Feb 18, 2025 - Politics & Policy
Thune's Trump Cabinet confirmation spree
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) handed President Trump his 17th Cabinet-level confirmation Tuesday night — tying President Obama's numbers at the same point of his first term.
Why it matters: From the beginning, Thune has promised to move quickly to confirm Trump officials, including threatening Friday and weekend votes. He's followed through.
- The Senate voted to confirm Howard Lutnick to be secretary of Commerce on Tuesday night.
- Obama in 2009 also had 17 confirmed Cabinet members in place at this point in his presidency, although one was a holdover from the previous administration.
- Thune and Trump are on track to surpass Obama's number this week.
