President-elect Donald Trump has demanded that any Republican senator vying to be the next majority leader support his use of recess appointments.
The controversial power play would allow the commander in chief derivation Senate confirmation when Appoint people to senior administrative positions.
Even though his party is on track to fill at least 52 seats in the 100-member Senate, Trump hopes to push his picks through the chamber to avoid any opposition or public scrutiny.
Trump posted on
‘Sometimes votes can take two years or more. This is what they did four years ago and we cannot allow it to happen again.
The controversial power play would allow the future commander in chief to appoint people to top administrative positions and avoid Senate confirmation.
Recess appointments are made when the House is out of session and can last for two years without the Senate’s notice or consent.
‘We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY! Additionally, no judges should be approved during this time period because Democrats seek to impose themselves on their judges while Republicans fight for leadership. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THANK YOU!’
The recess appointments would also preclude any Senate confirmation hearings, which are intended to give voters a chance to see the nominees while they are questioned about their positions.
Presidents have not been able to make so-called recess appointments since a 2014 Supreme Court ruling that limited their power to do so.
The last time a recess appointment was used was in 2012 during the administration of former President Barack Obama.
That was before the Supreme Court ruled that appointments could not be made while Congress was in pro forma sessions, making them effectively unusable.
Trump and President Biden were unable to use them during their time in office.
Sens. John Thune, John Cornyn and Rick Scott will run in a secret election Wednesday to replace longtime Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell.
Rick Scott appears here during a press conference at the US Capitol in January 2023 in Washington, DC.
Texas Senator John Cornyn noted that the Constitution allows recess appointments, as he agreed to with Trump.
Despite the Supreme Court ruling, all three candidates immediately relented and suggested they would find a way to use the practice.
Scott, from Florida, said: ‘100% agree. I will do everything necessary to have your nominations approved as quickly as possible.’
South Dakota’s Thune said in a statement that they must act “quickly and decisively” to place nominees in their positions and that “all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments.”
Cornyn of Texas said: ‘It is unacceptable for D-Senators to block President Trump’s Cabinet appointments.
“If they do, we will remain in session, including weekends, until they relent,” noting that the Constitution allows recess appointments.
Senator John Thune, seen here, said in a statement that they must act “quickly and decisively” to place candidates in their positions.
Sunday’s social media exchange became the first test for all three candidates since Trump was elected to a second term.
Trump’s relationship with Congress was tumultuous in his first term, as he chafed at resistance to his elections and sought ways to circumvent lawmakers.
With a large electoral victory, he has become emboldened and demanded that Senate Republicans align with his agenda.
X founder and close Trump ally Elon Musk, who is also said to be named head of a new so-called “Department of Government Efficiency,” backed the move.
Musk jumps on stage as he joins Trump during a campaign rally at the site of his first assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, on October 5, 2024.
Sharing Trump’s comments, Musk said: ‘Without appointments during the recess, it will take two years or more to confirm the new administration!
“This would make it impossible to implement the change demanded by the American people, which is absolutely unacceptable.”
Musk also endorsed Rick Scott for majority leader, while Trump has not endorsed anyone in the race.
Additionally, Trump called on Senate Republicans to block any attempt by the current Democratic-controlled Senate to approve more judges before the change of power.
Democrats will control the chamber for the remainder of Biden’s presidency and do not require GOP votes to approve judges.
It comes as Trump offered the position of US ambassador to the United Nations to Elise Stefanik.
The House Republican and ally of the president accepted the U.N. job after it was offered to him Sunday. according to the New York Post.
Trump also called on Senate Republicans to block any attempt by the current Democratic-controlled Senate to approve more judges before the change of power.
The New York representative accepted the role previously held by Nikki Haley, who had opposed Trump in the Republican primaries.
“I am truly honored to earn President Trump’s nomination to serve in his Cabinet as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations,” Stefanik told The Post.
In recent years, Stefanik, the highest-ranking Republican woman in the House, has been one of her closest allies.
Trump has also announced that Susie Wiles would be his White House chief of staff.
The ‘Ice Baby’ – as she has been nicknamed – will be the first female chief of staff in the history of the United States.
The 67-year-old led the campaign that propelled him to a historic election victory over Democrat Kamala Harris on Tuesday night.
Wiles led his career behind the scenes and is one of the most feared and effective political operatives in the country.