President Donald Trump lashed out at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Saturday after bipartisan negotiations over a package to confirm dozens of his executive branch nominees collapsed ahead of the August recess.
“Senator Cryin’ Chuck Schumer is demanding over One Billion Dollars in order to approve a small number of our highly qualified nominees, who should right now be helping to run our Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “GO TO HELL!” (RELATED: Jeanine Pirro Secures D.C. U.S. Attorney Post Following Bitter Confirmation Fight)
Trump had pressed Senate Republicans to remain in Washington and clear the backlog of political appointees. But talks between South Dakota Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Schumer to fast-track the confirmations fell apart just before the recess, leaving many Trump nominees in limbo.
Thune reportedly attempted to strike a two-part deal that would confirm one group before the break and a second batch afterward. However, Democrats demanded unrelated funding measures — including reversing freezes on foreign aid and NIH spending — in exchange for the procedural agreement.
Trump blasted those demands as “extortion” and instructed Republicans to walk away.
“Do not accept the offer, go home and explain to your constituents what bad people the Democrats are, and what a great job the Republicans are doing,” he said. “Have a great RECESS and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”
Schumer posted on X, “Let me clear what happened: Donald Trump attempted to steamroll the Senate to put in place his historically unqualified nominees. But Senate Democrats wouldn’t let him.”
The Senate ultimately confirmed just seven nominees before adjourning, leaving over 100 still awaiting votes. Republicans are now expected to revisit the issue—and possible rule changes—when they return from recess.
