Trump Steps into Senate Leadership Race, Demands Recess Appointments from GOP Candidates

President-elect Donald Trump has entered the Senate leadership race, publicly asking any Republican candidate aiming for the top Senate role to agree to allow him to make recess appointments to his cabinet.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Any Republican Senator seeking the LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments,” emphasizing that these appointments would ensure his nominees are confirmed quickly.

Trump warned of possible delays similar to those seen in the past and stressed, “We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY!”

This is Trump’s first public comment on the race to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. GOP Senators John Cornyn (Texas), Rick Scott (Florida), and John Thune (South Dakota) are all competing for the position, and Trump’s endorsement could sway the outcome.

Recess appointments would allow Trump to bypass Senate confirmation and fill key roles while the Senate is not in session. However, Congress often uses “pro forma” sessions—brief sessions held while lawmakers are away—to prevent such appointments.

In a 2014 case, the Supreme Court ruled that the Senate has the power to block these appointments.

Scott quickly backed Trump’s call, posting on X, “100% agree. I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible.”

Cornyn also showed support, calling it “unacceptable” for Democrats to block Trump’s appointments and citing the Constitution, which allows the president to make appointments during Senate recess.

Thune agreed, urging the Senate to “act quickly and decisively” and promising to consider all options, including recess appointments, to confirm Trump’s picks.

The leadership race has gained intensity since Election Day. Scott has endorsements from Senators Rand Paul, Tommy Tuberville, Marco Rubio, and Bill Hagerty, while Josh Hawley has backed Cornyn.

Thune previously suggested Trump might stay out of the leadership race, but Trump’s recent post shows he’s ready to be involved.

\Trump also used his post to push Republicans to block judicial nominations until the next session, arguing that Democrats are trying to rush confirmations. Blocking these nominees would require delay tactics, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer still controls the schedule.

With a candidates’ forum set for Tuesday and a secret ballot vote scheduled for Wednesday, Trump’s involvement has added new urgency to the race for Senate leadership.