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Feb 3, 2025 US Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as attorney general and Russell Vought as OMB director along party lines Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Confirming officials with records of loyalty to the president over independent institutions raises concerns about politicization of key oversight and budget positions.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Independently corroborated by2 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- US Senate confirms Chris Wright as energy secretary — The US Senate confirmed Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, as the energy secretary under Donald Trump's administration with a vote of 59-38. Wright, known for his controversial views on climate change, will oversee the Department of Energy, which manages a $50 billion budget, including the maintenance of the US nuclear weapons stockpile. Wright has been criticized for downplaying the effects of climate change, particularly in relation to wildfires in California. He will replace Jennifer Granholm, who supported renewable energy sources.
- US Senate confirms Pam Bondi as attorney general — The US Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as the attorney general with a 54-46 vote, largely along party lines. Bondi, a staunch ally of President Trump, will lead the Justice Department during Trump's second term. Her confirmation comes amid significant personnel changes within the department, including the firing of prosecutors involved in cases against Trump. Bondi has pledged to maintain the department's independence, but her ability to resist political pressure from the White House is under scrutiny. The department faces challenges with morale and concerns about becoming an extension of the White House.
- Confirmation of Pam Bondi as attorney general — The Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as attorney general, despite opposition from civil rights groups due to her history of anti-LGBTQ and anti-immigrant stances. The confirmation vote was largely along party lines, with one Democratic senator crossing over to support her.
- Senate finance committee advances RFK Jr's HHS nomination — The Senate finance committee voted to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The vote was along party lines, with 14 Republicans supporting and 13 Democrats opposing. This advancement sets the stage for a full Senate vote. Kennedy's nomination has been controversial due to his past comments on vaccines and healthcare policies. Despite initial concerns, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy supported the nomination after receiving commitments from the administration. The full Senate vote is expected soon, with Kennedy likely to be confirmed given the Republican majority.
- US Senate confirms Russell Vought to lead OMB — The US Senate confirmed Russell Vought as the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with a 53-47 vote along party lines. Vought, a key figure in Project 2025, faced strong opposition from Democrats who fear he will work with Donald Trump to dismantle the federal government. Despite an all-night debate by Democrats, Vought's confirmation proceeded, raising concerns about potential overreach in federal funding decisions and the consolidation of executive power.
- Senate confirms Russell Vought as OMB director — Senate Republicans confirmed Russell Vought as the director of the Office of Management and Budget on February 6, 2025. Vought is known for his right-wing views and has been associated with Project 2025, which aims to reshape government functions.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 3 – 2025-02-01–2025-02-07
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