Trump claims Schumer tried to 'extort' $2B to approve key appointments

President Donald Trump on Wednesday alleged that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had tried to "extort" billions from the Republicans in order to expedite presidential appointments.

"Politically embattled Senator, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, wants the Republicans to pay, as EXTORTION, TWO BILLION DOLLARS in order for the Radical Left Democrats to approve the hundreds of Trump Appointments who have been waiting for months, and are raring’ to go," he posted on Truth Social. "This has never happened before. There has never, in U.S. history, been such a delay. THEY ARE EXTORTIONISTS! Republicans must create legislation in order to get out of the grasp of these Country hating THUGS. Move quickly!!!  MAGA."

Trump did not elaborate on the purpose which Schumer allegedly sought the money.

Thus far, Democrats have declined to allow the Senate to confirm nominees by voice vote or unanimous consent, leading to a considerable backlog of appointments and nominations that has prompted Trump to call for recess appointments.

The Senate, however, has insisted on holding pro-forma sessions during the August recess so as to prevent the president from doing so.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.