Staff Reports
The political landscape is heating up as President-elect Donald Trump is poised to use his Executive powers to push through his cabinet appointments amidst a Senate that continues to drag its feet. As every conservative knows, the Constitution provides a clear path for the president to take decisive action when Congress attempts to stall. With Article 2 Sec. 3 in his back pocket, Trump has the constitutional authority to adjourn both chambers of Congress when there is a disagreement over legislation. This means he can bypass the Senate confirmation hearings that were notoriously dragged out during his first term.
This authority was reinforces by a Supreme Court ruling that recognized the president’s ability to adjourn Congress. The late Justice Antonin Scalia pointed out that the Senate’s little tricks to avoid triggering recess appointment powers are just that—tricks. If the Senate thinks they can avoid doing their job by keeping things moving at a snail’s pace, they should think again. Trump has the power to cut through the nonsense and take charge, showing that he will not be cowed by the whims of senators more concerned with their own agendas than the needs of the American people.
Leading the charge in this potential power grab is Republican Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky. His unequivocal take on whether Trump’s attorney general nominee would get through the Senate? It doesn’t matter. The message is clear: Trump can appoint whoever he wants during a recess. The House of Representatives is either with him, or they’re about to be left scrambling to explain why they hindered the very change voters demanded. For Republicans already rallying behind Trump, there is a palpable sense of urgency to move forward without debilitating delays from Senate Democrats.
If Trump decides to pull the lever on this executive power, it would be monumental. Historically, presidents have leveraged recess appointments but have shyed away from invoking such drastic measures. However, given what he was mandated to do by voters on Election Day, it’s about time someone rattled the cages of Congress. The case made by early innovators like Alexander Hamilton reinforces the belief that the president must have the tools necessary to make appointments swiftly when the typical methods fall short. Given the average confirmation timeline of 37 days for Trump’s cabinet during his first term, using recess powers could be the solution America has been waiting for.
ROOKE: Trump Should Test Unprecedented Power If Senate Doesn’t Play Ball With Appointments | The Daily Caller https://t.co/Jzt4KzxkT7
— David Norris (@no77566108) November 20, 2024
Critics, particularly from the “principled” right, have been quick to express their fears about the constitutionality of Trump adjourning Congress for his appointments. Yet, this line of thinking may be a classic case of misplaced concern. The left has never hesitated to wield the power of government at every turn; if the right wants to stop losing ground, they need to adopt a more assertive posture. The status quo is clearly failing the American people, as the disconnect between congressional action and voter needs becomes painfully evident.
In the eyes of many conservatives, the recent election served as a definitive pushback against the establishment that has failed to listen to everyday Americans. Voters turned out not just to position Trump as their figurehead, but as the very instrument to restore the balance of power that has been frayed over years of ineffective leadership. As Trump prepares to claim his executive authority, the political ramifications could transform Washington, sweeping aside procedural roadblocks with the force of voter-backed will. It’s time for Trump to step up, silence his detractors, and deliver on the promises that drove millions to the polls.
