Senators planning a summer getaway may want to reconsider. President Donald Trump is urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune to cancel the chamber’s upcoming August recess in order to fast-track confirmation of his pending nominees.
“Hopefully the very talented John Thune, fresh off our many victories over the past two weeks and, indeed, six months, will cancel August recess (and long weekends!) in order to get my incredible nominees confirmed,” Trump wrote on Truth Social over the weekend. “We need them badly!!!”
Thune confirmed on Monday that he’s considering scrapping the traditional break, saying senators are working to move as many nominations “through the pipeline” as possible.
At least one GOP senator is fully on board.
“Absolutely, I’m willing to do it,” Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) said on Fox News. “I’m happy to stay here as long as we’re working.”
More than 20 of Trump’s diplomatic nominees are still awaiting Senate confirmation—including Kimberly Guilfoyle, nominated to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
If the Senate stays in session through August, it would mirror a similar move made in 2018, when then–Majority Leader Mitch McConnell canceled the recess to accelerate confirmations under Trump’s first term.
What Is the August Recess?
The August recess—originally designed to bring predictability to Congress’s schedule—gives lawmakers a month-long break during the heat of summer. While members of the House and Senate often use the time for personal travel, they’re also expected to meet with constituents, hold town halls, and campaign, especially during election years.
The break has also long been popular with lawmakers’ families, who welcome the extended time together during the summer.
Still, some Republicans reportedly prefer to be in their home states, where they can tout Trump’s recent legislative win—the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping fiscal and tax package signed into law earlier this month.
Whether the Senate stays or goes remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Trump is keeping the pressure on.
