaetz’s potential role as attorney general. While acknowledging Trump’s right to nominate anyone, Collins anticipated serious scrutiny at Gaetz’s confirmation hearing.
Collins is also expected to closely examine Kennedy’s nomination, given her position on the HELP Committee. She previously expressed alarm over some of Kennedy’s past statements, particularly his controversial stance on vaccines and fluoride in water. She has yet to meet with him but believes his selection could be an unexpected move for heading Health and Human Services.
Sen.-elect John Curtis (R-Utah)
John Curtis, who is set to replace the retiring Mitt Romney, has built a reputation as a pragmatic centrist. As the head of the Conservative Climate Caucus, Curtis has argued that conservatives have a role in environmental stewardship. His position as a moderate could affect his stance on Trump’s Cabinet choices.
During his time in the House, Curtis did not endorse Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election, and he was critical of Gaetz’s tactics during the Senate GOP primary in Utah. Curtis has made it clear he opposes efforts to bypass the confirmation process through recess appointments, emphasizing the Senate’s vital role in confirming nominees.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.)
Bill Cassidy, one of the three remaining Republican senators who voted to convict Trump for inciting insurrection, has built a reputation for taking principled stands, even when it involves controversial issues.
Cassidy, a doctor, strongly opposed the vaccine-autism link claims and has championed issues such as healthy food initiatives. As the incoming chair of the HELP Committee, Cassidy will play a key role in examining Kennedy’s nomination.
While Cassidy avoided commenting on Gaetz’s nomination, he expressed confusion about the choice of Hegseth, given his limited experience in managing large organizations such as the Pentagon.
Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.)
Todd Young, a thoughtful legislator known for his careful approach, has indicated that he is unlikely to endorse Trump’s choice of Gaetz. He refrains from engaging in the controversies surrounding Trump’s statements but has made clear that Gaetz’s nomination may struggle in the Senate. Young also voted for a 2022 bill addressing gun violence, a stance that made him a target of criticism from Gaetz.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)
Joni Ernst, like several other senators, is taking a wait-and-see approach regarding Gaetz’s nomination and other appointments like Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard. Ernst’s relationship with Gabbard, though unconventional, could lead her to carefully consider the former congresswoman’s potential role as director of national intelligence.
Ernst, facing reelection in 2026, may also be more inclined to break with party lines, especially after losing her bid for Senate Republican Conference chair.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)
Thom Tillis, known for his willingness to buck the party line when necessary, has already cast doubt on Gaetz’s chances of confirmation. Tillis acknowledged the difficulties Gaetz would face in securing Senate support and indicated that Hegseth would need to answer tough questions during his confirmation hearing.
Tillis is expected to remain a key figure in the 2026 election cycle, with his seat likely a battleground for both parties.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)
John Cornyn, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has called for thorough scrutiny of Gaetz’s past, especially regarding investigations into allegations of misconduct. He also expressed surprise at Trump’s choice of Gabbard for national intelligence director, citing her controversial past.
Cornyn’s willingness to challenge Trump’s nominees could be influenced by the dynamics of his 2026 reelection campaign, but he has not shied away from questioning picks he sees as problematic.
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
Mitch McConnell’s deep skepticism of Trump’s character and policy positions makes him an unpredictable figure when it comes to confirming Trump’s nominations.
Having led the Senate for years, McConnell has traditionally prioritized party unity, but his reluctance to support controversial picks such as Gaetz may pose serious obstacles to Trump’s confirmation process next year.
