Republicans Running Out of Patience with Trump’s National Security Nominees
Several of President Donald Trump’s national security nominees are set to face confirmation votes in the Senate, but some Republicans are reportedly growing tired of the president’s choices. An unnamed Republican senator who has supported Trump’s nominees in the past warned that the party’s patience is wearing thin, saying, “We’ll only give so much. Because this is the future of the country. It’s not entertainment television.”
The senator was speaking in particular about the administration’s picks for FBI Director and Director of National Intelligence, who are expected to face tough battles. The recent confirmation of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, which was secured only with the help of Vice President JD Vance, is seen as a sign of the challenges ahead for other nominees.
The White House has threatened “consequences” for any Republican senator who does not support Trump’s nominees. “It’s pass-fail. You either support everyone or you don’t,” a senior official said. “The Senate needs to advise and consent, not advise and adjust.”
The administration has also suggested that outside groups and political actors may be pressured to exact consequences on senators who do not support the president’s nominees. However, the threat appears to be diminished by the fact that several notable Republicans who have opposed Trump’s picks are unlikely to face re-election or have already defeated MAGA challengers in the past.