Congress

Democrats Question Whether Reflexive Opposition Is Best for Trump’s Confirmation Hearings

“We’re not looking to make this partisanship or tribalism,” Sen. Cory Booker said. “We’re trying to refocus it.”

Chuck Schumer with Senate Democrats on the steps of the capitol.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats layout the priorities for the 119th Congress on the Senate Steps at the U.S. Capitol. John McDonnell/AP

By Riley Rogerson, Ben T.N. Mause and Katherine Swartz

January 13, 2025 05:00 AM

As Donald Trump fights to push his cabinet nominees through the Senate, Democrats are figuring out how much they should push back.

“We have an obligation to elicit all the facts about how unprepared and unqualified some of these nominees are,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal told NOTUS, “not just questions or issues, but basic, core lack of character and competence.”

“The stakes couldn’t be higher,” he said.