By — Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas By — Matt Loffman Matt Loffman Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/how-to-watch-the-confirmation-hearings-for-trumps-cabinet Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter See the Trump Cabinet confirmation schedule Politics Updated on Feb 11, 2025 9:28 PM EDT — Published on Jan 13, 2025 5:52 PM EDT For more politics coverage and analysis, sign up for Here’s the Deal, our weekly politics newsletter, here. President Donald Trump’s Cabinet is filling up. After several weeks of high-profile hearings, many of the president’s 22 Cabinet or Cabinet-level nominees have had a smooth pathway to confirmation in the Senate. Pete Hegseth, one of Trump’s most controversial picks, got key Republican senators to swing in his favor despite early hesitation about his nomination for defense secretary. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Coming up as the caboose are two Cabinet picks whose hearings this week also have major questions looming over their nominations. All times listed below are Eastern and are subject to change. We will update the list as proceedings get underway. Thursday, Feb. 13 Linda McMahon, education secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. 10 a.m. — McMahon, who led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, testifies before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. A limited background in education. The former wrestling executive served as administrator of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term. McMahon has little background in education policy, serving about a year on the Connecticut State Board of Education, part of what led the National Education Association to oppose her nomination. Will the education department be dissolved? McMahon’s testimony comes as the Trump administration and efficiency czar Elon Musk are moving forward with plans to dismantle the department she would lead if confirmed. A few dozen of the department’s roughly 4,400 employees were put on administrative leave in recent weeks after Trump’s executive order against diversity, equity and inclusion. Congressional Democrats opposed the administration’s actions and were denied access to the building while protesting outside the department last week. The president is reportedly considering executive action to gut the department and supports eliminating it altogether, though that would require an act of Congress. “I want Linda to put herself out of a job,” Trump said last week. Expect Trump’s executive actions — and McMahon’s support for them — to be central questions during her hearing. What does the Education Department do? Many of the agency’s core functions are also established by congressional statute, chief among them its mandate to support low-income families and students with disabilities. The department also oversees tens of billions of dollars of federal student loan disbursements each year. Wednesday, Feb. 19 Lori Chavez-DeRemer, labor secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. 10 a.m. — Chavez-DeRemer, a union-friendly Republican, testifies before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. This hearing was originally scheduled for Feb. 12. A pro-union Republican. Chavez-DeRemer’s bona fides as a union-friendly lawmaker are professional and personal. The former Oregon congresswoman was raised in a Teamsters family and likes to tout that she has a strong backing from labor groups. She was one of a handful of Republicans who pushed for the “Protecting the Right to Organize,” or PRO Act, which would have made it easier for workers to form unions. The bill didn’t ultimately prevail in Congress, but this kind of past union-friendly stance has been a point of contention among her fellow Republicans. READ MORE: Who are Trump’s Cabinet picks? Here’s every name so far An unorthodox pick. How much this stance matters to Senate Republicans and business groups remains to be seen. While the Democratic Party has traditionally embraced organized labor, this may be Trump’s opportunity to make inroads with labor unions. Though other nominees have faced initial skepticism on their path to confirmation, things eased by the end of the process. Plus, not every Senate Republican is wary of Chavez-DeRemer. What does the Labor Department do? The labor head would oversee laws and regulations that focus on workplace conditions. (Think wages, working conditions, unemployment benefits, etc.) Chavez-DeRemer may have a more union-friendly record than Trump, but if confirmed, a more pro-union labor secretary doesn’t necessarily mean more pro-worker policies. Past hearings Pete Hegseth, defense secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Pete Hegseth, a military veteran and conservative media personality, testified before the Senate Committee on Armed Services. Notable moments from the hearing: Hegseth’s full opening statement Lawmakers question Hegseth on his views about women in the military Sen. Wicker calls Hegseth a “top-shelf communicator” ‘I do not believe you are qualified,’ Sen. Reed tells Hegseth Sen. Hirono asks Hegseth whether he’d follow unlawful orders from Trump Sen. Cramer asks Hegseth about his Jerusalem cross tattoo Pam Bondi, attorney general Watch Bondi’s first hearing in the player above. Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, testified twice before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Watch the second hearing here. Notable moments from the hearings: Bondi’s full opening statement Lawmakers question Bondi about potential weaponization of Justice Department Bondi doesn’t directly answer whether she believes Biden won the 2020 election Bondi claims crime is “gonna go through the roof” in California after wildfires Bondi says there will “never be an enemies list” at Justice Department Marco Rubio, secretary of state Watch the hearing in the player above. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a one-time presidential hopeful and former Trump critic, testified before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Notable moments from the hearing: Rubio’s full opening statement Rubio hearing offers glimpse into how the department would carry out Trump’s agenda Rubio won’t rule out military force against Mexican cartels Rubio says China is “most potent and dangerous” U.S. adversary Rubio says NATO allies must contribute more to defense John Ratcliffe, CIA director Watch the hearing in the player above. John Ratcliffe, who served as the director of national intelligence in the final year of Trump’s first term, testified before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Notable moments from the hearing: Ratcliffe’s full opening statement Ratcliffe says CIA needs to “increase in intensity” on China Sean Duffy, transportation secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Sean Duffy, a former Wisconsin congressman with a reality TV show background, testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Watch Duffy’s full opening statement Chris Wright, energy secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Chris Wright, a businessman and donor, testified before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Watch Wright’s full opening statement Russell Vought, Office of Management and Budget director Watch the hearing in the player above. Russell Vought, a Project 2025 co-author who briefly led OMB at the end of Trump’s first term, appears before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Watch his second hearing, before the Senate Budget Committee, here. Notable moments from the hearing: Vought’s full opening statement Democrats ask Vought about goals of replacing civil servants with appointees Vought says Biden’s student debt executive order was illegal Vought won’t commit to funding bipartisan effort to combat opioid crisis Sen. Sanders asks Vought if “health care is a human right” Sen. Murray asks Vought about following impoundment law Doug Burgum, interior secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Doug Burgum, a former corporate executive and governor of North Dakota who championed oil and gas drilling, testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Notable moments from the hearing: Burgum’s full opening statement Burgum says federal rules are weaponized to “block our nation’s progress” Burgum says federal lands are “America’s balance sheet” Hirono asks Burgum: Will you protect lands or will you “drill, baby, drill”? Sen. Hickenlooper questions Burgum about navigating historic drought Sen. Lee questions Burgum about public lands as U.S. assets Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency administrator Watch the hearing in the player above. Lee Zeldin, a former New York congressman, testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Notable moments from the hearing: Zeldin’s full opening statement Sen. Lummis asks Zeldin if he’d follow the science or the law as EPA chief Zeldin says access to clean drinking water is “extremely important” Sen. Sanders asks Zeldin if climate change is a hoax Sen. Capito asks Zeldin how he’d address PFAS pollution Sen. Markey asks Zeldin if he agrees with RFK Jr.’s stance on pesticides Scott Turner, Housing and Urban Development secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Scott Turner, a former NFL player and former Texas state legislator, testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. Watch Turner’s full opening statement Scott Bessent, treasury secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Scott Bessent, a hedge fund founder, testified before the Senate Committee on Finance. Watch Bessent’s full opening statement Kristi Noem, homeland security secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Gov. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., testified before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Notable moments from the hearing: Noem’s full opening statement Sen. Blumenthal and Noem spar over family separation at the border Noem says she will shut down the CBP One app on Day 1 Sen. Slotkin asks Noem to commit to not politicizing issues Sen. Scott questions Noem about refugee admissions, humanitarian parole Sen. Kim asks Noem about major foreign terrorist groups Elise Stefanik, ambassador to the United Nations Watch the hearing in the player above. