As lawmakers departed Washington for a month-long break, over 150 candidates nominated by President Trump were left awaiting confirmation in the Senate. This situation highlights rising partisanship and stalled appointments.
The administration’s key roles have largely gone unfilled. The judiciary and diplomatic positions, in particular, are facing significant delays.
Former national security adviser Mike Waltz is still in limbo regarding his confirmation as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Likewise, Andrew Puzder, a crucial ambassadorial nominee, is still pending, particularly given the EU’s status as a major trading partner for the U.S.
At the Justice Department, Stanley Woodward has been appointed as deputy attorney general, while Patrick Davis awaits confirmation as Attorney General, specifically for legislative issues. Additionally, several attorneys from law firms across Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota are pending as well.
The Senate wrapped up its session on Saturday after confirming just a handful of candidates. Former Fox News host and New York judge Janine Pirro was among those swiftly approved, along with seven other Trump candidates.
Pirro’s confirmation as a U.S. attorney in D.C. comes amid a backdrop of political clashes, particularly as the nomination process encounters obstacles. With a number of interim prosecutors lining up, Trump’s judicial agenda is at risk of stalling if no Senate-approved successors are appointed by the end of the 120-day term limit.
In the aftermath of collapsed bipartisan negotiations, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Tune characterized the confirmation process as “broken.” He suggested that Senate rules regarding nominations need significant reform.
Conversely, Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer warned that any changes to these rules would be a “big mistake,” arguing that lawmakers have never been regarded as less qualified than they are now.
