Democrats likely to stall most of Trump’s nominees if they win Senate

Control of the Senate will determine the fate of President Donald Trump’s nominees, with Democrats poised to impede most appointments. Chuck Schumer said that low-quality picks, such as a potential new Defense Secretary, would likely not survive a Senate vote under Democratic leadership. Republican Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso warned that Democrats would block every cabinet and judicial nominee.

The analysis notes that a Democratic House would also curb bipartisan legislative breakthroughs. If Republicans keep the Senate, they are expected to accelerate confirmations before a Democratic shift. At present, there are 27 district-court vacancies and ten pending nominees, plus several appellate court candidates awaiting approval.