Sen. Risch hesitates to back controversial Cabinet nominees
- Senator Jim Risch has not pledged support for Trump’s nominees Gabbard and Hegseth.
- Risch emphasized the importance of Senate vetting before appointments are confirmed.
- His differing views on nominees underscore the challenges ahead for Trump's Cabinet selections.
In a recent interview at the Halifax International Security Forum, Senator Jim Risch, who is the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed hesitation to support President-elect Donald Trump's nominees for director of national intelligence and defense secretary. Risch's comments came after a day of praising Senator Marco Rubio, Trump's choice for secretary of state, indicating a clear distinction in his support for various nominees. Tulsi Gabbard has faced scrutiny for her past actions, including meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during a civil war and echoing rhetoric from Russian President Vladimir Putin. As the incoming chair of the committee, Risch plans to prioritize issues regarding Israel, Ukraine, and China, while emphasizing the need for thorough vetting of Trump's Cabinet choices.