Sen.-Elect Bernie Moreno Staunchly Supports Trump’s Cabinet Picks

FIRST ON FOX: Republican Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno has taken a strong stance in support of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet appointments, defending his choices, including attorney general nominee Matt Gaetz. Moreno contends that Trump has a “mandate” from the American populace, underscoring the urgency of confirming these nominations as quickly as possible.

A Call for Quick Confirmation

“The American people delivered President Trump a mandate, and it is crucial that Senate Republicans confirm his nominees quickly,” Moreno stated in a message to Fox News Digital. “Our Republican majority must unite and deliver a strong cabinet so we can begin implementing the American First agenda as soon as possible.”

This message marks Moreno as the first freshman GOP senator to openly defend Gaetz, whose nomination has sparked significant debate.

Defense of Gaetz Against Criticism

Moreno specifically criticized what he described as the weaponization of the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Biden-Harris administration, claiming it has primarily targeted Trump and Republicans. “Matt Gaetz is exactly the type of leader to clean up the corruption and return the DOJ to following the rule of law,” he asserted.

A Controversial Nominee

Trump surprised many last Wednesday when he nominated Gaetz for attorney general. The nomination has faced backlash, particularly from Democrats, due to an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into Gaetz’s alleged misconduct involving a minor. However, Gaetz has consistently denied these claims, and the Trump transition team remains optimistic about his confirmation.

Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the transition team and Trump’s newly appointed press secretary, shared her confidence in Gaetz. “I know Matt personally. He is a great person, a man of integrity, and a brilliant litigator. Having served on the House Judiciary Committee for eight years, he has shown himself to be incredibly impressive,” she noted during a recent Fox News segment.

Trump’s Fast-Paced Cabinet Selections

Trump’s pace in naming Cabinet officials has been described as “warp speed,” a notable difference compared to his first term. This rapid selection process has drawn both support and criticism from various political factions. Moreno has backed several of Trump’s other controversial picks, including Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Director of National Intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard.

Endorsements for Other Nominees

On his selections, Moreno stated, “President Trump made a brilliant pick in Tulsi Gabbard, a fierce voice who has been brave in speaking out against corruption. Tulsi’s military experience and commitment to our Constitution make her a fantastic pick to lead as the Director of National Intelligence.”

Regarding Kennedy’s nomination, Moreno expressed hope for a shift in the Health and Human Services department: “After Americans have been misled for years by the ‘experts’ beholden to Big Pharma, RFK Jr. will put the health interests of the American people first. HHS desperately needs new leadership, and I am confident that President Trump nominated the right man for the job.”

Moreno’s Support for Hegseth

Moreno also underscored Pete Hegseth’s long-standing commitment to U.S. military service, emphasizing his suitability for the Pentagon role. “Pete Hegseth is a decorated war hero who dedicated 20 years of his life to protecting our nation. He is exactly the type of leader needed to shrink bureaucracy, eliminate woke ideology from our military, and put an end to endless wars,” Moreno explained.

A Republican’s Rallying Cry

As a new Republican senator, Moreno’s vocal support signifies a broader rallying cry among GOP members to quickly solidify Trump’s Cabinet as a means of advancing their agenda. While not without controversy, the support from new leaders like Moreno reflects a strategic effort to unite the party behind its nominees in light of pushback from both Democrats and media commentators.

As Moreno continues to champion Trump’s picks, he aligns himself with an administration focused on effectuating a swift shift in governance aimed at defending traditional Republican values.

Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton contributed to this report.