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Dear John,
The Senate’s constitutional responsibility to confirm the President’s cabinet and administration appointments is a cornerstone of the checks and balances that the founders meticulously crafted. These safeguards were designed to protect the fledgling democracy -- a bold experiment not seen since ancient Rome, whose democracy ended in 27 BCE with the rise of the Empire. Rome’s democracy endured nearly 500 years from 509 BCE, but the democratic experiment in Athens lasted less than 200 years.
Today, nearly 250 years after the ratification of our Constitution, our democracy remains fragile, facing grave threats. Yet Trump is pressuring Congress to recess, aiming to bypass the Senate entirely and unilaterally fill over a thousand positions -- ranging from the contentious to the routine -- without any Congressional oversight!
If the Senate surrenders this critical duty, it would mark yet another alarming step toward authoritarian rule. Trump, who openly called for the Constitution’s “termination” after losing in 2020, now seeks to erode another pillar of democratic governance. By forfeiting its power to confirm nominees, the Senate would willingly sabotage its role in our system of government. In their rush to appease Trump, lawmakers risk dismantling their own authority, ceding all power to an unchecked executive branch.
Beyond the structural damage to democracy, there is the practical necessity of vetting appointees for competence, integrity, and resilience against exploitation. These individuals will have access to our nation’s most sensitive secrets. Ensuring their trustworthiness is not partisan -- it is essential to national security. The American people, regardless of political affiliation, have a right to safeguard the republic from the dangers of espionage and corruption.
Tell the Senate: Uphold your constitutional duty. Do not let incoming Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Republicans enable Trump to sidestep this critical confirmation process. Say no to recess appointments!
The Constitution’s Article II clearly establishes that the President nominates, and the Senate confirms. Temporary recess appointments are permitted only for vacancies that “may happen during the Recess of the Senate.” These provisions do not grant the President authority to orchestrate a recess for the sole purpose of bypassing oversight, nor to appoint individuals en masse without Senate approval.
Allowing Trump to circumvent confirmation would give his appointees the same immunity from scrutiny that he himself has been granted by a partisan Supreme Court. But democracy thrives on accountability. Tough questions from Congress ensure a government responsive to the needs of all citizens. Eliminating this process silences dissent, consolidates power, and paves the way for unqualified or dangerous nominees to lead federal agencies. This precedent will harm democracy, regardless of which party is in power.
Democracy requires compromise and accountability. No one gets their way all the time -- but that’s exactly the point!
Demand that the Senate tell Majority Leader John Thune to stand firm against Trump’s overreach and protect the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Thank you for defending the principles of democracy.
Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action
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