President Trump holds first Cabinet meeting
President Trump held his first Cabinet meeting Monday, but he put the emphasis on four prospective members.
“We have four empty seats, which is a terrible thing," Trump said.
He added: “Because the Senate Democrats are continuing to obstruct the confirmation of our nominees for the Department of Labor, the Department of Agriculture, the director of national intelligence and the United States Trade Representative, somebody I want very badly. … The main victim of this very partisan obstruction is the American public.”
Still awaiting confirmation: former Georgia governor Sonny Perdue, nominated for secretary of Agriculture; Alex Acosta, nominated for secretary of Labor; former senator Dan Coats, nominated for national intelligence director; and Robert Lighthizer, nominated to be the United States trade representative.
Trump spokesman Sean Spicer said the president was confident in the abilities of those who were and were not in attendance.
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"Their absence will clearly be felt as this administration comes together for the first time to receive guidance from and provide counsel to the president on these unique areas of jurisdiction," he said.
Read more:
The first 100 days of the Trump presidency
