Trump cabinet picks: As former President Donald Trump prepares for a potential second term, his cabinet nominations remain a subject of intense scrutiny. While some of his picks have already secured Senate confirmation, others are still awaiting approval. Here’s an updated look at which Trump cabinet nominees haven’t been confirmed yet and what’s causing the delay.

Confirmed Trump Cabinet Members

Before diving into the pending nominations, let’s look at the key cabinet members who have already received Senate approval:

1. Secretary of State: Marco Rubio

• The former Florida senator has been confirmed as the 72nd U.S. Secretary of State with bipartisan support.
• Rubio’s confirmation signals continuity in Trump’s foreign policy, particularly regarding China, Russia, and Middle East affairs.

2. Defense Secretary: Pete Hegseth

• The former Fox News host and military veteran was confirmed after Vice President’s tie-breaking vote in the Senate.
• His nomination was controversial due to his media background, but Trump supporters argue that his military experience is sufficient.

Trump Cabinet Picks Awaiting Confirmation

1. Attorney General: John Eastman

• Status: Pending Senate Judiciary Committee approval.
• Reason for Delay: Eastman played a key role in Trump’s 2020 election challenges, leading to strong opposition from Senate Democrats.

2. Secretary of Homeland Security: Stephen Miller

• Status: Facing Senate hearings.
• Reason for Delay: Miller is known for his hardline immigration policies during Trump’s first term, which has made his confirmation highly controversial.

3. Treasury Secretary: David Malpass

• Status: Awaiting full Senate vote.
• Reason for Delay: Malpass, the former World Bank President, has faced scrutiny over his views on economic growth and international trade.

4. Health and Human Services Secretary: Ronny Jackson

• Status: Nomination under review.
• Reason for Delay: His past controversies regarding medical practices and White House conduct have raised concerns among lawmakers.

Why Are These Confirmations Taking Longer?

There are several key reasons why some Trump cabinet picks have yet to be confirmed:

1. Partisan Divides in the Senate

• With a closely divided Senate, even a few defectors from Trump’s party can block confirmations.

2. Nominee Controversies

• Many of Trump’s picks have past records that invite scrutiny, leading to lengthy Senate hearings.

3. Committee Delays

• The Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees often require extensive background checks, slowing down the process.

What’s Next for These Cabinet Nominees?

The Senate will continue hearings over the coming weeks, and some nominees may need modifications or replacements if they fail to secure enough votes. Trump’s team is pushing for swift confirmations, but strong opposition from Democrats and moderate Republicans could slow things down.

Stay tuned for updates as the confirmation process unfolds.