Louisiana Senator Makes List of Those Who Could ‘Derail’ Trump Picks

President-Elect Donald Trump is working to fill his Cabinet with his top picks, even if they're rubbing some people the wrong way. But the problem he may run into is that if he rubs certain Senators the wrong way with these picks, they could make it a problem.

Because the US Senate are the ones who get the final say in these appointments.

While the Republicans do have the majority in the Senate, its not a large enough majority that Trump can coast without concern. Because just a handful of Republicans who disagree with a pick and torpedo it.

After the 2024 elections, Republicans have a 53 to 47 seat majority in the Senate. That means the margin of error for picks (or any future legislation) is 4 votes. If there are 4 Republicans that join Democrats in a vote, the pick will lose. Or if 7 Republicans choose not to vote, they will lose. It could also be a combination, where some choose to sit a vote out, while others cross the aisle.

One of the Senators that have been singled out as a possibility to cause issues for Trump is from Louisiana. In a new report, Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy has been noted as someone who could be an obstacle.

The story comes to us from The Hill, and it's titled "The 9 GOP Senators Who Could Derail Trump's Cabinet Picks". Here's their take on Cassidy:

"Cassidy will be one of only three Republican senators still serving next year who voted to convict Trump on the impeachment charge of inciting insurrection.

Cassidy is known as a principled politician who’s not afraid to buck Trump or tackle politically dangerous issues, such as reforming Social Security to extend its solvency.

But the Louisiana lawmaker is up for reelection in 2026 and faces a potential primary challenge given his vote to convict Trump.

He will likely serve as chair of the HELP Committee next year, giving him jurisdiction over Kennedy’s nomination to head Health and Human Services."

They go on to note that Cassidy has already shown some concern about Matt Gaetz as the head of the Justice Department, and Pete Hegseth as the pick for Defense Secretary.

In response to The Hill report, Senator Cassidy's office sent along these quotes from the Senator regarding some of the nominations, and the outcome of the election:

RFK Jr.: “RFK Jr. has championed issues like healthy foods and the need for greater transparency in our public health infrastructure,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I look forward to learning more about his other policy positions and how they will support a conservative, pro-American agenda.”

Pete Hegseth: “I look forward to meeting with President Trump’s SecDef nominee Pete Hegseth. I’ve heard very positive things from my colleagues. I appreciate his work with veterans and his years of service to our country in combat.”

On election outcome: “Congratulations to President Trump, VP-elect Vance, and their families on the victory. I am excited that Republicans have decisively taken control of the Senate. This creates a great opportunity to advance a conservative agenda!”