Complicating the matter for senators is the Trump campaign’s decision to not engage, so far, in the traditional transition process, having declined to sign agreements with the federal government that would launch FBI background checks of nominees, among other standard steps before confirmation hearings.

President-elect Donald Trump is going for it with his Cabinet picks. These are picks that align with his worldview and inclination to wreck shop in the U.S. government — but that are giving his party heartburn. At least four of the high-profile nominations that Trump announced this week will test Senate Republicans’ willingness to confirm them.

President-elect Donald Trump is setting up a test for the new Republican-led Senate on controversial cabinet appointments. They're preparing to stand their ground. Trump did not get involved in the chamber's high-stakes Republican leadership election Wednesday,