Trump cabinet nominees outline policy goals in confirmation hearings
President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees discussed their visions for domestic oil production, tax cuts, and environmental policies during confirmation hearings.
Updated: 4:11 PM CST Jan 16, 2025
President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees focused on boosting domestic oil production and cutting taxes and regulations during their confirmation hearings today.”I believe President Trump has a generational opportunity to create a new economic golden age that will create more jobs, wealth, and prosperity for more Americans,” said Scott Bessent, the nominee for Treasury Secretary.Bessent, a South Carolina billionaire, emphasized cutting federal spending and assured that Medicare and Social Security would not be touched.However, he did not make the same promise for other programs like rural broadband, National Head Start, and Medicaid.”I will get back to you on this,” Bessent said when pressed on the issue.Bessent also faced questions about Trump’s plans to raise tariffs and the potential impact on inflation.”I think that’s baloney! It’s going to be paid for by workers and small businesses. Your response,” said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore.”Senator, I would respectfully disagree,” Bessent replied.Bessent highlighted the importance of extending the tax cuts from Trump’s first administration.”If we do not renew and extend them, we will be facing an economic calamity,” he said.Bessent also pushed for higher domestic oil production, a stance echoed by Doug Burgum, the nominee for Secretary of the Interior and the choice to lead the new National Energy Council.”The American people have clearly placed their confidence in President Trump to achieve energy dominance. And by energy dominance, that’s the foundation of American prosperity,” Burgum said.These energy policies raised environmental concerns, prompting questions to Lee Zeldin, Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.”Do you agree with President-elect Trump that climate change is a hoax?” asked Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.”I believe that climate change is real, as I told you,” Zeldin responded.Tomorrow, President-elect Trump’s pick to lead Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will face questions from lawmakers about her stance on the mass deportation program.Bessent also commented on sanctions against Russia and the federal minimum wage.Bessent said the current sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine are not enough, arguing that the Biden administration was too concerned about raising gas prices in the U.S.On the minimum wage, Bessent said he does not believe the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25, should be raised, calling it a state and regional issue.All of Trump’s nominees need 50 votes for confirmation.
WASHINGTON —President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees focused on boosting domestic oil production and cutting taxes and regulations during their confirmation hearings today.
“I believe President Trump has a generational opportunity to create a new economic golden age that will create more jobs, wealth, and prosperity for more Americans,” said Scott Bessent, the nominee for Treasury Secretary.
Bessent, a South Carolina billionaire, emphasized cutting federal spending and assured that Medicare and Social Security would not be touched.
However, he did not make the same promise for other programs like rural broadband, National Head Start, and Medicaid.
“I will get back to you on this,” Bessent said when pressed on the issue.
Bessent also faced questions about Trump’s plans to raise tariffs and the potential impact on inflation.
“I think that’s baloney! It’s going to be paid for by workers and small businesses. Your response,” said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore.
“Senator, I would respectfully disagree,” Bessent replied.
Bessent highlighted the importance of extending the tax cuts from Trump’s first administration.
“If we do not renew and extend them, we will be facing an economic calamity,” he said.
Bessent also pushed for higher domestic oil production, a stance echoed by Doug Burgum, the nominee for Secretary of the Interior and the choice to lead the new National Energy Council.
“The American people have clearly placed their confidence in President Trump to achieve energy dominance. And by energy dominance, that’s the foundation of American prosperity,” Burgum said.
These energy policies raised environmental concerns, prompting questions to Lee Zeldin, Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.
“Do you agree with President-elect Trump that climate change is a hoax?” asked Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
“I believe that climate change is real, as I told you,” Zeldin responded.
Tomorrow, President-elect Trump’s pick to lead Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will face questions from lawmakers about her stance on the mass deportation program.
Bessent also commented on sanctions against Russia and the federal minimum wage.
Bessent said the current sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine are not enough, arguing that the Biden administration was too concerned about raising gas prices in the U.S.
On the minimum wage, Bessent said he does not believe the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25, should be raised, calling it a state and regional issue.
All of Trump’s nominees need 50 votes for confirmation.
