Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said Friday that President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet selection process has been a “disaster,” but he said it’s “too early to tell” whether the full U.S. Senate would actually reject any of the picks.
“This Cabinet selection has been a disaster for the president,” Mr. Schumer, New York Democrat, said on CNN’s “New Day.” “We call it the swamp Cabinet … billionaires and bankers.”
Mr. Schumer said Republicans are trying to rush the process and that Democrats are not “opposing for its own sake.”
He said it’s “too early to tell” whether the full U.S. Senate would actually vote down any of Mr. Trump’s picks.
He did call Gen. James Mattis, Mr. Trump’s pick for defense secretary, a “very good choice” and said the Senate would vote on him Friday afternoon.
Mr. Schumer also said Gen. John Kelly, the president-elect’s pick for Homeland Security secretary, is a “great choice” and that he would also be put up for a vote on Friday.
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He also said Rep. Mike Pompeo, Mr. Trump’s pick to lead the CIA, would be put up for a vote Friday or Monday.
Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn said Friday he plans to do what it takes to get Mr. Trump’s team in place.
“I am prepared for the Senate to stay in session as long as it takes — all night, all weekend — to confirm President Trump’s cabinet nominees,” Mr. Cornyn, Texas Republican, said on Twitter.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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