Tracking Trump’s Cabinet Nominee Hearings, Confirmations

President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees face the Senate during ongoing confirmation hearings. We’re tracking the latest developments from those hearings and will continue to update this post as nominees move through the voting process toward confirmation.

Confirmed

Department of Agriculture Secretary: Brooke Rollins

Senate confirmed Rollins by a vote of 72-to-28 Feb. 13.

Rollins testified in front of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry on Jan. 23, where she explained how she would lead the department if confirmed by the Senate, focusing on driving efficiency and expanding access to broadband in rural communities, a charge led by the USDA since 2018.

“We understand that serving all American agriculture and all the American people means ensuring that our rural communities are equipped and supported to prosper, not just today, but tomorrow and the day after that in the many tomorrows to come,” she said.

Rollins previously served as director of the Domestic Policy Council and assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives in Trump’s first White House. She also held the position of director of the Office of American Innovation. In these roles, she developed and managed the domestic policy agenda for the first Trump administration.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Former Sen. Mark Rubio was the first confirmed Cabinet member for the second Trump administration. The Senate unanimously confirmed Rubio’s appointment Monday, and Rubio was sworn into office Tuesday.

“We need to move faster than we ever have because the world is changing faster than we ever have,” said Rubio during his remarks to State Department staff. “We really need to be thinking about where are we going to be in five, seven, 10 or 15 years.”

Rubio said changes will be coming to the department and noted that the changes aren’t punitive, but are needed to ensure the department remains a “21st century agency that can move … at the speed of relevance.”

CIA Director: John Ratcliffe

The Senate confirmed Ratcliffe in a 74-25 vote on Jan. 23, making him the second member of Trump’s new Cabinet.

Ratcliffe appeared before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Jan. 15, where he called attention to securing the nation from global adversaries. If confirmed, he promised to prioritize workforce development and technological advancement.

“These threats converge at a time of rapid technological change. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing will define the future of national security, geopolitical power, and human civilization,” he said in his opening testimony.

Ratcliffe added that “technology is both a tool and a target,” implying technology can be leveraged by the CIA to enhance capabilities, but it has to be closely monitored as adversaries leverage tech for future attacks.

“The recent creation of the agency’s Transnational and Technology Mission Center was an acknowledgement of this fact. And the recently created position of chief technology officer showed an effort to increase technological cohesion internally and to build bridges with cutting edge technologists externally,” Ratcliffe said. “But much more has to be done. Because our adversaries … understand that the nation who wins the race in the emerging technologies of today, will dominate the world of tomorrow.”

Defense Department Secretary: Pete Hegseth

The Senate confirmed Hegseth in a 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. He was sworn in Jan. 25. Hegseth appeared before the Senate Committee on Armed Services for the first time Jan. 14.

If confirmed, Hegseth pledged to rebuild the nation’s military and alluded to the proverbial “valley of death” for defense technology in his opening remarks.

“This includes reviving our defense industrial base, reforming the acquisition process, modernizing our nuclear triad, ensuring the Pentagon can pass an audit and rapidly fielding emerging technologies,” he said.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary: Kristi Noem

Noem was confirmed as DHS secretary on Jan. 25 in a 59-34 vote. Noem at her Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing Jan. 17 promised to protect the nation’s digital infrastructure and bolster cybersecurity, if confirmed.

“I will leverage public-private partnerships and advance cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technologies to protect our nation’s digital landscape,” said Noem in her opening statement. “The rising threat of cyberattacks also demands our utmost attention. Our critical infrastructure, from energy grids to financial systems, is under constant attack by foreign adversaries and criminal actors. As secretary, I will prioritize a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to cybersecurity.”

Department of the Treasury Secretary: Scott Bessent

The Senate confirmed Bessent on Jan. 27 in a 68 to 29 vote. The Senate Committee on Finance convened on Jan. 16 to consider Bessent’s nomination. In his responses to questions for the record, Bessent called attention to strengthening cybersecurity and modernizing technology to improve and secure the department’s operations.

“As data has migrated to the digital and online reviews, the challenges to protect that data have changed with the technology. If confirmed, I will work with Department officials and the Department Information Technology team to review applicable NIST guidance and Department remote access policies and practices, including with respect to third-party vendors,” Bessent stated.

Bessent also highlighted how tech modernization could enhance the taxpayer experience. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act granted nearly $60 billion to transform taxpayer services and update aging technology.

