Who will be the next Senate majority leader? Trump says vying GOP senators must agree to his recess appointment- The Week

President-elect Donald Trump has demanded that Republican senators who are eyeing the position of the next majority leader must agree to Recess Appointments in the Senate.

If this happens, the president can bypass Senate confirmation while picking officials to the senior administration.

“Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner,” Trump posted on X.

“Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again,” he added.

The Republicans will get at least 52 out of 100 seats in the Senate by January, which is enough for Trump to gets his appointments approved. But the president-elect appears to be wanting to bypass this process in the face any objection from the opposition or the public.

“We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY! Additionally, no Judges should be approved during this period of time because the Democrats are looking to ram through their Judges as the Republicans fight over Leadership. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THANK YOU!” said Trump as he concluded his post.

Replying to Trump, Musk said, “This is essential. There is no other way. Without recess appointments, it will take two years or more to confirm the new administration! This would make it impossible to enact the change demanded by the American people, which is utterly unacceptable.”

A 2014 Supreme Court ruling limited the power of presidents to make recess appointments by ruling that it cannot be made while the Congress was in pro forma sessions. It was in 2012 when the last recess appointment was used by Barack Obama.

Who will be next Senate majority leader?

Three Republican Senators are vying for the post of Senate majority leader with the longtime GOP leader in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, retiring.

John Thune, John Cornyn and Rick Scott, who are running a secret ballot election on Wednesday for the position, have agreed with Trump’s demand.

South Dakota senator Thune said they must “quickly and decisively” act to get nominees in place and that “all options are on the table to make that happen”

Texas senator Cornyn said the Senate Democrats should not blockade President Trump’s cabinet appointments. He said the GOP senators will stay in session during weekends too if they don’t relent.

Florida senator Scott agreed “100 per cent” with Trump, saying he will do whatever it takes to get the nominations through as quickly as possible.

Among the trio, Musk has endorsed Rick Scott to be the Senate majority leader. Trump was yet to back anyone.