Trump Nominates Controversial Cabinet Picks

President-elect Donald Trump is testing the resolve of the Republican-led Senate with the nomination of controversial figures for his cabinet, including Matt Gaetz for attorney general, despite Gaetz's recent resignation amid ongoing ethics investigations. Trump's desire for 'recess appointments' could allow these nominations to bypass traditional confirmation hearings, a move that has sparked significant debate among Senate Republicans, particularly newly elected majority leader John Thune. Some GOP senators are expressing discomfort with Gaetz and other nominations, including Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, as they fear backlash from their constituents. Thune has indicated a preference for maintaining standard confirmation processes, but may resort to recess appointments if Democrats do not support some of Trump's picks. The situation has put Senate Republicans in a precarious position as they weigh their loyalty to Trump against the potential fallout from his controversial choices. Overall, Trump's cabinet nominations are setting the stage for contentious debates in the upcoming Congress.