WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — President-elect Donald Trump still has a few weeks until he is sworn in, but Trump transition efforts are already sweeping Capitol Hill.
President-elect Trump is introducing novel candidates every day and is already counting on Republican lawmakers to prepare to implement his agenda.
“Nobody knew we were going to win it the way we won it, that was a big deal,” Trump said.
After Republicans won control of the White House, House and Senate, they say they have a mandate to govern.
“And now the real work begins, implementing our agenda,” said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.).
Republicans say the top priority is fighting immigration and improving the economy through tax cuts and regulatory reform.
“We will transform our country. We’re going to make it so great, so strong, so powerful,” Trump said.
To push through his agenda, the president-elect announces a series of proposals for his government. Among the most recent is the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
“I think if you like health and if you like people who live long, that’s the most important position,” Trump said.
The choice is already facing opposition, particularly from Democrats who see Kennedy’s anti-vaccination views as unsafe.
“The top health official has to be science-based, so it’s a difficult nomination for me,” said Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.).
Kennedy is not the only controversial choice for the novel administration. Many lawmakers are also expressing concern about the nominations of former Congressman Matt Gaetz for attorney general, Fox News host Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense and former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for national intelligence director.
“Are you serious? These are people who should never be in these jobs,” said Rep. John Garamendi (D-California).
The nominees only need a majority of votes in the Senate for confirmation, and Republicans will hold 53 seats starting in January.
