In a push for swift nominations, President-elect Trump insists that future Senate GOP leaders agree to fast-track appointments using recess power

President-elect Donald Trump has called on the candidates vying for Senate GOP leadership to support his plan to make recess appointments, a strategy that would allow him to bypass Senate confirmation processes for key nominees. Trump’s demand, made in a post on social media platform X, emphasizes the need for immediate action to fill vacant positions across the government without waiting for the prolonged and often contentious Senate approval process.

Recess appointments, permitted under the U.S. Constitution, enable the president to appoint officials while Congress is in recess. These appointments can last up to two years, and unlike traditional appointments, do not require Senate confirmation. Trump’s request comes as the GOP prepares for a leadership transition, with a three-way race to succeed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). The candidates for the role are Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas).

Trump’s demand for recess appointments is seen as a move to counter potential opposition from Senate Democrats, who may block or delay his nominations. “Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner,” Trump wrote. He added that delays in confirming appointments, which can extend for years, must be avoided.

Senator Rick Scott, whose campaign to replace McConnell has gained momentum following his victory in the 2024 elections, quickly endorsed Trump’s proposal. “100% agree. I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible,” Scott wrote. Meanwhile, Thune and Cornyn, while more reserved in their support, agreed that it was crucial to swiftly confirm Trump’s picks and left open the possibility of using recess appointments if necessary.

“We must act quickly and decisively to get the president’s nominees in place as soon as possible, and all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments,” Thune stated. Cornyn echoed the sentiment, arguing that the Constitution explicitly grants the president the authority to make such appointments, stressing the importance of ensuring that the will of the American people is not hindered by Senate Democrats.

In addition to his push for recess appointments, Trump also called for a freeze on judicial appointments for the remainder of the year, aiming to prevent Democrats from pushing through new judicial nominations during the period of leadership uncertainty. “No Judges should be approved during this period of time because the Democrats are looking to ram through their Judges as the Republicans fight over Leadership,” Trump wrote. “THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.”

With the GOP focused on leadership changes and the challenge of reconciling internal divisions, Trump’s demands highlight his determination to maintain control over the Senate’s confirmation processes and to secure key positions within his administration without delay.