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., the House Republican Conference Chair, testified before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Notable moments from the hearing: Stefanik’s full opening statement Stefanik says she supports giving Trump “maximum flexibility” in ending Ukraine war Stefanik condemns “antisemitic rot” at UN Stefanik calls for strengthening relationships with allies to fight China’s influence Stefanik says “Elon Musk did not do those salutes” at Trump inauguration celebration Stefanik does not answer whether Palestinian people have the right to self-determination Doug Collins, veterans affairs secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Doug Collins, a former Georgia congressman and current chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command, testified before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Notable moments from the hearing: Collins’ full opening statement Sen. Moran asks Collins about supporting veterans in their transitions to civilian life Sen. Murray asks Collins about veterans’ access to abortion care Sen. Blumenthal asks Collins whether federal hiring freeze would affect veterans benefits Sen. King warns Collins against using AI to determine veterans benefits Brooke Rollins, agriculture secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Brooke Rollins, a returning Cabinet member who previously served as Trump’s domestic policy chief during his first term, testified before the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. Notable moments from the hearing: Rollins’ full opening statement Rollins says U.S. nutrition supplement programs should be “effective and efficient” Sen. Smith asks Brooke Rollins about increasing rural housing and development Rollins says mass deportation and supporting migrant-dependent farms are “key priorities” Sen. Warnock asks how Rollins would protect farmers from trade wars over Trump tariffs Robert F. Kennedy Jr., health and human services secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Kennedy, a known promoter of vaccine misinformation whose nomination has prompted concern among health experts, testified before the Senate Committee on Finance. Watch the second hearing, before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, here. Notable moments from the hearings: Kennedy’s full opening statement RFK Jr. denies being anti-vaccine RFK Jr. shares his views on processed foods and kids “Every abortion is a tragedy,” RFK Jr. says RFK Jr. says AI nurse that diagnoses “as good as any doctor” can help rural Americans “I’m not scared of vested interest,” RFK Jr. says on improving health transparency RFK Jr. says he’s called a conspiracy theorist to stop him from asking questions RFK Jr. “can kill off access to vaccines and make millions,” Sen. Warren says Howard Lutnick, commerce secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Lutnick, a billionaire businessman and co-chair of Trump’s transition team, testified before the Senate Committee of Commerce, Science and Transportation. Watch Lutnick’s full opening statement Kelly Loeffler, small business administrator Watch the hearing in the player above. Loeffler, a former Georgia senator and former chief executive of cryptocurrency trading platform Bakkt, testified before the Senate Committee of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Notable moments from the hearing: Loeffler’s full opening statement “I strongly support” Trump’s Jan. 6 pardons, Loeffler says Kash Patel, FBI director Watch the hearing in the player above. Patel, a Trump loyalist and “deep state” conspiracy theorist, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Notable moments from the hearing: Patel’s full opening statement Sen. Grassley reveals internal FBI emails in opening remarks at Patel hearing Sen. Tillis says he made a bingo card to track Democrats’ arguments against Patel “Look at them!” Schiff tells Patel to face Capitol Police officers “if you have the courage” Sen. Durbin asks Patel about “cowards in uniform” comment Don’t “burn down” the FBI but lift it up, Sen. Kennedy tells Patel Sen. Klobuchar questions Patel on his disparaging comments about the FBI Sen. Britt questions Patel about Redstone Arsenal, high training standards Daniel P. Driscoll, Army secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Driscoll, an Iraq War veteran who had served as a senior advisor to Vice President-elect JD Vance, testified before the Senate Committee on Armed Services. Watch Driscoll’s full opening statement Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence Watch the hearing in the player above. Gabbard, a former presidential candidate and Democrat-turned-independent, testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Notable moments from the hearing: Gabbard’s full opening statement Sen. Warner asks Gabbard if she still believes Edward Snowden is “brave” Sen. King questions Gabbard about her views on Snowden Sen. Cotton defends Gabbard’s “unconventional” stance on non-democratic regimes Tulsi Gabbard addresses accusations that she is a “puppet” Sen. Wyden asks Gabbard about protections for journalists Sen. Kelly questions Gabbard’s rhetoric about U.S. support of terrorists A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas is a senior editor for the PBS NewsHour's Communities Initiative. He's also the senior editor and manager of newsletters. @Josh_Barrage By — Matt Loffman Matt Loffman Matt Loffman is the PBS NewsHour's Deputy Senior Politics Producer @mattloff
