Trump's cabinet picks back on the Hill courting support from lawmakers

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Donald Trump’s cabinet picks were back on Capitol Hill Tuesday courting support from lawmakers. Some face a smoother road to confirmation than others.

Trump is focusing on picks outside the Washington establishment who he hopes will help him "drain the swamp."

Pete Hegseth, Trump’s unconventional nominee for secretary of defense, appears to be finding success in his efforts. Republican senators are largely sticking by him even amid new reports over the weekend detailing sexual assault allegations and financial mismanagement, which he denies, and reports of alcohol abuse.

"Pete's the type of guy that he's gonna work. He's got great work ethic. He's very, very smart," said Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.

His choice for attorney general, former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi, also made the rounds on the hill Monday and Tuesday. Bondi’s confirmation appears likely. She has yet to face any public opposition from Republicans.

“I will do my best every day to work tirelessly for the American people and I will make you, our president and the country proud," said Bondi during a meeting with Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

"We talked about her plans for the Justice Department, for getting the DOJ back to prosecuting criminals I mean that’s really what the DOJ is about," said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., after meeting with Bondi on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee for FBI director, is getting a measured reception. Patel has promised to reshape the bureau. He’s expected to face a tough confirmation hearing where he’ll likely be pressed on his belief the FBI needs a radical overhaul.

Several GOP senators have come out in favor of Patel, but not all.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., are withholding all-out support for Patel at the moment.

Since Republicans will control the Senate, Trump doesn’t need any Democratic support to confirm his cabinet nominees but he can only afford to lose three GOP votes if Democrats unify in opposition to any of the picks.