President-elect Donald Trump has demanded that any Republican senator vying to become the next majority leader must support his use of recess appointments.
The controversial power play would enable the commander-in-chief to do so bypass Senate confirmation when appointing people to higher management positions.
Despite his party being on track to gain at least 52 seats in the 100-member Senate, Trump expects to roll his selections through the chamber to avoid any opposition or public scrutiny.
Trump posted on
‘Sometimes the votes can take two years, or longer. This is what they did four years ago, and we can’t let it happen again.
The controversial power play would allow the commander in chief to appoint people to high government positions and bypass Senate confirmation
Recess appointments are made when the chamber is out of session, and can last for two years without the Senate ever providing advice or consent
‘We need vacancies filled IMMEDIATELY! In addition, no judges may be confirmed during this period as Democrats seek to push their judges while Republicans fight for leadership. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THANK YOU!’
The recess appointments would also eliminate the need for any Senate confirmation hearings, which are intended to give voters a chance to watch the candidates while being questioned about their positions.
Presidents have not been able to make so-called recess appointments since a 2014 Supreme Court ruling limited their power to do so.
The last time a recess agreement was used was in 2012 under former President Barack Obama.
That was before the Supreme Court ruled that the appointments could not be made while Congress was in pro forma sessions, effectively rendering them useless.
Trump and President Biden were unable to use them while in office.
Senators John Thune, John Cornyn and Rick Scott are all competing in a secret election on Wednesday to replace longtime Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell.
Rick Scott is seen here during a press conference at the US Capitol Building in January 2023 in Washington, DC
Texas Senator John Cornyn noted that recess appointments are allowed under the Constitution, as he agreed with Trump
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, all three candidates immediately relented by suggesting they would find a way to take advantage of this practice.
Scott, from Florida, said: ‘100% agree. I will do everything I can to get your nominations in as quickly as possible.”
South Dakota’s Thune said in a statement that they must act “quickly and decisively” to get nominees in place and that “all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments.”
Cornyn of Texas said, “It is unacceptable for the Senate to block President Trump’s Cabinet nominations.
“If they do that, we will remain in session, including on weekends, until they give in.” He noted that recess appointments are allowed under the Constitution.
Senator John Thune, seen here, said in a statement that they must act “swiftly and decisively” to put nominees in place
The social media exchange on Sunday became a first test for the three candidates since Trump was elected to a second term.
Trump’s relationship with Congress was tumultuous during his first term, as he chafed at opposition to his selections and sought ways to bypass lawmakers.
With a landslide election victory, he has been strengthened and demanded that Senate Republicans get behind his agenda.
X founder and close Trump ally Elon Musk, who is also rumored to be named head of a new so-called ‘Department of Government Efficiency’, supported the move.
Musk jumps on stage as he joins Trump at a campaign rally at the site of his first assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania on October 5, 2024.
Musk shared Trump’s comments, saying, “Without recess appointments, it will take two years or more to confirm the new administration!”
“This would make it impossible to implement the change the American people are demanding, which is completely unacceptable.”
Musk also endorsed Rick Scott for majority leader, while Trump has not endorsed anyone in the race.
In addition, Trump called on Senate Republicans to block any attempt by the current Democratic-controlled Senate to push through more justices before the change of power.
Democrats will control the chamber for the remainder of Biden’s presidency and do not need votes from the Republican Party to approve judges.
It comes as Trump offered the role of US ambassador to the United Nations to Elise Stefanik.
The House Republican and ally of the president accepted the UN action after it was offered on Sunday. according to The New York Post.
Trump also called on Senate Republicans to block any attempt by the current Democratic-controlled Senate to push through more justices before the change of power.
The New York representative accepted the role previously held by Nikki Haley, who ran against Trump during the Republican primaries.
“I am truly honored to earn President Trump’s nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations,” Stefanik told The Post.
In recent years, Stefanik, the highest-ranking Republican woman in the House of Representatives, has been one of his closest allies.
Trump also announced that Susie Wiles will become his White House chief of staff.
The “Ice Baby,” as she is nicknamed, will become the first female chief of staff in American history.
The 67-year-old led the campaign that propelled him to a historic election victory over Democrat Kamala Harris on Tuesday evening.
Wiles led his race behind the scenes and is one of the most feared and effective political operatives in the country.