"Trump's Controversial Cabinet Picks Face Senate Scrutiny"
1min read President Trump's Cabinet picks are facing tough questions from lawmakers as the Senate begins the confirmation process. Three of his more controversial nominees—Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Kash Patel—have been scrutinized for their past comments and views.
RFK Jr., nominated for health secretary, faced criticism over his past comments on vaccinations. Even some Republicans expressed concerns about his views. "Your past of undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments concerns me," said Sen. Bill Cassidy. Despite this, Cassidy indicated that he still needs to consider how he'll vote.
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman who has become a prominent figure in the MAGA movement, faced criticism from both sides of the aisle. Democrats and Republicans alike wanted her to explicitly denounce Edward Snowden as a traitor, but she refused to do so. Intelligence Committee members also questioned Gabbard behind closed doors, and the vote to advance her confirmation will also be private. Some Republicans are pushing for a public vote to pressure the party to support Trump.
Patel, nominated for FBI director, seems to have the most outward Republican support, but Democrats are concerned with his past comments on various right-wing topics, including his praise of Jan. 6 rioters and support of QAnon influencers. Patel assured lawmakers that he would not politicize the FBI or take retributive actions if confirmed.
Howard Lutnick, who is vying to become commerce secretary, faced senators on Wednesday. The Senate Commerce Committee is set to vote on Lutnick on Feb. 5. Notably, Lutnick confirmed that his firm Cantor Fitzgerald has a convertible bond with cryptocurrency company Tether. He also said that he would sell "everything," including his personal assets and business interests, should he be confirmed for the position.
Several Democrats, including Sens. Maria Cantwell and John Hickenlooper, questioned Lutnick about Tether, bringing up concerns about the stablecoin's reserves and how it could be used by illicit actors. Lutnick argued that the public nature of the blockchain makes tracking illicit transactions easier.
With Republicans' 53-47 majority, the GOP can only afford to lose three votes on any confirmation should all Democrats oppose Trump's picks. Outside of confirmation hearings, senators are also scheduled to address key pain points for the cryptocurrency industry, including deb 
