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Sen. Fetterman Opposes Trump’s Cabinet Nominations
Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, has announced his decision to vote against President Trump’s two contentious Cabinet nominees: Tulsi Gabbard for the position of Director of National Intelligence and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services.
In a statement released on Thursday via X, Fetterman indicated that he has met with most of the nominated individuals and closely monitored their confirmation hearings.
“After considering the implications these appointments hold, I have decided to oppose the confirmations of Ms. Gabbard and Mr. Kennedy,” Fetterman stated.
Both nominees have recently advanced through their respective committees with votes that fell along party lines.
Tulsi Gabbard has encountered backlash from conservative circles for her past support of pardoning Edward Snowden, who was responsible for leaking sensitive U.S. surveillance data. Additionally, she has been criticized for comments perceived as aligning with Russian narratives regarding the war in Ukraine and for her controversial 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad shortly after the regime used chemical weapons against civilians.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced scrutiny due to his polarizing statements regarding vaccinations. Concerns have been raised by public health experts about a potential decrease in immunization rates should he be confirmed in his role.
Fetterman’s stance is particularly noteworthy given that he represents a state that Trump won in the previous election cycle. Despite this, Fetterman has demonstrated an openness to collaborate with the Trump administration on select issues.
Notably, the senator has previously supported several Republican nominations, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, as well as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner. Conversely, he chose not to back the nominations of White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought or Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Source
thehill.com