Wilbur Ross confirmed as Trump's commerce secretary
Billionaire investor Wilbur Ross was confirmed as the US commerce secretary on Monday after receiving unanimous approval in the Senate.
Ross was confirmed on a vote of 72-27, comfortably passing the final stage of his nomination process in comparison to several other members of Donald Trump's cabinet.
He promised to work quickly to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement between the US, Mexico and Canada, one of President Trump's key campaign promises on his march to the White House.
In 2000 Ross founded private equity firm WL Ross & Co, and is now worth approximately $2.9bn. He has stated his intention to divest the majority of his business interests ahead of taking up the commerce secretary position.
He faced opposition from some Democrat senators during the confirmation process, but many welcomed his appointment based on his experience in the private sector.
"Mr. Ross will bring decades of business, entrepreneurial and civic experience to this important position," said Democrat senator John Thune, who is chairman of the Commerce Committee.
"I believe his extensive management experience in the private sector, and his understanding of the challenges faced by workers and businesses alike, will equip him well for the job of leading the Department of Commerce."
Some did criticise the appointment however, including prominent Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, who described the choice as "disgusting".
"He plans to keep making money from one of his major oil shipping companies while working as Commerce Secretary," Warren said. "He's made billions off the backs of struggling homeowners. And in his free time he hangs out with other Wall Street tycoons who sit around making fun of everybody else. This is truly disgusting."
In a difficult opening month for President Trump, cabinet nominees including treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and education secretary Betsy De Vos faced rigorous scrutiny from Congress before being narrowly confirmed. Now Trump's administration has taken shape, and will begin work on fulfilling the promises made by the former reality TV star during his campaign.