Senate Democrats Plan to Shift Tactics in Confronting Trump’s Second-Term Nominations
Senate Democrats are adapting their strategy for confronting Donald Trump’s second-term Cabinet picks, opting for a more measured approach after previous efforts to delay or obstruct nominations failed to yield meaningful results.
In contrast to their dramatic showdowns during Trump’s first term, Democrats are now focusing on working with nominees when they share common goals and interests, while also forcing Republicans to defend Trump’s picks when they face ethics questions, have a history of controversial statements, or lack necessary qualifications.
“We have to acknowledge something even if we are disappointed that’s true: Trump won. He is the president. We have to accept that,” said Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.). “We are going to approach this in a very straightforward way. President Trump won. He has a right to nominate his Cabinet members. Our approach will be to give him the benefit of the doubt but not a blank check.”
Some Democrats have already indicated they may be open to voting for certain nominees, including Dr. Mehmet Oz, who has been tapped to lead a key health care agency, and Sen. Marco Rubio, who is expected to become the next secretary of state.
However, Democrats also acknowledge that they will not cease reminding voters of Trump’s defiance of precedent and refusal to have nominees undergo FBI background checks. In a letter to incoming Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of maintaining the traditional process of confirming nominees.
Despite their new approach, Democrats are aware that they will be in the minority and that Republicans have a comfortable three-seat margin. They are also mindful of the need to create a record that shows the potential consequences of Trump’s pick.
“We have to accept that we are in a position where we are a minority, and we are going to have to create a record that shows what the impact of these appointments could be,” said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.).
Democrats will remain in the majority until January, but the minority status will likely dictate a more limited role for the party in shaping Trump’s second-term agenda.
Ultimately, Democrats say they will stay flexible and adaptable, recognizing that some of the strategy will be shaped by organic and unforeseen circumstances in the months ahead.
“I don’t think there is an overall answer. (Trump’s) labor nominee is for example very different than his nominee for the Department of Defense, and the approaches should be tailored to the individual nominees,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). “Democrats are here to carry out our Constitutional duties to advise and consent. To do that, we need our FBI background checks, an opportunity to meet with the candidates and then to ask them questions in open hearings.”