House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) left open the possibility that President-elect Trump could appoint his Cabinet through recess appointments without requiring Senate confirmation.
“We'll evaluate it at the right time and make the right decision. There may be a capability for that. We'll have to see how it goes,” Johnson said. He spoke on “Fox News Sunday.” When asked if he supported the appointment on leave.
Following Trump's controversial cabinet picks, including former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Tulsi Gabbard, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's nominees were appointed during the recess. The debate over his appointment intensified, sending shockwaves through Washington. It is unclear whether these candidates will have the support of a majority in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 seats.
If Congress adjourns both houses for more than 10 days, President Trump can adjourn nominees. But the Constitution says neither chamber can adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other, giving the House and, by extension, the speaker a say in whether President Trump's recess appointments can be made. are. cabinet.
Johnson suggested he might support a recess appointment strategy if Trump's nominees are held up in the Senate.
“Listen, I believe in the principle that the president can pick the team, but it wasn't a controversial concept before,” Johnson said on “Fox News Sunday.” “We have a very divided government right now and a very partisan atmosphere in Washington. I wish it weren't that way. I wish they would allow people of their choice to be in the cabinet.
“But if this thing stalls, it will be a huge disservice to the country and to the American people. Remember, they gave the president a mandate, a landslide victory of the popular vote, And of course we just delivered an Electoral College victory, sending a message that America First should be the rule today,” Johnson said.
Asked about criticism of the rest appointment system,Mr Johnson saidHe was “sympathetic” to the argument that recess appointments are “unconstitutional” and remove “one of the fundamental checks on the president's power.”
“I have proven time and time again that I am true to my oath to uphold the Constitution, so we will evaluate all of these things very carefully,” Johnson said.
A majority of the House would need consent to adjourn the session long enough for Mr. Trump to adjourn Cabinet appointments.
Earlier this month, President Trump pressed senators running for House majority leader to support the possibility of appointing Cabinet nominees through recess appointments.
New Senate Republican leader John Thune (R.S.D.) said last week that shutting down the Senate for more than 10 days to allow President Trump to make recess appointments was an “option,” but now Republicans has warned that there may be enough support to postpone those vacation plans to take effect.