“Increases in the IRS budget in recent years have focused on increasing enforcement personnel rather than on a badly needed information technology systems upgrade that is desperately necessary to improve taxpayer service. If confirmed, I will review ongoing programs at the IRS, including those related to increased funding in recent years, and prioritize technology modernization to deliver better taxpayer service,” Bessent added.

Department of Transportation Secretary: Sean Duffy

The Senate confirmed Duffy as the new Department of Transportation secretary in a 77 to 22 vote on Jan. 28. During his nomination hearing on Jan. 15, Duffy said aviation safety and technology will be high on his priority list.

“America needs more air traffic controllers. The best and the brightest,” said Duffy. “We must modernize our systems with cutting-edge technology. I will work with Congress and the [Federal Aviation Administration] … to ensure our skies are safe.”

As transportation evolves into a new era, Duffy said he’s committed to establishing rules and policies around drones and other remotely piloted aircrafts that will ensure a balance between safety and innovative technologies.

“From eVTOLs, drones and autonomous vehicles to space travel, we are in a global race to out-innovate the rest of the world,” said Duffy. “If confirmed, we will craft clear regulations that balance safety, innovation, and cutting-edge technology.”

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator: Lee Zeldin

The Senate confirmed Zeldin as the new Environmental Protection Agency administrator in a 56 to 42 vote on Jan. 29. During his Jan. 16 nomination hearing, Zeldin testified in front of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and promoted innovation.

“A big part of this will require building private sector collaboration to promote common sense, smart regulation that will allow American innovation to continue to lead the world. If confirmed, the EPA under my leadership will prioritize compliance as much as possible,” Zeldin said in his opening testimony.

Zeldin has previously expressed that if confirmed he wants to “unleash U.S. energy dominance” and “make America the AI capital of the world.”

Department of the Interior Secretary: Doug Burgum

The Senate confirmed Burgum on Thursday in a 78-18 vote. Burgum testified in front of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Jan. 16, where he said he would prioritize winning the energy and AI race against China and other adversaries if confirmed.

Burgum called the lack of clean American-made energy as a “national security issue.”

“We can’t, at a time of risk, be in a position where we’re exposed to supply chains that depend on our adversaries, whether it’s critical minerals with China, or whether it’s heating oil from Russia or uranium from Russia, we can’t be dependent on them. We’ve got the resources here. We need to develop them,” said Burgum during his questioning.

Burgum also addressed the concern of rising energy prices for Americans, saying the U.S. “could be just months way from having skyrocketing prices.”

He added that the AI revolution under the new Trump administration will only increase the need for energy resources and competition between the U.S. and China.

“We’re competing against someone who’s going to create more electricity, produce more AI,” Burgum said. “They’re tough competitor right now … we’ve got to cut red tape and realize if you shut down U.S. energy production here, it doesn’t help the global environment.”

Department of Energy Secretary: Chris Wright

The Senate confirmed Wright as the Department of Energy secretary in a 59-38 vote on Feb. 3. Wright appeared before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Jan. 15, where he pledged to prioritize innovation and technology breakthroughs if confirmed.

“Throughout my lifetime, technology and innovation have immeasurably enhanced the human condition. We must protect and accelerate the work of the Department’s national laboratory network to secure America’s competitive edge and its security. I commit to working with Congress on the important missions of the national laboratories,” said Wright in his testimony.

Wright added he would continue to champion the success of the department’s 17 national laboratories and focus on driving fundamental and innovative science.

“The labs, and the energy department as a whole, work across the energy spectrum with reasonable involvement in virtually every meaningful energy source we have today,” said Wright. “My mission would be to inspire people in the department and in the labs and across the network to focus on … growing the supply of affordable, reliable, secure American energy.”

Wright highlighted that cybersecurity is a growing threat within critical infrastructure and said research from labs like the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is integral to national security. He added that he was committed to unleashing American energy, as detailed in President Trump’s energy executive order, to boost the American AI industry.

“We want to build a new American industry in AI, and we want to lead the world in that industry … you can’t build any new industry without the energy to support it,” said Wright.

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary: Doug Collins

The Senate confirmed Collins as VA secretary on Feb. 4 in a 77 to 23 vote. Collins appeared before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on Jan. 21, where he pledged to continue progress with bipartisan efforts like the PACT Act, electronic health record modernization and reducing the agency’s claims backlog if confirmed.

