The US government, on the the ignominious anniversary of the seditious coup attempt on January 6 2021, met this week to ratify Donald Trump’s very real victory in the 2024 presidential election. They are shortly about to fulfil another key democratic function that ushers in a new presidential administration.
Article II, section II of the US Constitution confers power on the president to appoint cabinet members. But these must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the Senate.
Historically, the process has been a chance for senators to scrutinise the record and character of the nominees through a series of confirmation hearings. This has largely been a dry, predictable endeavour.