For more politics coverage and analysis, sign up for Here’s the Deal, our weekly politics newsletter, here. President Donald Trump’s Cabinet is filling up. After several weeks of high-profile hearings, many of the president’s 22 Cabinet or Cabinet-level nominees have had a smooth pathway to confirmation in the Senate. Pete Hegseth, one of Trump’s most controversial picks, got key Republican senators to swing in his favor despite early hesitation about his nomination for defense secretary. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Coming up as the caboose are two Cabinet picks whose hearings this week also have major questions looming over their nominations. All times listed below are Eastern and are subject to change. We will update the list as proceedings get underway. Thursday, Feb. 13 Linda McMahon, education secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. 10 a.m. — McMahon, who led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, testifies before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. A limited background in education. The former wrestling executive served as administrator of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term. McMahon has little background in education policy, serving about a year on the Connecticut State Board of Education, part of what led the National Education Association to oppose her nomination. Will the education department be dissolved? McMahon’s testimony comes as the Trump administration and efficiency czar Elon Musk are moving forward with plans to dismantle the department she would lead if confirmed. A few dozen of the department’s roughly 4,400 employees were put on administrative leave in recent weeks after Trump’s executive order against diversity, equity and inclusion. Congressional Democrats opposed the administration’s actions and were denied access to the building while protesting outside the department last week. The president is reportedly considering executive action to gut the department and supports eliminating it altogether, though that would require an act of Congress. “I want Linda to put herself out of a job,” Trump said last week. Expect Trump’s executive actions — and McMahon’s support for them — to be central questions during her hearing. What does the Education Department do? Many of the agency’s core functions are also established by congressional statute, chief among them its mandate to support low-income families and students with disabilities. The department also oversees tens of billions of dollars of federal student loan disbursements each year. Wednesday, Feb. 19 Lori Chavez-DeRemer, labor secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. 10 a.m. — Chavez-DeRemer, a union-friendly Republican, testifies before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. This hearing was originally scheduled for Feb. 12. A pro-union Republican. Chavez-DeRemer’s bona fides as a union-friendly lawmaker are professional and personal. The former Oregon congresswoman was raised in a Teamsters family and likes to tout that she has a strong backing from labor groups. She was one of a handful of Republicans who pushed for the “Protecting the Right to Organize,” or PRO Act, which would have made it easier for workers to form unions. The bill didn’t ultimately prevail in Congress, but this kind of past union-friendly stance has been a point of contention among her fellow Republicans. READ MORE: Who are Trump’s Cabinet picks? Here’s every name so far An unorthodox pick. How much this stance matters to Senate Republicans and business groups remains to be seen. While the Democratic Party has traditionally embraced organized labor, this may be Trump’s opportunity to make inroads with labor unions. Though other nominees have faced initial skepticism on their path to confirmation, things eased by the end of the process. Plus, not every Senate Republican is wary of Chavez-DeRemer. What does the Labor Department do? The labor head would oversee laws and regulations that focus on workplace conditions. (Think wages, working conditions, unemployment benefits, etc.) Chavez-DeRemer may have a more union-friendly record than Trump, but if confirmed, a more pro-union labor secretary doesn’t necessarily mean more pro-worker policies. Past hearings Pete Hegseth, defense secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Pete Hegseth, a military veteran and conservative media personality, testified before the Senate Committee on Armed Services. Notable moments from the hearing: Hegseth’s full opening statement Lawmakers question Hegseth on his views about women in the military Sen. Wicker calls Hegseth a “top-shelf communicator” ‘I do not believe you are qualified,’ Sen. Reed tells Hegseth Sen. Hirono asks Hegseth whether he’d follow unlawful orders from Trump Sen. Cramer asks Hegseth about his Jerusalem cross tattoo Pam Bondi, attorney general Watch Bondi’s first hearing in the player above. Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, testified twice before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Watch the second hearing here. Notable moments from the hearings: Bondi’s full opening statement Lawmakers question Bondi about potential weaponization of Justice Department Bondi doesn’t directly answer whether she believes Biden won the 2020 election Bondi claims crime is “gonna go through the roof” in California after wildfires Bondi says there will “never be an enemies list” at Justice Department Marco Rubio, secretary of state Watch the hearing in the player above. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a one-time presidential hopeful and former Trump critic, testified before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Notable moments from the hearing: Rubio’s full opening statement Rubio hearing offers glimpse into how the department would carry out Trump’s agenda Rubio won’t rule out military force against Mexican cartels Rubio says China is “most potent and dangerous” U.S. adversary Rubio says NATO allies must contribute more to defense John Ratcliffe, CIA director Watch the hearing in the player above. John Ratcliffe, who served as the director of national intelligence in the final year of Trump’s first term, testified before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Notable moments from the hearing: Ratcliffe’s full opening statement Ratcliffe says CIA needs to “increase in intensity” on China Sean Duffy, transportation secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Sean Duffy, a former Wisconsin congressman with a reality TV show background, testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Watch Duffy’s full opening statement Chris Wright, energy secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Chris Wright, a businessman and donor, testified before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Watch Wright’s full opening statement Russell Vought, Office of Management and Budget director Watch the hearing in the player above. Russell Vought, a Project 2025 co-author who briefly led OMB at the end of Trump’s first term, appears before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Watch his second hearing, before the Senate Budget Committee, here. Notable moments from the hearing: Vought’s full opening statement Democrats ask Vought about goals of replacing civil servants with appointees Vought says Biden’s student debt executive order was illegal Vought won’t commit to funding bipartisan effort to combat opioid crisis Sen. Sanders asks Vought if “health care is a human right” Sen. Murray asks Vought about following impoundment law Doug Burgum, interior secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Doug Burgum, a former corporate executive and governor of North Dakota who championed oil and gas drilling, testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Notable moments from the hearing: Burgum’s full opening statement Burgum says federal rules are weaponized to “block our nation’s progress” Burgum says federal lands are “America’s balance sheet” Hirono asks Burgum: Will you protect lands or will you “drill, baby, drill”? Sen. Hickenlooper questions Burgum about navigating historic drought Sen. Lee questions Burgum about public lands as U.S. assets Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency administrator Watch the hearing in the player above. Lee Zeldin, a former New York congressman, testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Notable moments from the hearing: Zeldin’s full opening statement Sen. Lummis asks Zeldin if he’d follow the science or the law as EPA chief Zeldin says access to clean drinking water is “extremely important” Sen. Sanders asks Zeldin if climate change is a hoax Sen. Capito asks Zeldin how he’d address PFAS pollution Sen. Markey asks Zeldin if he agrees with RFK Jr.’s stance on pesticides Scott Turner, Housing and Urban Development secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Scott Turner, a former NFL player and former Texas state legislator, testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. Watch Turner’s full opening statement Scott Bessent, treasury secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Scott Bessent, a hedge fund founder, testified before the Senate Committee on Finance. Watch Bessent’s full opening statement Kristi Noem, homeland security secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Gov. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., testified before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Notable moments from the hearing: Noem’s full opening statement Sen. Blumenthal and Noem spar over family separation at the border Noem says she will shut down the CBP One app on Day 1 Sen. Slotkin asks Noem to commit to not politicizing issues Sen. Scott questions Noem about refugee admissions, humanitarian parole Sen. Kim asks Noem about major foreign terrorist groups Elise Stefanik, ambassador to the United Nations Watch the hearing in the player above. