In an unprecedented move, Capitol Hill has decided to live stream the Trump cabinet confirmation hearings, marking the first time that Americans will be able to view these proceedings in real-time. The decision comes as part of a wider push to improve transparency and openness within the government. The public will be able to watch the hearings on the official congressional website, with the live stream running from 10 am to 5 pm each day.
All members of President Trump’s cabinet must undergo confirmation hearings held by the U.S. Senate before they can officially take up their positions. Senior members of the administration such as the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General and Director of National Intelligence have all been called to appear. These hearings are an important mechanism for holding government appointees to account and questioning nominated individuals’ competence, experience, and suitability for their proposed roles.
To mark this change, the U.S. Senate has produced an in-depth video documentary covering the key moments of the confirmation hearings, including interviews with senators and other government officials. This documentary will provide valuable insight into how these crucial decisions are made, allowing the public to better assess their new leadership. While live-streaming has been common practice in many governments around the world, the U.S. has been slow to adapt, meaning that this move marks a significant tipping point in the way the American government operates.
The hearings themselves will also be broadcast on mainstream television channels, allowing millions more people to witness the proceedings. This increased accessibility is paying dividends for ratings, as viewers have flocked to watch the hearings on television and stream them online.
Upon announcing the new measures, Senate Committee on Rules and Administration Chairwoman Senator Susan Collins said, “This marks an important step forward in democracy and transparency. We can no longer afford to keep these proceedings behind closed doors, and we must embrace the power of the digital age to empower the public”. As public interest surges, it is hoped that this new video coverage will allow regular citizens the chance to follow the confirmation hearings and make an informed judgment on President Trump’s cabinet picks.
