Republican senators are concerned about President-elect Donald Trump’s potential power plays to avoid oversight of his Cabinet and other posts. Trump has suggested using recess appointments to unilaterally appoint his nominees without Senate approval, which could lead to a constitutional showdown. There are concerns that Trump may ignore Congressional directives to spend on federal programs and may seek to eliminate agencies like the Department of Education. Trump’s allies, including Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, have been tapped to lead the Department of Government Efficiency and support Trump’s efforts to reduce regulations and government spending, even if it goes against Congressional mandates. Legal experts warn that Trump’s actions could set him up as the supreme authority in Washington, with some Republican senators expressing concerns about potential overreach. However, others within the GOP argue that the party should support Trump’s agenda without question. Trump has already faced backlash over controversial Cabinet picks, such as former Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general, leading some senators to consider their constitutional role in advising on and consenting to the president’s nominees. The situation highlights a breakdown within the GOP as Trump seeks to consolidate power and reshape his administration according to his own preferences.
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