Senate Republicans are growing frustrated as several Trump-appointed candidates have either been dismissed or have left shortly after taking office. This trend has become apparent, with at least five appointees departing for various reasons, most notably after the main administrative team had settled in. Notable examples include former CDC director Susan Monares and former IRS commissioner Billy Long.
This situation has posed a challenge for GOP members. They’ve been vocal about the need to confirm candidates while facing Democratic lockdowns, which often leads to wasted time as confirmed individuals don’t last long in their positions. “It’s a bit like a spine tap concert… Every time we look around, someone’s leaving,” remarked Sen. Tom Tillis (R-N.C.). “It’s not a very efficient use of resources.”
The discontent has intensified in recent weeks, especially after Monares was confirmed just days before the Senate’s August break, only to be removed for a violation involving Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Monares had refused to pre-approve recommendations from a vaccine advisory panel, which included members critical of vaccines, prior to Kennedy’s contentious Senate appearance. Her time in office lasted fewer than 30 days before she was fired.
“How is it that you make a decision so quickly, on the 20th business day?” Tillis pondered, suggesting they could have used the time more productively.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) echoed concerns regarding Kennedy’s swift actions. “He has to take responsibility. We put in a lot of work to vet these individuals. And then they’re out in a month?”
Following Monares’ exit, Long, who previously served in the Missouri House, was also removed as IRS commissioner after supposedly clashing with Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent, marking a tenure that fell short of two months. Bescent is now in charge of the IRS as the search continues for new candidates to lead tax agencies. Additionally, Michael Faulkender, who sought to step down as deputy chief after less than five months in the post, was reported to have diverged from Trump’s overall vision.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) expressed concern, highlighting that a lack of stability in these important roles could pose challenges for the Trump administration. “I support the President’s right to choose his team,” he clarified, although he worries about the rapid turnover.
Besides these three departures, at least two other nominees faced similar fates, getting yanked at the last minute or withdrawing just before securing confirmation. Jared Isaacman, who was nominated to lead NASA, withdrew his nomination amid some political controversies.
There was also a significant turnover at the Department of Justice, with Aaron Raitz, recently confirmed along party lines, leaving shortly thereafter to pursue a bid for Texas Attorney General.
However, the ongoing delays mean not all candidates will be eligible for consideration. “It happens sometimes,” commented Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), suggesting it would have been better to address these issues earlier.
Ultimately, Republicans acknowledge that once candidates are confirmed, their control over them diminishes. “There’s really not much we can do about it,” Thune added.
