Democrats Are Playing Politics With Crucial National Security Nominees

“We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” – Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.)

“My message to obstructionist Democrats: Don’t make plans this weekend. We’re going to get President Trump’s nominees confirmed the easy collegial way, or apparently the hard way.” – Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)

“We’re going to wear down the Democrats. Either you’re going to play ball with us, or you’re going to go without sleep.” – Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.)

DESPITE BEING ON A BIPARTISAN GLIDEPATH TO CONFIRMATION, DEMOCRAT SENATOR CHRIS MURPHY IS DELAYING CIA DIRECTOR NOMINEE JOHN RATCLIFFE’S CONFIRMATION

On Monday, President Trump’s nominee for CIA director John Ratcliffe was reported favorably out of the Select Committee on Intelligence 14-3. (Axios: Senate panels move fast on Hegseth, Ratcliffe, Rubio – 1/20/25)

“Ratcliffe, who served as director of national intelligence during Trump's first presidential term, has support from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers…” (Reuters: US Senate vote on Trump's CIA nominee Ratcliffe expected Tuesday – 1/21/25)

In a joint statement, Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.) said, “Our world is far too dangerous for any delay in having a Senate-confirmed leader in charge of the CIA. We urge expeditious consideration of this important nomination.” (The Washington Post: Rubio confirmed as Hegseth, Ratcliffe pass key thresholds – 1/20/25)

Despite this bipartisan push to confirm Ratcliffe’s nomination swiftly on national security grounds, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) is delaying Ratcliffe’s confirmation vote. (Punchbowl News’ Andrew Desiderio: Tweet – 1/21/25)

“I don’t think it is too much to ask to make sure that we have a full, real debate that lasts 2 days on the Senate floor...” – Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)

FLASHBACK: IN 2021, MURPHY SLAMMED THE DELAY IN CONFIRMING ONE OF PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN’S NATIONAL SECURITY NOMINEES

Even before President Biden was sworn in, Murphy said an objection to the quick confirmation of a Democrat national security nominee “put the country’s security [at] risk…” (CNN: Sen. Hawley blocks quick consideration of Biden’s Homeland Security nominee – 1/19/21)

At the time, Murphy claimed that the objection made it “pretty clear that they put their political interests ahead of the security interests of the country and that obviously is not changing.” (CNN: Sen. Hawley blocks quick consideration of Biden’s Homeland Security nominee – 1/19/21)

On general delays in getting President Biden’s cabinet nominees confirmed, Murphy said, “It’s really disappointing and a little dangerous…” (Politico: Senate confirms Biden’s pick for national intelligence director – 1/20/21)

IT’S NOT JUST RATCLIFFE: DEMOCRATS HAVE BEGUN TELEGRAPHING THAT THEY WILL SLOW DOWN OTHER NATIONAL SECURITY CABINET NOMINEES

“Democrats let Secretary of State Marco Rubio blitz to Senate confirmation Monday. Now it’s time for trench warfare.” (Politico: The Senate readies for a nominee siege – 1/21/25)

“Tuesday’s proceedings were a preview of how difficult it will be for GOP leaders to expeditiously confirm the rest of Trump’s national security nominees.” (Punchbowl News: Thune threatens weekend votes as Dems stall Trump Cabinet picks – 1/22/25)

“News: Dems already plotting slowdown of Hegseth nomination.” (Punchbowl News’ Andrew Desiderio: Tweet – 1/21/25)

Next Previous