Trump nominees for treasury, interior secretary and EPA chief to face senators – live

Key Takeaways:

• Four of Trump’s cabinet nominees face Senate confirmation hearings today.
• Treasury nominee Scott Bessent is expected to be questioned on proposed tariffs.
• Interior nominee Doug Burgum will likely be scrutinized over plans for drilling on public lands.
• Previous hearings this week included nominees Pam Bondi and Pete Hegseth.
• Joe Biden continues his presidential farewell with a defense department ceremony.

Trump’s Nominees Face Senate Scrutiny

As the Senate continues its examination of President Donald Trump’s cabinet selections, four key nominees are set to undergo confirmation hearings today. The nominees—Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary, Doug Burgum for Interior Secretary, Lee Zeldin for Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, and Scott Turner for the Department of Housing and Urban Development—are expected to face rigorous questioning from senators.

A Week of Intense Hearings

Over the past two days, the Senate has grilled several of Trump’s high-profile picks, including Pam Bondi for Attorney General and Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary. These sessions have set a contentious tone, with Democratic senators probing the nominees on various policy positions and past actions.

Focus on Trade: Scott Bessent

Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent is anticipated to be at the center of a heated debate over trade policies. Democrats are prepared to challenge Bessent on Trump’s pledges to impose tariffs on numerous countries. As the original report notes, “Expect lots of questions from Democrats to Bessent regarding his views on Trump’s vows to impose tariffs on a host of countries, friend and foe alike.” The outcome of this hearing could signal the administration’s approach to international trade and economic relations.

Energy and Environment: Doug Burgum

Doug Burgum, nominated for Interior Secretary, will likely face scrutiny over his stance on environmental issues, particularly the expansion of oil and gas drilling on public lands—a key Trump campaign promise. The upcoming hearing is expected to delve into how Burgum plans to balance energy development with conservation efforts. The original report suggests, “We can also expect Burgum to face scrutiny about his views on expanding oil and gas drilling on public lands.”

EPA and HUD Nominees Under the Microscope

Lee Zeldin, Trump’s pick for EPA Administrator, and Scott Turner, nominated for HUD Secretary, will also be questioned by the Senate. Their hearings are anticipated to address crucial topics such as environmental regulation rollbacks and housing policies affecting urban development.

Biden’s Farewell Continues

Amid the confirmation proceedings, outgoing President Joe Biden is continuing his farewell tour. A ceremony for defense department staff is scheduled for 2 p.m., following his national goodbye address delivered the previous evening. This marks a significant moment in the presidential transition.

Legislative Actions and Global Affairs

In other political developments, the House of Representatives is set to vote on the Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act. This Republican-authored bill targets undocumented immigrants convicted of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and related crimes, reflecting ongoing debates over immigration policy.

Internationally, a last-minute dispute is delaying the approval of the Gaza ceasefire deal by Israel’s cabinet. The situation remains fluid, and its resolution will have implications for Middle Eastern stability.

Implications for the New Administration

Today’s confirmation hearings are critical for the incoming administration, as the confirmed nominees will shape the direction of U.S. policies on finance, the environment, energy, and housing. The intense scrutiny from senators underscores the challenges ahead for Trump’s cabinet selections and sets the stage for the policy battles to come.