WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President-elect Donald Trump still has several weeks before he’s sworn in, but the Trump transition efforts are already taking over Capitol Hill.
President-elect Trump is rolling out new nominees every day and already leaning on Republican lawmakers to prepare to implement his agenda.
“Nobody knew we were going to win it the way we won it, that was a big one,” said Trump.
After winning control of the White House, the House, and the Senate, Republicans say they have a mandate to govern.
“And now the real work begins, delivering on our agenda,” said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.).
Republicans say the top priorities are cracking down on immigration and improving the economy with tax cuts and regulatory reforms.
“We’re going to turn our country around. We’re going to make it so great, so strong, so powerful,” said Trump.
To help enact his agenda the president-elect is announcing a flurry of picks for his administration. Among the most recent is his nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr for health and human services secretary.
“I guess if you like health and if you like people that live a long time it’s the most important position,” said Trump.
The choice is already getting pushback, especially from Democrats who say Kennedy’s anti vaccine views are dangerous.
“The top health officer has to be grounded in science, so it’s a troublesome nomination for me,” said Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.).
Kennedy is not the only controversial choice for the new administration. Many lawmakers are also voicing concern about the nominations of former congressman Matt Gaetz as attorney general, Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary and former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for national intelligence director.
“Are you serious? These are people that should never be in these jobs,” said Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.).
The nominees only need a majority of votes in the Senate to get confirmed and Republicans will hold 53 seats starting in January.
