What to Know in Washington: These Senators Could Sink Trump’s Cabinet

A handful of senators with independent streaks could stand between Donald Trump and his Cabinet picks. But first, you should know:

• Trump’s biggest hurdle to his Pentagon chief pick is sounding more open to the choice.
• The growing number of lobbyists joining the Trump administration could signal a shift in approach to the sector.
• A House AI task force is preparing to release a policy report with detailed recommendations for Congress.

These Senators Could Sink Trump’s Cabinet

The fate of Donald Trump’s nominees will come down to a handful of Republicans, a number of whom have a history of breaking with the party or clashes with Donald Trump, Lillianna Byington reports.

Four senators can sink any nominee, given Republicans’ 53-47 majority. While it’s customary for the Senate to largely defer to the president’s nominees, senators are already skeptical about a number of Trump’s choices, including Defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth.

Here’s who to watch:

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa): She’s a veteran and a sexual assault survivor, which could inform her judgment of Hegseth, as he faces allegations of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse and mismanagement of veteran groups. Ernst sits on the Armed Services committee and called for further investigation of the allegations.

Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska): The moderate opposed Trump’s presidential bid and supported his impeachment conviction over Jan. 6. She already signaled hesitance on picks including Hegseth, who she’ll meet this week and plans to ask about the allegations and his position on women in combat.

Susan Collins (R-Maine): Collins said it’s important the Senate be thorough with background checks and public hearings for nominees. She’s won five terms in a blue state that Trump lost three times, and may be looking to reinforce her independent reputation ahead of re-election in 2026.

Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.): McConnell has tangled with Trump on defense and foreign policy. He intends to seek the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee chair, where he can push his priorities. He’s been silent on Trump’s picks but said it was a good thing former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) withdrew from pursuing attorney general.

John Curtis (R-Utah): Curtis beat out Republican contenders in the primary including a candidate Trump backed. Gaetz told allies Curtis was one of the four who opposed him, including McConnell, Murkowski and Collins.

For the full list, Read More

• Also Read: Ernst Bolsters Hegseth Defense Nomination

Read BGOV’s Congress Tracker for our breakdown of lawmakers’ agenda and the politics driving it.

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(Corrects the number of Republican senators’ defections needed to defeat a nomination on the floor).