**Trump Eyes Recess Appointments to Fast-Track Cabinet Picks**

President-elect Donald Trump has floated the idea of utilizing recess appointments to expedite the confirmation of his Cabinet nominees, a move that could help controversial figures like Matt Gaetz and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. bypass a challenging Senate confirmation process. However, this strategy faces significant implementation hurdles.

To execute recess appointments, both the House and Senate would need to agree to adjourn for more than ten days, as stipulated by the Constitution. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed openness to this idea, tweeting that all options including recess appointments should be considered to swiftly confirm Trump’s nominees. Nevertheless, Democrats could stall such a resolution by continually proposing amendments, which would require at least 60 votes to end and move to a vote—a scenario that appears unlikely unless Republicans discard the filibuster.

The Constitution allows the president to adjourn Congress if both chambers fail to agree on adjournment. Trump threatened to use this power in 2020 but eventually backed down. Should he attempt it now, he could face strong opposition, as such a move risks igniting a constitutional crisis. Rep. Jamie Raskin previously warned that forcing an adjournment mirrors authoritarian tactics and would provoke severe backlash.

Adjourning the Senate could also sidetrack Republicans' legislative agenda, reducing time available for passing key policy initiatives within Trump's first 100 days. Republicans, who currently support Trump’s recess appointment plan, have historically opposed the process. During Obama's presidency, then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell condemned the use of recess appointments as a "power grab" and even intervened in a Supreme Court case to argue against it. The Court unanimously ruled against Obama, with Justice Antonin Scalia dismissing the practice as outdated and solely for circumventing the Senate’s role.

Trump’s recent nominees have faced criticism for prioritizing loyalty over experience, with figures like Gaetz attracting controversy due to longstanding accusations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. Even within a Trump-favoring Senate, these controversies could complicate his confirmation. Similarly, Kennedy's vaccine skepticism and promotion of health conspiracy theories could ignite further dissent.

Trump's announcement regarding Senate leadership’s backing of his recess appointment strategy came before John Thune officially assumed the role of Senate Majority Leader, adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue.