Baldwin says some Trump appointees are “very concerned” but “excited” about his fellow Wisconsinite Duffy as transportation secretary

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin told a WisPolitics DC luncheon that some of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet decisions were “very troubling.”

But the Madison Democrat also said at Wednesday’s event that she was “excited” about the prospect of seeing a colleague from Wisconsin – former Republican U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy – leading the Transportation Department.

Baldwin noted that some of Trump’s decisions have already been superseded. That includes former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew himself from consideration as senators rejected his nomination due to allegations of sexual assault against him.

“I’m not sure the lineup we have now will be the lineup we have in January,” Baldwin said.

She said it was “quite possible” that Pete Hegseth, Trump’s defense secretary, could be chosen next. Hegseth, a veteran and co-host of “FOX & Friends Weekend,” was questioned about allegations of sexual assault, his drinking habits and his leadership skills.

Upon Duffy’s appointment as transportation secretary, Baldwin said she was pleased someone from Wisconsin could take on the role.

“I look at these endorsements from the perspective of, ‘How will they help our state?’ And boy, do we have a lot of big infrastructure projects going on right now,” Baldwin said, citing the Blatnik Bridge between Superior and Duluth as an example.

Baldwin also said the delays in passing the farm bill were “frustrating to watch.”

She argued that the Senate proposal takes a “much more comprehensive approach.” She said it was up to the House to pass something that had bipartisan support, arguing that the 60-vote filibuster in the Senate meant the chamber was more likely to operate in a bipartisan manner.

Baldwin also rejected the idea that Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential loss to Trump had to do with her identity as a woman. She said the result reflected political headwinds against the party in power and pressure on voters’ wallets.

“I don’t think it was about rejecting a woman at the top. I think it was about voters feeling the need for grocery shopping, caring about child care and housing costs, and wanting change,” Baldwin said.