On Tuesday, Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) found themselves in a lighthearted moment as they discussed the task of voting for President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees. As bipartisan sponsors of a new artificial intelligence bill, they appeared on CNBC and shared jokes about their upcoming confirmation responsibilities.
Cruz humorously claimed, “Amy told me she’s voting for all of Trump’s nominees.” In response, Klobuchar pointed out that during the last Cabinet confirmations in 2017, she voted to approve half of Trump’s nominees. “The last time I voted for half his nominees on the Cabinet because I carefully reviewed each one and made decisions,” she explained.
Cruz teases Klobuchar about her support for Trump’s nominees in light banter
Klobuchar emphasized the importance of not granting a president unrestricted power, stating, “I just don’t think you should give a president a blank slate power, when, in fact, we are supposed to have advice and consent and the oath we take ourselves to protect the Constitution.”
As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Klobuchar has expressed her intention to meet with some of Trump’s nominees prior to their confirmation hearings. Among them is Pam Bondi, his second choice for attorney general.
Klobuchar clarified that her approach is not to single out Bondi but to ensure due diligence by reviewing the FBI background check and asking relevant questions to confirm the nominee’s suitability for the role.
Several of Trump’s nominees are facing challenges ahead of their Senate confirmation hearings. Former Representative Tulsi Gabbard, chosen for the role of director of national intelligence, is under scrutiny regarding her expertise in international affairs and her connections with foreign governments.
Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth, nominated for Defense Secretary, is contending with allegations of sexual assault and concerns over alcohol misuse. As contentious nominations prepare to enter the Senate confirmation process, some Republican lawmakers are feeling the pressure from Trump to support his selections.
