Senate Majority Leader John Thune is facing criticism for prioritizing the Senate’s August recess over confirming President Trump’s pending nominees, including critical judicial appointments. President Trump had previously called on Thune to cancel the month-long break and move forward with confirmations, but the Senate has proceeded with its traditional vacation schedule.
“Hopefully the very talented John Thune, fresh off our many victories over the past two weeks and, indeed, 6 months, will cancel August recess (and long weekends!), in order to get my incredible nominees confirmed. We need them badly!!! DJT” Trump wrote on Truth Social earlier this month.
Thune had previously indicated he would consider the president’s request, acknowledging the urgency of confirming nominees—particularly as Democrat-appointed judges continue to undermine Trump’s agenda from the bench. But in the end, Thune and the Senate chose to move forward with their recess, a decision that should outrage every conservative.
According to Andrew Desiderio of Punchbowl News, Thune plans to keep the Senate in session for only a few days to process some of Trump’s nominees—far short of the full month the president had urged. Instead, Thune and the rest of the Senate GOP plan to spend the remainder of August promoting the Big, Beautiful Bill to their constituents.
Meanwhile, roughly 135 of President Trump’s appointments remain stalled, with most unlikely to see action until the Senate reconvenes in September. “Trump & his closest allies are prodding Thune to keep the Senate in session well into August to confirm noms. While Thune will keep them here for a few days into the recess, what Trump is calling for (scrapping recess) won’t happen. Thune/R’s want to sell OBBB,” Desiderio added.
