President-elect Donald Trump has wasted no time in appointing his Cabinet members since his victory in the Nov. 5 presidential election.
In keeping with his promise to shake up Washington, some of his selections have raised brows and questions about their ability to survive a potential confirmation battle in the Senate. But should his nominees stall, Trump has already identified a tool for sidestepping any delays: recess appointments.
Prior to Sen. John Thune’s (R-S.D.) election as the next majority leader, Trump said on social media that the next leader “must agree to Recess Appointments.”
He noted that confirmation votes can take “two years, or more,” thanks to the polarization in Congress.
“This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again,” he said in the Nov. 10 post. “We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY!”
Upon Trump’s inauguration, some 4,000 administration positions will need filling, including more than 1,200 that require Senate confirmation, according to the Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit that assists with presidential transitions.
Thune told Fox News on Nov. 14 that “all options are on the table” for ensuring Trump’s Cabinet appointments are confirmed.
The president’s Cabinet consists of the top advisers and agency and department heads he or she