A battle is brewing between outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the MAGA wing of the Republican Party over President-elect Trump’s plan to use recess appointments for controversial Cabinet nominees, with outgoing McConnell reportedly drawing a hard line against the strategy.
“There will be no recess appointments,” McConnell allegedly declared at a Washington gathering, according to a since-deleted tweet by The New Yorker’s Jane Mayer.
The statement prompted immediate pushback from fellow Republicans, with Senator Rick Scott bluntly responding, “Yes, there will be.”
The clash comes as some of Trump’s nominees face uncertain confirmation prospects.
Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services, and Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary have all drawn anger from the mainstream media and establishment politicians in Washington, D.C.
“Each of these nominees needs to come before the Senate and go through the process and be vetted,” McConnell said Wednesday at an American Enterprise Institute gala, sending a message to Trump while still avoiding direct confrontation.
Incoming Senate GOP leader John Thune has struck a more conciliatory tone.
“We must act quickly and decisively to get the president’s nominees in place as soon as possible, and all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments,” Thune said.
The Constitution requires a 10-day Senate recess for such appointments.
While historically common – President George W. Bush made 171, Bill Clinton 139, and Barack Obama 32 – neither Trump nor Biden used them in their first terms.
McConnell’s stance could prove pivotal in the Senate, insiders said.
“He’s not just another senator now. He has earned his influence for sure…. Just by virtue of his influence — which is earned by experience, not by title — he will always have a bit of a sage role,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer.
“When he speaks, people will listen,” added Sen. Lindsey Graham, though noting McConnell might feel “liberated” after stepping down from leadership.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has left the door open for the House of Representatives, which is under Republican Control, to help the incoming White House.
Johnson told Fox News Sunday they’ll “evaluate all that at the appropriate time” if the Senate fails to confirm Trump’s picks.