I think we are both right.
If Trump had made a recess appointment anytime after 1/20/17, it would be over on Jan. 3, 2019.
The Senate has not allowed him to do that (way to go, Mitch).
The Senate may be in session, with the House until the end of the year, as the budget battle and shutdown looms.
Since the Senate has not allowed a recess during Trump’s time in office, it is doubtful they will do it now, especially if they are in session between Christmas and New Year’s.
If so, with only a few days remaining until Jan. 3rd, it is unlikely that the Senate will have a recess.
If, after 1/3/19, the Senate allows a recess, and Trump makes an appointment, that appointment is good only until the end of their (the Senate’s) next session, which, no matter when it started, would be over by early Jan. 2020, when the next Congress is seated.
As a practical matter, the Senate will not allow a recess in which Trump can make appointments. McConnell’s loyalty is not to his President, but to the Swamp.
Swamp over party, Swamp over President.
Both Ryan and McConnell have proven that over and over again.
@realDonaldTrump 28m28 minutes ago
“Trump gets no credit for what he’s done in the Middle East.” @IngrahamAngle So true, thank you Laura!
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Donald J. Trump Verified account
@realDonaldTrump 41m41 minutes ago
Col. Jim Carafano on @IngrahamAngle “Trump has made the Middle East a better place. When Trump came into office, ISIS was running amuck in the Middle East. Over a million refugees poured into Western Europe - none of that is happening today. That’s all due to Trump.”
“McConnell’s loyalty is not to his President, but to the Swamp.”
No doubt. Unless Mitch gives Trump the chance to recess appoint.
If the Senate adjourns sine die (the end of the session) then Trump can recess appoint, and the appointments will be good to the end of the next Congress session.
The Supreme Court has said that a recess of ten days would be sufficient, and maybe a recess of only four days- though that’s very “iffy”.
(Once Dems control the House there can be no Senate recess of over 3 days without their approval, which won’t be granted)
Funny that I’ve found no discussion of this from reporters I would expect it from.
Seems to me that it’s the only reason Trump would accept this stopgap without significant wall funding.