Key Takeaways:
– Trump’s team instructs nominees to refrain from posting on social media until confirmed.
– The instruction highlights the need for posts to be approved by the incoming White House counsel.
– The selection of nominees includes controversial figures resulting in heavy media attention.
– Concern arises over possible backlash faced by Senate Republicans pushed to support these nominations.
– Trump contemplates forcing the Senate into recess to bypass some votes, but this idea faces resistance.
Controversy Surrounds Trump’s Nominations
Trump’s team has issued a clear instruction to all nominees to cease their social media activity until their confirmation. This direction comes from Susie Wiles, former Trump campaign head and incoming White House Chief of Staff, after observing the various posts made by the nominees. The move is seen as a measure to maintain a consistent communication from the newly elected administration.
Understandably, the nominees cannot speak on behalf of the United States or the President-elect, emphasized Wiles. For them to post on social media, they must get prior approval from the incoming White House counsel. This aim is to ensure that all public communication aligns with the administration’s messaging.
High-Profile and Controversial Nominees
The batch of nominees under Trump’s incoming administration constitutes a mixture of ordinary and controversial figures. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his vaccine conspiracy theories, is a significant nominee as the Health and Human Services secretary.
Another notable contender is former Hawaii congresswoman, Tulsi Gabbard. Accused of being a Putin sympathizer, she vies for the position of director of national intelligence. Kash Patel, known for his far-right views, has been tapped for the role of FBI director.
In the news is also the Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, accused of sexual assault yet selected for an undisclosed position.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), once up for consideration for the attorney general role, stepped back following a damaging House Ethics Committee report. Allegations against him include underage sex trafficking, illegal drug use, and obstruction of Congress, among others.
Pressure and Pushback in The Senate
Trump paved the way, compelling Senate Republicans to rally behind his nominees. However, fears arise within some supportive senators regarding potential backlash from this strategy.
Trump contemplated forcing the Senate into recess, which would allow him to appoint nominees without a vote. Regrettably, this idea seems unlikely to materialize as GOP senators don’t want to give up their constitutional authority.
In sum, Trump’s team has the precarious task of maneuvering through the whirlpool of controversy surrounding the nominees while maintaining a consistent administrative message to the public. In the days ahead, it remains to be seen how this significant phase in the transition plays out. Whether the GOP and Senate Republicans will fully back Trump’s nominees – or caution will win the day, only time will tell.