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12:30 Report — Hegseth faces Senate grilling

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13.01.2025

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12:30 REPORT

Happy Monday, Washington Commanders fans! Someone, please check in on how The Tampa International Airport is doing today after last night’s wild-card game. We’re seven days from Trump’s inauguration and six days from a TikTok ban. Here’s what’s happening:

  • Republicans are kicking off Cabinet confirmation hearings with one of the most controversial picks: Pete Hegseth.
  • Dangerous winds may escalate L.A. fires.
  • Keep scrolling for schedule of the inauguration weekend events.

I’m Cate Martel with a quick recap of the morning and what’s coming up. Send tips, commentary, feedback and cookie recipes to cmartel@thehill.com. Did someone forward this newsletter to you? Sign up here. 

🎤 Confirmation Hearings

 

Ready or not, here they come:

President-elect Trump’s Cabinet confirmation hearings will kick off this week with 13 of his nominees appearing for their Senate confirmation hearings.

One of the first on the docket is one of the most controversial picks: Pete Hegseth.

Beginning with Hegseth is an interesting move: Hegseth is expected to have one of the toughest confirmation hearings of Cabinet picks — one that is likely to come with the most fireworks. He’s been subject to numerous scandals, including allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and poor management.

The New York Times reports that the FBI briefed Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and ranking member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) on Friday about background check findings into Hegseth. Democrats argue they want to see relevant information ahead of Tuesday’s confirmation hearing.

💡 Why Hegseth’s timing matters: Republicans could have started with some quick wins on Day 1 — maybe Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for secretary of State and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) for UN ambassador. But instead, they are kicking things off with one of the most difficult confirmation paths. This projects confidence and a show of force among Republicans, rather than burying Hegseth’s hearing.

But: Having Hegseth on the first day of confirmation hearings also gives Republicans more time if the hearing turns combative or any late surprises threaten to sink his nomination.

Why Democrats are fuming: The Hill’s Ellen Mitchell reports that Hegseth has met with numerous Republican senators, but Democrats say he has not made himself as available for them. Reed did meet with Hegseth last week.

Several Democrats on the........

© The Hill


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