Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) is reassuring conservatives that recess appointments remain on the table, directly contradicting a reported statement by outgoing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The issue surfaced after a now-deleted tweet by Jane Mayer of The New Yorker, which quoted McConnell as saying, “There will be no recess appointments” during a Washington gathering on Sunday. Mayer’s tweet was quickly taken down without explanation, leaving many to speculate about the implications and internal GOP disagreements.
Yes, there will be. https://t.co/wn8EzfnKHr
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) November 18, 2024
The confusion sparked immediate backlash and speculation about the Republican strategy moving forward. McConnell’s alleged statement seemed to indicate a resistance to using recess appointments to swiftly confirm President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees. However, Senate Republicans, led by incoming Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), appear to be taking a different stance. Thune, who is set to succeed McConnell, suggested that all options, including recess appointments, are still on the table.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Thune addressed questions about bypassing the traditional Senate confirmation process. “We will look at and explore all options to make sure they get moved quickly,” Thune said. He later emphasized his commitment in an X (formerly Twitter) post: “We must act quickly and decisively to get the president’s nominees in place as soon as possible, & all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments. We cannot let Schumer and Senate Dems block the will of the American people.”
Senator Rick Scott, a vocal Trump ally and potential future Senate Majority Leader, took a firm stance against McConnell’s reported comments. In response to the controversy, Scott made his position clear, tweeting, “Yes, there will be [recess appointments].” His straightforward rebuttal signals a willingness to use all available tools to advance Trump’s agenda, even if it means clashing with establishment Republicans.
By the way – this person is not stupid and knows a total forest fire was lit on X over the news SHE reported. Not issuing an immediate clarification or retraction signifies there was no error… someone just didn’t like the news being reported.
Odds are, it’s a private event, and…
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 18, 2024
The far-left media quickly seized on the apparent rift within the GOP. Outlets like Raw Story and HuffPost reported on the brewing tension, speculating that McConnell’s alleged remarks could set up a showdown between Senate Republicans and Trump’s team. Former federal prosecutor Harry Litman tweeted, “Lines are drawn,” warning that blocking recess appointments could pose a significant national security risk.
The U.S. Constitution allows the president to make temporary appointments during Senate recesses, provided Congress is in recess for at least 10 days. This process can be influenced by the House of Representatives, which has the power to propose a concurrent resolution for both chambers to adjourn. Alternatively, if the House and Senate cannot agree on adjournment, the president may intervene and adjourn both, paving the way for recess appointments.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) echoed this strategy during an interview with Fox News’ Shannon Bream, suggesting that the House might consider facilitating a recess if the Senate obstructs Trump’s nominees. “If the Senate fails its job, the House will evaluate the recess appointment option at the appropriate time,” Johnson stated.
As the battle lines are drawn within the GOP, it’s clear that Trump’s allies are prepared to take a more aggressive approach to confirm his picks. With potential roadblocks from Senate Democrats and resistance from some establishment Republicans, the fight over recess appointments is shaping up to be an early flashpoint in Trump’s second term.