senate

Gaetz now faces the prospect of Senate hearings as part of his confirmation process.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she was “shocked” by the nomination, saying it reaffirmed the need for the Senate to hold on to its constitutional duty of providing “advice and consent.”

She will require Senate confirmation to take up the role.

"A Fox & Friends weekend co-host is not qualified to be the Secretary of Defense," said Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who leads the Senate military personnel panel.

But many members of Trump's team, including those who work in the White House or posts like the national security adviser, don't require Senate approval.