Trump threatens to adjourn Congress to allow recess appointments

Donald Trump.
(Image credit: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

President Trump on Wednesday said Congress is "obstructing" his ability to appoint judges and fill other positions, and he may "exercise my constitutional authority to adjourn both chambers" in order to make recess appointments.

Trump told reporters there are 129 positions in limbo in Congress, and these people could be working on solutions to the coronavirus crisis. He demanded the Senate "fulfill its duty and vote on my nominees," specifically calling on the body to confirm his appointee to the Broadcasting Board of Governors. Trump added that forcing Congress to adjourn is "something I'd prefer not doing, but which I should do and I will do if I have to."

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Catherine Garcia, The Week US

Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com. Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, The New York Times, The Book of Jezebel, and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.