Congressional Sabotage? GOP Moves to Block Trump’s Recess Appointments Draw Fury from the Right

In a stunning display of Washington obstructionism—even from members of his own party—Congress is reportedly preparing to intentionally gavel in and out during August, all to avoid officially entering recess. The intent? To prevent President Trump from wielding his constitutionally guaranteed recess appointment authority.

President Trump has publicly urged Senate GOP leadership—especially Majority Leader John Thune—to cancel or curtail the traditional August recess so that pending nominees can be confirmed quickly. But sources indicate Senate leadership plans to hold pro forma sessions during August so the Senate is never technically in recess—and thus thwart Trump’s ability to make recess appointments. House Republicans are reportedly cooperating—gaveling in and out every few days—to keep the House technically in session and block any inter-chamber consent to a recess .

The Supreme Court’s 2014 ruling in NLRB v. Noel Canning confirmed that pro forma sessions of fewer than ten days are sufficient to prevent the activation of recess appointment powers—even for intersession breaks. Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution clearly gives the president the power to fill vacancies during a valid recess. Yet Congress has learned how to deny that authority simply by dragging out session blocks.

Trump’s most ardent supporters—and some Republican members—are seething:

• Rep. Thomas Massie (R‑KY) recently blasted GOP leadership for orchestrating what amounts to a back‑door coup: “GOP leaders plan to block recess appointments,” he declared .

• On Truth Social, Trump vented his frustration: he warned leadership they may have forced him to make August their “summer hell” unless nominees get confirmed 

• Conservatives consider this tactic proof that Washington is stacked—even within the GOP—against Trump’s agenda. They argue that many of the same lawmakers need to be held accountable, and perhaps replaced

This maneuver isn't about ensuring smooth government—it’s about neutralizing the president’s authority. By denying the validity of a recess, Congressional leaders are effectively rendering the Recess Appointments Clause null and void, undermining the constitutional check-and-balance system.

For many Americans, this is the latest evidence that even with Republican majorities, entrenched elites in both chambers are willing to derail Trump’s nominees—even judicial picks—rather than follow the will of voters.

The plan by GOP congressional leadership to keep the House and Senate technically in session during August is a calculated effort to nullify Trump's recess appointment power. While framed internally as procedural housekeeping, to many voters—and Trump hardliners—it is outright self-sabotage. If elections in 2026 hinge on accountability, this could be one of the most damning developments: Republicans undermining their own president from within.