President-elect Donald Trump is putting pressure on Senate Republicans to allow him to appoint some nominees without a Senate vote. This comes just days before Senate Republicans select their new leader to replace Mitch McConnell, who has been in the role for almost two decades.
Republican Sens. John Thune, John Cornyn, and Rick Scott are all vying for the leadership position and have been seeking Trump’s support. Trump has made it clear that he expects the new leader to change the rules to allow him to quickly fill his Cabinet positions.
While Trump has not officially endorsed any of the candidates, he stated that the new leader must agree to allow him to make appointments during Senate recesses, bypassing the usual confirmation process. This move would expedite the confirmation of his nominees and ensure that positions are filled promptly.
The Senate has not allowed recess appointments since a 2014 Supreme Court ruling limited the president’s power in this area. However, all three Senate leader candidates have indicated that they are open to reconsidering this practice to accommodate Trump’s request.
Trump’s relationship with Congress has been contentious in the past, especially when it comes to nominations. With his recent re-election, Trump is expecting Senate Republicans to support his Cabinet selections and work swiftly to confirm his nominees.
In addition to pressuring Senate Republicans on Cabinet appointments, Trump also called on the Senate not to approve any judges in the weeks leading up to the new Congress taking office. However, this demand may be more challenging to fulfill as Democrats currently hold the majority of votes in the Senate.
As the race for Senate Republican leader unfolds, candidates are working to secure support from Trump and his allies. Senators like Mike Lee and Marco Rubio have endorsed Rick Scott, who has positioned himself as a close ally of the president.
Overall, the Senate leadership race is in flux, with Thune and Cornyn considered front-runners, but Scott mounting a strong campaign. The candidates are promising a more transparent leadership style than McConnell and a closer relationship with Trump.
While Trump has only made one personnel announcement so far, naming Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, he has ruled out Mike Pompeo and Nikki Haley for top positions. Trump’s supporters are also advocating for a clean break from traditional political figures in his administration, pushing for an “America First” approach.
As the Senate prepares to select its new leader, the dynamic between Trump and Senate Republicans will be crucial in shaping the future of the party and the administration’s agenda. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
