Trump Team Orders Social Media Silence for Nominees Amid Controversy Over Key Appointments
(Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)
President-elect Donald Trump’s team has instructed all nominees for his administration to cease posting on social media until confirmed, according to a report by the New York Post on Monday.
“While this instruction has been delivered previously, I am reiterating that no member of the incoming administration or Transition speaks for the United States or the President-elect himself,” wrote Susie Wiles, Trump’s pick for White House Chief of Staff, in a directive to nominees. “Accordingly, all intended nominees should refrain from any public social media posts without prior approval of the incoming White House counsel.”
The directive comes amid heightened scrutiny over Trump’s selection of both conventional and controversial nominees. While some appointees have flown under the radar, others have drawn significant backlash.
High-profile picks include vaccine conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services, former Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard—accused by critics of being a Putin sympathizer—for Director of National Intelligence, and Kash Patel, known for promoting a far-right “enemies list,” for Director of the FBI.
Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, nominated for a key role despite sexual assault allegations, has also stirred debate. One of the most contentious figures, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), withdrew from consideration for Attorney General following a damning House Ethics Committee report.
The report alleged evidence of underage sex trafficking, illicit drug use, obstruction of Congress, and other serious offenses. Trump has leaned on Senate Republicans to support his nominees, but even loyalists within the party have voiced concerns about the political risks associated with some of these choices.
To bypass potential Senate opposition, Trump has reportedly considered forcing the Senate into recess to make appointments without a vote. However, GOP senators appear resistant to this strategy, unwilling to relinquish their constitutional authority over confirmations.
Trump’s directive to nominees reflects an effort to mitigate public relations missteps during the confirmation process, especially given the controversial nature of some appointees. However, the challenge of securing Senate approval for the more polarizing picks looms large as Trump prepares to take office.
As the confirmation battles take shape, Trump’s reliance on unconventional nominees signals an administration poised for clashes with both Democrats and skeptical Republican senators.
