Trump is challenging congressional Republicans to defy him as he says he will nominate controversial figures to his Cabinet.

Trump announced several controversial cabinet nominees, including Democrat-turned-Republican Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Fox News host Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense, both of whom are outside of the traditional mold for appointees to their respective positions.

President-elect Trump is quickly testing the will of Senate Republicans, asking them to back controversial picks to his Cabinet such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), while at the same time demanding they give him more power by easing recess appointments.

President-elect Donald Trump congratulated Sen. John Thune on winning election to the role of Senate majority leader, declaring that the lawmaker "will do an outstanding job."

Republicans in the Senate elected Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., majority leader Wednesday, rejecting MAGA-backed candidate Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and a third contender, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, making Thune the first new Senate GOP leader in 18 years after Republicans regained control of the upper chamber in last week’s election.