On Sunday, President-elect Trump insisted that the future Senate GOP leader enable him to utilize recess appointments, a move aimed at expediting his nominees and appointments without requiring Senate consent.
Recess appointments, typically reserved for urgent situations, permit nominees to hold positions for up to two years without the Senate’s formal approval. Trump proposed this approach as a means to bypass expected resistance to his selections in the Senate.
Trump wrote on the social platform X, emphasizing, “Any Republican Senator aspiring to the LEADERSHIP role in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!). Without it, we risk delays in timely confirmations, just like we saw four years ago. Immediate action on filling positions is essential!”
GOP leaders Thune, Scott, and Cornyn respond to Trump’s push for recess appointments
This post emerged despite heightened focus on the competition to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). The contenders for the leadership role are Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), the latter of whom served as the GOP whip during Trump’s initial White House tenure.
Scott’s previously slim chances to succeed McConnell recently gained traction among Trump supporters after his election win strengthened the GOP’s Senate standing. He responded enthusiastically to Trump’s call for recess appointments, posting on X, “100% agree. I am committed to pushing your nominations through as swiftly as possible.”
Thune and Cornyn responded more cautiously but echoed the need for efficient confirmations of Trump’s appointees. Thune posted on X, “We must move swiftly on the president’s nominees, using all options, including recess appointments. We cannot let Schumer and Senate Dems obstruct the American people’s will.”
Cornyn, in his post, stated, “It’s unacceptable for Senate Democrats to block President @realDonaldTrump’s appointments. If they attempt this, we’ll stay in session through weekends until they relent. The Constitution empowers the President to make recess appointments.”
Additionally, Trump urged Republicans to obstruct judicial appointments for the rest of the year, advocating for a halt until Republicans regain control over both the White House and Senate.
“No Judges should be confirmed during this time, as Democrats are rushing to confirm their picks while Republicans focus on Leadership disputes. THIS CANNOT STAND. THANK YOU!” Trump added.
