President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has instructed cabinet nominees to cease all social media activity ahead of Senate confirmation hearings, according to a report from the New York Post. The directive, issued by incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles on December 29, stresses that nominees should not speak publicly without prior approval.
“While this instruction has been delivered previously, I am reiterating that no member of the incoming administration or Transition speaks for the United States or the President-elect himself,” Wiles wrote in a memo. She urged nominees to avoid public social media posts without clearance from the incoming White House counsel.
Notable nominees, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, and Tulsi Gabbard, the pick for Director of National Intelligence, have reportedly complied with the directive. Both are expected to face intense questioning during their confirmation hearings.
The Senate confirmation process begins in January, as outlined in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, which mandates Senate approval for key appointments. For instance, Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, has his hearing scheduled for January 14, six days before the inauguration. Hegseth, a former Army officer and frequent Trump ally, has faced criticism from opponents but remains a central figure in Trump’s plans for national defense.
This move is viewed as an effort to maintain discipline and avoid unnecessary controversies during the crucial confirmation process. Social media missteps have been a frequent source of political challenges in recent years, making this directive a preemptive step to ensure smoother proceedings.
