Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune recently addressed concerns surrounding President-elect Trump's Cabinet picks and the confirmation process. Thune emphasized that Senate Republicans are committed to working with Trump to ensure a smooth installation of his team to implement his agenda.
Thune highlighted the importance of the Senate's constitutional role in advising and consenting to nominations for executive branch positions. He expressed a determination to prevent any obstruction or blockage of Trump's nominees, emphasizing the need to respect the will of the American people.
Thune also discussed the possibility of using 'recess appointments' to overcome potential challenges in confirming certain nominees. Recess appointments allow the president to fill vacancies while the Senate is out of session, but Thune noted that this process requires concurrence from both chambers of Congress.
Regarding Trump's controversial choice of Matt Gaetz as attorney general, Thune acknowledged the concerns raised by both Republicans and Democrats. Some senators, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski, questioned the seriousness of Gaetz's nomination and emphasized the importance of selecting a qualified candidate for the role.
Thune reiterated the Senate's commitment to conducting thorough vetting and confirmation hearings for all nominees, emphasizing the need to ensure that they are qualified and fit for their respective positions. He underscored the mandate for change that Trump received from the American people and expressed a willingness to work towards fulfilling that mandate.
Overall, Thune emphasized the importance of upholding the confirmation process while also recognizing the desire for change and the need to respect the president's choices for his cabinet.
