As of now, December 19, 2024, there are 32 days until January 20th, Inauguration day. On this day, Trump will take office after his presidential win against Kamala Harris, winning with 312 to 226 electoral votes. From his presidential win to now, Trump has already begun his Cabinet picks.
The Cabinet is an advisory body made up of heads of 15 executive departments which each hold administrative jobs that are appointed by the president and then confirmed by the Senate.
So far, Trump has 46 nominations, 29 are chosen by Trump and don’t need Senate confirmation. Two have withdrawn from their positions, Chad Chronister from D.E.A administer and Matt Gaetz in being Speaker of the House. With a loophole, Trump was able to call recess appointments to bypass the Senate entirely and move his nominees through quickly. Chad Chronister withdrew from consideration while Matt Gaetz resigned from Speaker of the House due to federal sex trafficking investigations.
In the public’s eyes, is it ethical for Trump to have Staff nominations not be required to be confirmed by the Senate?
“The Constitution’s Recess Appointment Clause grants the president the ability to temporarily fill vacancies while the Senate is in recess, and these appointees may stay in the role until the end of the following legislative session” stated Neil Schoenherr.
While it’s not ethical, Trump can pick Cabinet nominations without the Senate’s approval if they are in recess. But, that doesn’t block the opinions of people whose voices can’t be heard due to the clause in The Constitution’s Recess Appointment.
Around campus, students have their own opinions about the nominations.
“I find it irresponsible that Trump will go to great lengths to bypass Senate confirmation by using the clause in the Constitution Recess Appointment to his advantage,” stated 11th grader, Brenda Pacheco.
Despite Trump’s loophole of The Constitution’s Recess Appointment, Trump’s cabinet choices are already causing a stir. Backlash amongst his controversial cabinet picks, along with lawsuits already pending for Trump, people have mixed feelings on Trump’s decisions for his cabinet picks, and if they are suitable for their position if Senators approve the nominations.
“It’s not unreasonable to assume that there are a number of senators who realize there will be consequences of their choices and their decisions that will be bad for the country as a whole,” stated Spinner-Halev.
The Cabinet picks controversy expands as there’s new information brought out to the public, showing their past actions. Inauguration day is closing in fast. What do people think about the Cabinet picks, will they bring prosperity or cause a ruckus?
“We will also be in a situation where there may be only enough clout and power to fight only the most controversial of nominees and let others pass; there is plenty of opportunity here for Democrats in the Senate to make a lot of noise,” stated Jonathan Hanson
It’s upon the Senate to decide whether or not Trump’s cabinet picks should be confirmed or denied. There will be consequences for their wrong choice. Will they weigh the pros or cons, or will Trump’s public image get destroyed like George W. Bush? We’ll see soon enough.