Thune faces early challenges as Senate GOP leader with Trump's controversial Cabinet nominees

Sen. John Thune (R-SD) will become Senate majority leader on January 3 but faces immediate challenges with President-elect Donald Trump's controversial Cabinet nominees. These include former Reps. Matt Gaetz and Tulsi Gabbard, raising concerns among Republicans. Trump has suggested using recess appointments to bypass Senate confirmation, which could limit the Senate's constitutional powers. Thune indicated a preference for regular confirmation processes but acknowledged that some nominees may struggle to gain support. Gaetz resigned amid an ethics investigation, complicating his nomination for attorney general. Other nominees, like Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., also face scrutiny, prompting some Republicans to caution Trump about the viability of his picks.