“The MISSION Act, the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act and the PACT Act are three of the most important veterans laws in recent history. They received widespread bipartisan support because their focus is exactly where VA’s focus should be: on veteran convenience and accountability for the department. Under President Trump, these principles will guide the department in tackling some of its toughest problems,” Collins said in his opening testimony.

“We will not shy away from challenges like homelessness and suicide prevention, electronic health record modernization and shrinking the department’s claims backlog,” Collins added.

Attorney General: Pam Bondi

The Senate confirmed former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as the attorney general on Tuesday evening by a 54-46 vote. In her questions for the record, Bondi promised that the Justice Department would monitor artificial intelligence’s progression in law enforcement.

“Artificial intelligence is an important and rapidly evolving issue,” she wrote. “If confirmed I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the matter further with members of Congress, appropriate officials within the Department of Justice and experts in the scientific and technology community to help developed an informed set of priorities in this area.”

She added that she would examine the role of technology in international digital intellectual property disputes and “address crimes involving intellectual property, cyber intrusions and digital evidence.”

During her confirmation hearing, Bondi also said that “national security is vital right now for our country,” including protecting against Chinese threats via “sleeper cell” cybersecurity incursions.

Office of Management and Budget Director: Russell Vought

The Senate Thursday confirmed Russell Vought to serve as director of the Office of Management and Budget by a 53-47 vote. Vought held the role at the end of Trump’s first term and helped write two directives on the government’s uses of AI and its approach to overseeing private sector deployment of the technology.

“The importance of developing and deploying AI requires a regulatory approach that fosters innovation and growth and engenders trust, while protecting core American values, through both regulatory and non-regulatory actions and reducing unnecessary barriers to the development and deployment of AI,” Vought wrote in 2020.

Vought’s 2020 memo also called for non-regulatory approaches to AI development and guidance, including “sector-specific policy Guidance, pilot programs and other standards. “The process by which agencies develop and implement regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to AI applications will have a significant impact on public perceptions of AI,” he wrote in the document.

Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary: Scott Turner

Scott Turner was confirmed as HUD Secretary in a 55-44 vote on Feb. 5. Turner previously served as executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC).

During his confirmation hearing, Turner addressed the housing crisis in the nation and underlined the need to build more homes across the country.

“As a country, we are not building enough homes. We need millions of homes, all kinds of homes — multifamily, single family, duplex, condo, manufacturing housing, you name it — we need housing in our country for individuals and families to have a roof over their head and to call home,” Turner told congressional leaders.

Office of National Intelligence Director: Tulsi Gabbard

The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence on Feb. 12 in a 52-48 vote, making he second female permanent director of national intelligence, succeeding Avril Haines, who was sworn in under the Biden administration in 2021. 

The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence held Gabbard’s hearing on Jan. 30. In her response to post-hearing questions, Gabbard pledged to “conduct a comprehensive assessment of existing and available commercial software and AI solutions to evaluate ways to reduce [National Counterterrorism Center’s] reliance on human system integrators.”

Gabbard also agreed to leverage her position to advocate for policies, practices and legislation to strengthen cyber
protections in the telecommunications sector. The former congresswoman has previously called for improving cyber defenses and advocated for accountability in federal tech and data practices.

“We really need to look here at the larger issue of the serious vulnerabilities that we have within our cybersecurity systems here in the United States,” Gabbard said in a 2015 interview. “We also need to recognize where else these threats are coming from. We have seen recent attacks coming from Russia, from North Korea from Iran and even reports recently that ISIS themselves are creating their own team of hacking jihadists.”

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary: Robert Kennedy

The Senate confirmed Kennedy on Feb. 13 in a 52 to 48. The Senate Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held Kennedy’s nomination hearing Jan. 30. If confirmed, Kennedy has said he wants to provide Americans with health transparency and innovative tools to easily access their data and make the best decisions about their health care needs.

Department of Commerce Secretary: Howard Lutnick

Lutnick, co-chair of the Trump transition team, was confirmed by the Senate on Feb. 18 in a 51 to 45 vote. Lutnick appeared before the Senate on Jan. 29, where he stated his support for American made semi-conductor chips and AI models. Lutnick and senators cited the success of the Chinese start-up DeepSeek’s AI as a point of contention.

