Senator Warns Trump’s Push for Recess Appointments Could ‘End the U.S. Senate’

In a pointed statement, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) warned on Wednesday that President-elect Donald Trump’s consideration of recess appointments, especially for key roles like attorney general, could undermine the United States Senate’s role and American democracy itself. Murphy’s comments came after Trump announced Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) as his pick for attorney general—a move that raised eyebrows across the political aisle.

“Matt Gaetz is dangerously unqualified,” Murphy said in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, noting the surprise and concern shared by many of his colleagues. Murphy expressed doubt that Gaetz could win broad Republican support, stating, “A lot of Republicans will struggle to support his nomination.” He further highlighted Gaetz’s history of defending Trump’s controversial actions, particularly related to the January 6th Capitol attack.

“Gaetz has been Trump’s chief defender when it comes to Trump’s assault on democracy,” Murphy continued, adding that Gaetz has also “openly called for the abolition of law enforcement agencies if they don’t get in line with conservative political priorities.” He characterized Gaetz’s potential leadership of the Justice Department as a “red alert moment for American democracy.”

Murphy argued that the appointment appeared to align with Trump’s campaign promise to use his administration to pursue political opponents. “This is a stunning announcement in some ways, but not surprising in others,” Murphy explained. “Trump told us during the campaign that he was going to use the White House to go after people who politically opposed him, and it seems this pick for the head of the Department of Justice is very much in line with the promises he made.”

Tapper then questioned Murphy on the possibility of a recess appointment, referring to Trump’s recent post on Truth Social, where he suggested the Senate should elect a majority leader who would call recesses, enabling him to bypass Senate confirmation requirements. Under the U.S. Constitution, the president can temporarily fill federal positions without Senate approval when the Senate is not in session.

Murphy responded with a stark warning: “That would be the end of the United States Senate.” He explained that by allowing Trump to make appointments without Senate approval, the Senate would effectively relinquish its power of “advice and consent,” which is a fundamental check on presidential power. “If the Senate chooses to end its power of advice and consent and just allow the president to choose without any input, confirmation process, or approval of his cabinet—I don’t know why we would show up to work.

That’s not a democracy anymore,” Murphy concluded. As Trump prepares for his return to office, concerns about recess appointments and the impact on Senate authority underscore the heightened tension over his controversial choice for attorney general and the broader implications for democratic processes.