Matt Gaetz's withdrawal of his justice minister candidacy created big headlines.
But in the Capitol's corridors, it was probably not that unexpected. Only hours before the announcement, the former congressman had met with senators and been asked questions about the suspicions of human trafficking, prostitution, and sexual abuse he is being investigated for.
Gaetz is not alone in raising questions among senators: The intended defense minister Pete Hegseth is being criticized for being inexperienced and has also been investigated for suspected sexual abuse. The nominated intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard has made Russia-friendly statements. And Robert F Kennedy, whom Trump wants to see as health minister, is a known vaccine skeptic.
To be approved, a yes from a majority of the hundred senators is required. The Republicans will have 53 of these seats in January. Ohio Senator and incoming Vice President JD Vance was in Washington DC last week to ensure that as many as possible follow the party line. Here are possible rebels to keep an eye on:
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Lisa Murkowski from Alaska: A middle-of-the-road politician and one of seven party colleagues who voted to convict Trump in the impeachment trial after the storming of the Capitol in 2021. Has publicly advocated for vaccines and said that the nomination of Hegseth is "surprising", according to The Hill.
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Susan Collins from Maine: Unafraid to criticize Trump and has described some of Kennedy's statements as "alarming".
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Incoming Senator John Curtis from Utah: A pragmatist who opposes Trump's wish to bypass Senate approval of ministers through rapid appointments when the chamber is adjourned.
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Bill Cassidy from Louisiana: A doctor who has dismissed claims about links between vaccines and autism – a conspiracy theory that Kennedy has promoted. Voted to convict Trump in the impeachment trial after the congressional attack.
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Todd Young from Indiana: Did not back Trump's presidential candidacy and has criticized him for not calling Russia's President Vladimir Putin a war criminal, according to The Washington Post.
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Joni Ernst from Iowa: Has said that she wants to meet Gabbard personally and, among other things, ask about the Putin-friendly outbursts.
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Mitch McConnell from Kentucky: Ends his 18-year tenure as group leader. Has supported Trump previously, but is also known as a free-thinking defense hawk with strong faith in US institutions.
Congress is the federal legislative assembly in the USA, with its seat in the Capitol in the capital Washington DC. Its work runs in two-year periods, and the 119th congressional session started on January 3, 2025.
Congress consists of the Senate with 100 members, two from each state, and the House of Representatives with 435 seats, distributed in relation to the states' population.
In the November election, the Republicans won a majority in both chambers. The Republicans will have 53 seats in the Senate and 220 in the House of Representatives.
Sources: USA's Congress, Real Clear Politics, House Press Gallery