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., the House Republican Conference Chair, testified before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Notable moments from the hearing: Stefanik’s full opening statement Stefanik says she supports giving Trump “maximum flexibility” in ending Ukraine war Stefanik condemns “antisemitic rot” at UN Stefanik calls for strengthening relationships with allies to fight China’s influence Stefanik says “Elon Musk did not do those salutes” at Trump inauguration celebration Stefanik does not answer whether Palestinian people have the right to self-determination Doug Collins, veterans affairs secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Doug Collins, a former Georgia congressman and current chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command, testified before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Notable moments from the hearing: Collins’ full opening statement Sen. Moran asks Collins about supporting veterans in their transitions to civilian life Sen. Murray asks Collins about veterans’ access to abortion care Sen. Blumenthal asks Collins whether federal hiring freeze would affect veterans benefits Sen. King warns Collins against using AI to determine veterans benefits Brooke Rollins, agriculture secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Brooke Rollins, a returning Cabinet member who previously served as Trump’s domestic policy chief during his first term, testified before the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. Notable moments from the hearing: Rollins’ full opening statement Rollins says U.S. nutrition supplement programs should be “effective and efficient” Sen. Smith asks Brooke Rollins about increasing rural housing and development Rollins says mass deportation and supporting migrant-dependent farms are “key priorities” Sen. Warnock asks how Rollins would protect farmers from trade wars over Trump tariffs Robert F. Kennedy Jr., health and human services secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Kennedy, a known promoter of vaccine misinformation whose nomination has prompted concern among health experts, testified before the Senate Committee on Finance. Watch the second hearing, before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, here. Notable moments from the hearings: Kennedy’s full opening statement RFK Jr. denies being anti-vaccine RFK Jr. shares his views on processed foods and kids “Every abortion is a tragedy,” RFK Jr. says RFK Jr. says AI nurse that diagnoses “as good as any doctor” can help rural Americans “I’m not scared of vested interest,” RFK Jr. says on improving health transparency RFK Jr. says he’s called a conspiracy theorist to stop him from asking questions RFK Jr. “can kill off access to vaccines and make millions,” Sen. Warren says Howard Lutnick, commerce secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Lutnick, a billionaire businessman and co-chair of Trump’s transition team, testified before the Senate Committee of Commerce, Science and Transportation. Watch Lutnick’s full opening statement Kelly Loeffler, small business administrator Watch the hearing in the player above. Loeffler, a former Georgia senator and former chief executive of cryptocurrency trading platform Bakkt, testified before the Senate Committee of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Notable moments from the hearing: Loeffler’s full opening statement “I strongly support” Trump’s Jan. 6 pardons, Loeffler says Kash Patel, FBI director Watch the hearing in the player above. Patel, a Trump loyalist and “deep state” conspiracy theorist, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Notable moments from the hearing: Patel’s full opening statement Sen. Grassley reveals internal FBI emails in opening remarks at Patel hearing Sen. Tillis says he made a bingo card to track Democrats’ arguments against Patel “Look at them!” Schiff tells Patel to face Capitol Police officers “if you have the courage” Sen. Durbin asks Patel about “cowards in uniform” comment Don’t “burn down” the FBI but lift it up, Sen. Kennedy tells Patel Sen. Klobuchar questions Patel on his disparaging comments about the FBI Sen. Britt questions Patel about Redstone Arsenal, high training standards Daniel P. Driscoll, Army secretary Watch the hearing in the player above. Driscoll, an Iraq War veteran who had served as a senior advisor to Vice President-elect JD Vance, testified before the Senate Committee on Armed Services. Watch Driscoll’s full opening statement Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence Watch the hearing in the player above. Gabbard, a former presidential candidate and Democrat-turned-independent, testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Notable moments from the hearing: Gabbard’s full opening statement Sen. Warner asks Gabbard if she still believes Edward Snowden is “brave” Sen. King questions Gabbard about her views on Snowden Sen. Cotton defends Gabbard’s “unconventional” stance on non-democratic regimes Tulsi Gabbard addresses accusations that she is a “puppet” Sen. Wyden asks Gabbard about protections for journalists Sen. Kelly questions Gabbard’s rhetoric about U.S. support of terrorists A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now