Story perspectives

Trump's Nominees Surge Past Biden Amid Senate Obstruction

12/24/2025

34 7

Summary

Story summary

Senate Republicans confirmed 417 of President Donald Trump's civilian nominees in 2025, exceeding the first-year totals of both the Biden administration and Trump's first term.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized Democrats for obstructing the confirmation process, calling it unprecedented.
A rules change enabled Republicans to confirm nominees in bulk, reducing a significant backlog.
Four nominees, including positions for the Defense Department and CIA, remain pending for confirmation in January.
Trump expressed frustration over the Senate's blue-slip process, which allows home-state senators to block certain nominations.

1 of 1

Story summary

Senate Republicans confirmed 417 of President Donald Trump's civilian nominees in 2025, exceeding the first-year totals of both the Biden administration and Trump's first term.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized Democrats for obstructing the confirmation process, calling it unprecedented.
A rules change enabled Republicans to confirm nominees in bulk, reducing a significant backlog.
Four nominees, including positions for the Defense Department and CIA, remain pending for confirmation in January.
Trump expressed frustration over the Senate's blue-slip process, which allows home-state senators to block certain nominations.