Sen. Chris Murphy Warns Trump’s Recess Appointments Could End the Senate

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) issued a dire warning on Wednesday about President-elect Donald Trump’s push for recess nominations, stating that such a move could signal the end of the U.S. Senate. Murphy’s comments followed the announcement that Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was Trump’s pick for attorney general, a nomination that has raised significant concerns on both sides of the political spectrum.

Speaking with Mediaite Jake Tapper, Murphy criticized Gaetz’s qualifications, calling him “dangerously unqualified” and warning that many Republicans would struggle to support the nomination. “Matt Gaetz is dangerously unqualified,” Murphy said, adding that his nomination could have major consequences for American democracy.

He pointed to Gaetz’s history of defending Trump’s controversial actions, including his role in the January 6th Capitol insurrection and his calls to abolish law enforcement agencies that don’t align with conservative ideologies. Murphy also expressed concerns that a Gaetz appointment would turn the Department of Justice into a tool for political persecution. “This is going to be a red alert moment for American democracy,” Murphy continued.

“Gaetz has been Trump’s chief defender when it comes to Trump’s assault on democracy… His attempt to overthrow the government on Jan. 6th, and he has openly called for the abolition of law enforcement agencies if they don’t get in line with conservative political priorities.” The Connecticut senator also tied the nomination to Trump’s broader strategy.

“This is a stunning announcement in some ways, but not surprising in others,” Murphy said. “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 during the campaign.”

Tapper then asked Murphy about Trump’s suggestion to use the recess appointment clause in the Constitution, which allows the temporary filling of federal offices without Senate confirmation when the Senate is not in session. Trump had previously written on Truth Social that a Senate majority leader should be willing to call recesses to avoid the confirmation process.

Murphy warned that such a move would strip the Senate of its essential powers. “That would be the end of the United States Senate,” Murphy predicted. “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.”