‘Project 2025 is here’: Trump says he plans to overhaul or eliminate FEMA
Jan 25, 2025
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Sahil Kapur, NBC News senior national political reporter, and Jane Mayer, Chief Washington correspondent for The New Yorker, dive into the unsettling political climate surrounding Pete Hegseth's controversial nomination for the Department of Defense. They unpack Trump's alarming plan to overhaul FEMA and the potential impacts on disaster response, especially in climate-affected California. The discussion highlights the internal Republican turmoil as they navigate the pressures of Trump's influence and the implications for national security.
The nomination of Pete Hegseth is controversial due to serious concerns about his qualifications and past financial mismanagement allegations.
Political pressures within the Republican Party may compel senators to prioritize party loyalty over candidate suitability, jeopardizing national security.
Deep dives
Concerns Over Hegseth's Qualifications
The nomination of Pete Hegseth to run the Department of Defense has raised significant concerns regarding his qualifications. Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins have publicly opposed his confirmation, citing a lack of experience in managing large organizations, particularly the Pentagon, which is a highly complex entity. Collins specifically detailed her worries about Hegseth's record with two small non-profit organizations that faced allegations of financial mismanagement and waste. His controversial views regarding women in combat further exacerbated doubts about his suitability for the position.
Implications for National Security
The stakes surrounding Hegseth's confirmation extend beyond personal qualifications, as they directly impact national security. Critics argue that confirming someone with such a troubling record could jeopardize the safety and defense of the country. The discussion highlights the seriousness with which Senate Republicans should approach this vote, emphasizing that they have voted against unqualified candidates in the past, including Trump's previous nominee for Attorney General, Matt Gaetz. Should they proceed to confirm Hegseth, it would reflect poorly on their commitment to the country's security and the integrity of their leadership.
Pressure From the Trump Administration
The political pressure exerted by the Trump administration plays a pivotal role in the dynamics of Hegseth's nomination. Despite Hegseth's myriad controversies, the threat of primary challenges looms over Republican senators who may consider breaking party lines. This environment creates a powerful incentive for senators to conform to party expectations rather than vote based on merit or judgment. The fear of losing political capital amid a hyper-partisan climate has left some senators wrestling with their reservations while grappling with the pressure to support the nominee.
Echoes of Past Controversies
The situation recalls past controversies surrounding nominations, notably the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, where personal and professional qualifications were thrust into the spotlight. Comparisons are drawn between Kavanaugh's nomination and Hegseth's due to perceived partisan motivations overshadowing their merits. Critics voice concerns that, like Kavanaugh, significant failings and questionable character could be overlooked due to party loyalty. This reflection raises important questions about what standards should govern the confirmation process and the consequences of selecting leaders whose qualifications remain highly disputed.
Guests: Sahil Kapur, Jane Mayer, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Morgan Chesky, Rep. Robert Garcia, Elie Mystal, Courtney Kube
After the final arguments over Pete Hegseth, how many Republicans with break with Trump's pick? Tonight: full coverage of the Pete Hegseth vote. And after calling to end FEMA while in North Carolina, President Trump lands in California.
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