(DailyChive.com) – Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) sent a clear message to Democrats on Thursday: don’t stand in the way of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks. Thune made it clear he’s ready to push Trump’s nominees through, signaling he wants the Senate to focus on confirmations without unnecessary delays.
Thune’s warning comes right after he was elected as the new Republican leader in the Senate. Some members of the party had hoped Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) would win the position, as he aligns more closely with Trump’s “America First” agenda. However, Thune, seen as an ally of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), secured the job. McConnell has often clashed with Trump’s priorities, raising questions about how Thune might handle the role.
“If Democrats become obstacles to these nominees, we’ll make sure they’re dealt with on the Senate floor,” Thune told Fox News host Bret Baier during an interview.
Baier pressed Thune on specific nominees, starting with Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL). “Do you think Matt Gaetz can get through?” he asked.
“I don’t know yet,” Thune replied. “There are skeptics, but he deserves the opportunity to go through the process.”
Baier followed up, asking about Robert F. Kennedy Jr., another potential nominee. Thune stood firm. “They deserve a process. These are the president’s picks, and the Senate’s job is to advise and consent. We’ll move forward accordingly.”
When asked whether Trump might have to use recess appointments to bypass Senate confirmation fights, Thune avoided committing to a yes or no. “We want to handle this the regular way,” he said. “Let’s give Democrats a chance to work with us to get these positions filled.”
Recess appointments allow presidents to temporarily appoint officials while the Senate is not in session. Past presidents like Bill Clinton and George W. Bush used this strategy extensively, appointing dozens of officials without Senate votes.
Still, Thune kept his options open. “We’re not ruling anything out,” he concluded.
As Republicans prepare to take control, Thune’s leadership will be tested by how effectively he handles these early battles over Trump’s cabinet picks.
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