“It is vital for America that we bring semiconductor manufacturing to the United States of America. We need domestic manufacturing. The CHIPS Act was an excellent down payment to begin that process, … but we need to make sure that you get the benefit of the bargain and domestic manufacturing of semiconductors happens in America,” Lutnick said during his testimony.

Lutnick pledged to collaborate with other federal agencies to boost innovation if confirmed. He cited the need for the Defense Department and Commerce to work together to deploy 6G technologies.

“Let’s work together, let’s unleash the spectrum, if we can. We’ve got to protect the defense industry,” said Lutnick. “We’ve got to make sure we use that spectrum to the best it can be for America.”

Lutnick also addressed the lack of broadband connectivity in America. Lutnick said he will work to ensure Congress “gets the benefit of the bargain” and will get broadband into lower-income communities.

The Secretary of Commerce oversees the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Lutnick said he would support NIST, adding that the agency is the central hub of knowledge for the nation’s government. Trump’s recent executive order on AI leaves the role of the NIST’s AI Safety Institute unclear. While Lutnick did not comment on the status of the institute, he said it’s critical to have an effective standards model for the tech.

“I think [having] standards is the right model. As I’ve said, the way [Commerce Department has] done cybersecurity, is the gold standard of the world. And everyone in the world follows our model. I think we should try to have a light touch model like that in AI and set those standards.”

Lutnick continued by saying the nation leads other technology standards at a global level, and he wants to continue that effort.

“We were incredibly successful with the internet and our standards, and that created the greatness that is American technology. We … set standards in cyber, we’ve done a great job. It is the gold standard of the world, and I would like us [at the Commerce Department] to pursue standards in AI,” said Lutnick.

FBI Director: Kash Patel

The Senate confirmed Kash Patel to lead the FBI on Feb. 20 by a 51-49 vote. During Trump’s first term, Patel served as a National Security Council official, chief of staff to the acting secretary of defense and senior advisor to the acting director of national intelligence. The Senate Judiciary Committee held Patel’s hearing on Jan. 30 to consider his nomination as FBI director.

Patel has expressed his plans for bolstering the nation’s cyber resiliency if confirmed by the Senate.

“The cyber stuff is in a different lane, but could expose us just as much, if not worse. And I think we’re very, very, very vulnerable to that,” said Patel an interview last year on the Shawn Ryan Show. “You need to overhaul the infrastructure around these systems to safeguard us from — what I view as — one of the easier threats our adversaries can deploy against America.”

Department of Education Secretary: Linda McMahon

Senate confirmed McMahon March 3 in a 51-45 vote.

McMahon testified in front of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on Feb. 13, where she explained how she would help the U.S. maintain leadership in emerging technologies like AI and blockchain if confirmed.

“We need to invest in American students who want to become tech pioneers. We should encourage innovative new institutions to develop smart accountability systems and tear down barriers to entry so that students have real choice,” said McMahon.

She has previously called for national support of vocational programs to boost U.S. tech talent.

In her opinion piece, “Workforce Pell Grants will create high-paying jobs for more Americans,” McMahon wrote, “software development ‘boot camps‘ that teach coding and other skills related to digital infrastructure led to salary increases of $10,000 to $20,000 for almost all participants and increases of more than $30,000 for nearly half.”

Small Business Administration Chief: Kelly Loeffler

On Feb. 19, the Senate confirmed her nomination in a 52-46 vote.

Department of Labor Secretary: Lori Chavez-DeRemer

The Senate confirmed Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Labor secretary in a 67 to 32 vote on March 10. Before her nomination, Chavez-DeRemer served as the U.S. representative for Oregon’s 5th congressional district from 2023 to 2025.

“I believe our labor laws need to be updated and modernized to reflect today’s workforce and business environment,” Chavez-DeRemer said during her Feb. 19 testimony before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. “Together, we can shape an economy that uplifts every American.”

Office of Science and Technology Policy Director: Michael Kratsios

The Senate confirmed Michael Kratsios to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology in a 74-25 vote on March 25.

Kratsios was the U.S. chief technology officer during Trump’s first term, advising the president on tech and science. During Trump’s first administration, the White House identified AI as a national priority. hosting the “Artificial Intelligence for American Industry” summit in Washington in 2018.

“The most important thing, when you think about applying an AI strategy across the agencies, is to think very carefully and critically about what the individual missions of the various agencies are and align the policy actions associated with the strategy to the mission,” said Kratsios during his confirmation hearing in February.

