Story perspectives

Trump to Appoint 4,000 Positions, 1,300 Require Senate Approval

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump can appoint approximately 4,000 individuals to executive branch and independent agency positions, with over 1,300 requiring Senate confirmation.
The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service are tracking nominees for about 800 of these roles.
Each nominee goes through a formal process that includes a Senate committee referral, a committee hearing, and a final Senate vote.
Nominees confirmed during the Biden administration are assumed to have resigned unless they hold a termed position or evidence shows they continue to serve under Trump.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump can appoint approximately 4,000 individuals to executive branch and independent agency positions, with over 1,300 requiring Senate confirmation.
The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service are tracking nominees for about 800 of these roles.
Each nominee goes through a formal process that includes a Senate committee referral, a committee hearing, and a final Senate vote.
Nominees confirmed during the Biden administration are assumed to have resigned unless they hold a termed position or evidence shows they continue to serve under Trump.