Max Stier, Columnist

The U.S. Has Too Many Political Appointees

Yes, Trump has hit some roadblocks. But the confirmation process has been slow and brutal for every administration.

February 20, 2017 at 2:00 PM UTC

By Max Stier

Max Stier is the president and chief executive officer of the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service.

They have a long line waiting outside.
Photographer: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

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One month into his administration, Donald Trump is trailing behind other recent presidents in getting his cabinet confirmed by the Senate. To date, 14 of Trump’s 22 cabinet-rank nominees have been approved. President Barack Obama had 16 cabinet-rank appointees on the job by this point in 2009, including one holdover. George W. Bush had 18 in 2001, and Bill Clinton had 17 in 1993.

While Trump was quick to publicly announce his cabinet picks after the November election, the nominees had not been vetted yet, and the reviews that followed were slowed by the unusually complex financial portfolios of many of the individuals chosen. The confirmation process has also been delayed for some nominees because of Democratic opposition.