Dec 6, 2024 - Politics & Policy
Trump has an obsession with House members
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President-elect Trump has been dipping into the ranks of current and former House members to fill out his administration at a historic rate.
Why it matters: It's no coincidence that Trump prefers the lower chamber to the more detached and regal Senate — where even now members are flexing their independence from the incoming president.
- House members, by contrast, have to run for reelection every two years and are typically more in touch with the fanatically pro-Trump GOP base.
- "We know what people expect. We all have unique experiences. And many were the first to endorse him and remain loyal," said Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.).
By the numbers: Trump has picked a staggering seven people for Cabinet-level positions whose last significant public service was in the House.
- Another two have served in the House but since held another public office such as governor, senator or a previous administration post.
- Even more former House members are being tapped for sub-Cabinet posts, with Trump nominating former Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) to lead the IRS and former Rep. Dave Weldon (R-Fla.) to head the CDC.
- Several outgoing House members are also rumored to be in the mix for administration roles, including Molinaro and Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.).
The intrigue: Trump's penchant for picking House members is to such an extent that it could actually hobble his agenda.
- He plucked three House members who had already won election to the 119th Congress, including Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) for U.N. ambassador and Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) for national security adviser.
- Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has since withdrawn his nomination for attorney general but has said he will not return in the next Congress.
- That will leave House Republicans with a 217-215 majority for the critical first months of the Trump administration, giving them virtually no room for error on party-line GOP bills.
