Senate: Don't Let Trump Bypass Your Constitutional Duties

Donald Trump and his allies are scheming to use recess appointments to bypass the Senate’s constitutional responsibility to advise and consent on Cabinet nominees. 

This end-run around the Senate threatens the integrity of our democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for unchecked executive power. Senators must stand firm against this blatant attempt to sidestep the Constitution.

Trump’s nominees include unqualified and extremist figures who have faced bipartisan criticism, making Senate approval far from guaranteed. To avoid scrutiny, Trump is seeking to exploit the recess appointment process, which would allow him to install controversial nominees without a confirmation vote. This strategy undermines the checks and balances that are foundational to our democracy.

As Professor Greg Magarian of Washington University recently explained, “Recess appointments were never meant to be a backdoor to power for nominees who can’t win Senate approval. Allowing this would be an abdication of the Senate’s constitutional role.”

Recess appointments could install officials who lack the qualifications or ethics necessary for their positions, threatening national security, public health, and the economy. It’s the Senate’s duty to protect Americans from these risks by refusing to recess and maintaining its authority to vet and confirm nominees.

We call on the Senate to ensure no recess appointments are made under Trump’s presidency. Senators must prioritize their constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on Cabinet nominees and reject any attempts to bypass this process.

Sign this petition to demand the Senate uphold the Constitution and protect the integrity of our democracy. The American people deserve leaders who are vetted and approved through a transparent and accountable process.