With the onset of Donald J. Trump as our new president, concerns have risen from Democrats and Republicans alike about his cabinet picks, and whether they will be confirmed.

Some of the most controversial ones include Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense. Hegseth has had alleged drinking problems and domestic violence issues that have drawn concerns from many. In his lengthy confirmation hearing, he was severely borked, and put on the spot to both defend his actions and explain how a Fox News host should be Secretary of Defense. The result was a very close 50-50 vote, and a tie breaking VP J.D. Vance voting in favor of him.

Other of the more controversial picks have included Robert F Kennedy Jr., who has publicly denounced vaccines among other things. In his confirmation hearing, he was questioned on whether he would allow polio and other vaccines to remain, to which he gave vague answers, but ultimately looked like he would remove the federal mandate to vaccinate children. This has been one of the main ways that children stay safe in public school, and resulted in a close confirmation of 52-48, with Mitch McConnell voting no as the only dissenting Republican.

Beyond this, all of Trump’s picks have been swiftly confirmed, and few spots are left for appointments. The general consensus has been dissenting Democrats with a few Republican dissenters, notably McConnell, on a few of the picks, although his more moderate picks such as Marco Rubio are receiving more bipartisan support. In short, Trump is set to put almost anyone he wants in the White House. However, most presidents get this, so it’s not unexpected. We at Sword & Shield will keep you informed about Trump’s presidency with up to date facts and reports on all there is to know in our ever changing world.