Trump Endorses Senate Recess, Criticizes Schumer's 'Extortion' Tactics

President Donald Trump has publicly supported the Senate's decision to commence its August recess, criticizing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's alleged "extortion" tactics over nominee confirmations. Trump criticized Schumer's demand for over $1 billion in exchange for not obstructing the confirmation of a select few qualified nominees, labeling it unprecedented and political extortion. He urged Senate Republicans to reject such offers, encouraging them to return home and highlight Democratic opposition efforts. The Democrats aimed to unlock over $1 billion for agencies like the NIH and foreign aid, also seeking assurances against future rescission attempts on allocated funds. Schumer responded by asserting that Trump tried to influence the Senate into approving unqualified nominees, which Democrats opposed. During the recess, Senate sessions will be held periodically to prevent recess appointments, with votes scheduled to resume on September 2. The House has already adjourned for summer. Prior to departure, the Senate confirmed several of Trump's nominees, including Jeanine Pirro as U.S. attorney for D.C., and approved fiscal appropriations for 2026 ahead of the September...