McCarthy Urges Speaker Johnson: Don’t Recess Until Trump’s Team Is Fully Confirmed

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is urging Speaker Mike Johnson to keep Congress in session until every one of President Donald Trump’s nominees has been confirmed, underscoring a growing Republican debate over how best to advance the administration’s agenda.

In a July 10 post on X, McCarthy wrote:

“Speaker Johnson should not recess. Use every day to pass President Trump’s agenda. The House can confirm President Trump’s nominees. The House should not go on recess until all of President Trump’s nominees are confirmed. No more recesses!”

The post drew significant attention, receiving more than 11,000 likes in its first 24 hours.

The debate reflects two competing strategies within the GOP. McCarthy argues Congress should remain in session to confirm nominees through the normal constitutional process and continue advancing the president’s legislative priorities. Others contend that a congressional recess could allow Trump to use his constitutional recess appointment authority to temporarily fill key executive branch positions if confirmations stall.

The issue also highlights ongoing tensions between the White House and the Senate confirmation process. While the Constitution permits recess appointments, the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2014 decision in NLRB v. Noel Canning significantly narrowed when presidents may exercise that authority.

Whether Speaker Johnson keeps the House in session or permits a recess could influence how quickly the Trump administration fills remaining executive branch vacancies.

Sources:

• Kevin McCarthy, X post, July 10, 2026.

• U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 2 (Recess Appointments Clause).

• NLRB v. Noel Canning, 573 U.S. 513 (2014).