Kratsios emphasized the importance of American leadership in emerging technology during his confirmation hearing. He called science and tech “central” to the great power competition and assured the Senate that he is “committed to American leadership in emerging technologies.”

“I will build a deep bench of policy experts to ensure that the president and the White House have the necessary technical advice to meet the challenges of our moment,” he said.

National Institutes of Health Director: Dr. Jay Bhattacharva

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya took office as the NIH director on April 1. The Senate confirmed Bhattacharya in a 53-47 vote on March 25. Bhattacharya said in a NIH press release he will bring “gold-standard” research and science to tackle chronic diseases as outlined in the Make America Healthy Again Commission executive order.

“As NIH Director, I will build on the agency’s long and illustrious history of supporting breakthroughs in biology and medicine by fostering gold-standard research and innovation to address the chronic disease crisis,” added Bhattacharya. “Novel biomedical discoveries that enhance health and lengthen life are more vital than ever to our country’s future.”

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner: Dr. Marty Makary

The FDA swore in Martin Makary as the agency’s new commissioner on April 1. He was confirmed by a 56-44 Senate vote on March 26. During his testimony Makary discussed the opportunities artificial intelligence could bring to the agency.

He added that AI would not replace the workforce but rather empower employees who may benefit from system automation or other AI capabilities. While the FDA does not work on drug development and design, Makary said the FDA could provide developers and designers with training data.

“The FDA can help provide data to help train machine learning models to help design AI systems that can predict toxicities, adverse events and even cures for some conditions,” said Makary in his testimony.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator: Dr. Mehmet Oz

The Senate Finance Committee confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead CMS in a 53-45 vote on April 3 .

Oz said in his testimony that, if confirmed, he would “increase transparency and deploy better tools” to navigate the health care system. Other priorities include access to their health care information and modernizing CMS operations.

“I believe we can provide quality of care equivalent to having a nurse in that nursing home using tools and technology, including telemedicine,” said Oz during his testimony. “I want to be flexible enough so that we deal with [the] massive crisis … that we’re going to go from 68 million people on Medicaid to 90 million over the next decade.”

Nominated

National Cyber Director: Sean Cairncross

Trump sent Cairncross’s nomination for the national cyber director to the Senate on Feb. 12. Cairncross’s confirmation would make him the third permanent leader of the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD). The nomination is the first major cybersecurity related appointee from the Trump administration.

Cairncross served as the deputy assistant to the President and senior advisor to the White House Chief of Staff during Trump’s first term. He is also a senior visiting fellow at the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue and is a member of the Banking Innovation Through Technology’s advisory team.

Members of Congress and Harry Coker, former national cyber director, have called for a holistic response from the executive branch to address increasing cyberattacks.

“I would love for the incoming administration, or any administration, to recognize the priority of cyber security. It’s a responsibility that every department and agency needs to stand up to. We need to give more than guidance when it comes to cyber security budget,” Coker said during a Jan. 7 Foundation for Defense of Democracies event.

The ONCD was established by Congress in 2020 and served as a replacement to the White House cyber coordinator position which was abolished under the first Trump administration. The National Cyber Director is tasked with coordinating and directing cybersecurity efforts across federal agencies. The director also has the authority to direct federal agencies like Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the National Security Agency on national cybersecurity matters.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director: Dr. Susan Monarez

Dr. Susan Monarez, the current principal deputy director of the CDC, has been nominated to lead the agency during the Trump administration. Previously, Monarez served as the deputy director of Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).

Prior to joining ARPA-H, Monarez led initiatives focusing on the ethical use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to support improved health outcomes. She also worked on new approaches to address affordability and accessibility to healthcare, including behavioral and mental health.

“My strong belief about patient empowerment is so profound that I am really excited about what can we do through all of this harnessing of the data that has been generated for decades,” said Monarez at the 2024 Science & Innovation Symposium.

“I’m hopeful that 10 years from now, 90% of those in person visits can actually be done in our homes with success and to mediate all the challenges that come with having to actually go to a brick-and-mortar place.”

We’re also tracking confirmations for the following nominees and will update this article as hearings unfold:

• Customs and Border Protection Commissioner: Rodney Scott
• NASA Administrator: Jared Isaacman
• United Nations Ambassador: Elise Stefanik