Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) has begun to receive a large amount of support from conservatives aligned with President-elect Donald Trump, following his decisive presidential re-election victory last week. That includes support from billionaire X owner Elon Musk and several U.S. senators.
“Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader!” Musk wrote on his platform Sunday. The Tesla CEO endorsed Trump in the 2024 election and became an integral part of Trump's campaign as the election approached.
In fact, Mr. Trump reportedly swore He called for Musk to be integrated into the administration, insisting that he be appointed to run a commission on government efficiency.
Schumer won't allow Dave McCormick to attend Senate orientation due to strong PA vote count
Sen. Rick Scott (inset) has received support from several people aligned with President-elect Donald Trump, including Charlie Kirk (left) and Elon Musk. (Reuters)
Scott also joined forces with former presidential candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as well as Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Ron Johnson. (R-Wis.) and Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Wis.). -Marco Rubio of Alabama, Republican of Florida.
Until last week, only two candidates in the Senate Republican leadership race had received public support. Sens. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Mike Rounds (R.S.D.) immediately ran for leadership in the spring, immediately following Senate Minority Whip Sen. John Thune (R.D.). supported.
Senate leadership candidate John Thune reacts to Trump's new litmus test ahead of election
From left to right, Sen. John Cornyn, Sen. John Thune, and Sen. Rick Scott are the candidates in the leadership race to succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell. (Getty Images)
Before Mr. Musk endorsed Mr. Scott, he criticized Mr. Thune, writing about X, “(Republican) Sen. Thune is the Democratic Party's first choice.''
Scott, Thune, and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) are the candidates to succeed current Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). The election will be held by secret ballot on Wednesday.
Mr. Cornyn received his first public endorsement from Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, who cited the support of the Texas senator who spearheaded the legislation.
Many people close to President Trump have endorsed Scott, but the president-elect himself has not expressed his support. Nor has he made it clear whether he intends to do so.
Cornyn touts lifelong fundraising accomplishments for Republicans in McConnell's final successful case
However, President Trump made several demands of the candidates.
“Republican senators seeking coveted leadership positions in the U.S. Senate must agree to recess appointments (in the Senate!) or they will not receive timely confirmation. ” he wrote to X.
“In some cases, voting can take more than two years. This is what they did four years ago and we can't let it happen again. We need to replenish immediately! Moreover, during this period No judge should be confirmed because the Democrats are trying to attack the judges as Republicans fight for leadership, and this is unacceptable.”
Scott quickly shared his agreement with President Trump. Cornyn spoke with President Trump on the matter on Sunday and vowed to continue meetings, including over the weekend, until the president-elect's appointments are confirmed. He also pointed out that “the Constitution expressly empowers the President to make recess appointments.”
Tim Scott launches candidacy for NRSC chair as Republicans seek to capitalize on new minority interests
Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in Mint Hill, North Carolina, Wednesday, September 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
In an exclusive response to Fox News Digital, Thune indicated he was open to Trump's request.
“For eight months, I have listened carefully to my colleagues' vision for the next chapter of the Senate Republican Conference, especially as we hit the ground running with President Trump,” he said in a statement.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“One thing is clear: we must act quickly and decisively to get the presidential cabinet and other nominees in place as soon as possible and begin carrying out the tasks entrusted to us, and we will do so. We cannot allow Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats to thwart the will of the American people, including through recess appointments. ”
Recess appointments refer to the President's ability to fill federal vacancies that occur while the Senate is in recess. This power is outlined in the Recess Appointments Clause of the Constitution. For the president to make these appointments unilaterally, Congress must be in recess, and both House and Senate leaders must agree to go into recess.
FOX News Digital has reached out to Scott's office for comment.
