Time to Pass Legislation Limiting Acting Secretaries

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | April 29, 2019) – President Trump’s strategy of utilizing acting secretaries instead of permanent secretaries is in direct conflict with the US Constitution and has reeked havoc on the soundness of our United States federal government. Our national security has been undermined, our checks & balances have been disrupted, our divisive President is now almost completely unfiltered, and our overall well-being has been severely compromised.

The following is a list of the US Cabinet positions:

Vice President – Mike Pence
Secretary of State – Mike Pompeo
Secretary of the Treasury – Steven Mnuchin
Secretary of Defense – Patrick M. Shanahan (ACTING, effective January 1, 2019)
United States Attorney General– William Barr
Secretary of the Interior – David Bernhardt
Secretary of Agriculture – Sonny Perdue
Secretary of Commerce – Wilbur Ross
Secretary of Labor – Alex Acosta
Secretary of Health and Human Services – Alex Azar
Secretary of Housing and Human Development – Ben Carson
Secretary of Transportation – Elaine Chao
Secretary of Energy – Rick Perry
Secretary of Education – Betsy DeVos
Secretary of Veterans Affairs – Robert Wilkie
Secretary of Homeland Security – Kevin McAleenan (ACTING, effective April 11, 2019)
White House Chief of Staff – Mick Mulvaney, (ACTING, effective January 2, 2019)
Director of the Office of Management and Budget – Mick Mulvaney
Director of National Intelligence – Dan Coates
Director of CIA – Gina Haspel
Administrator of the EPA – Andrew Wheeler
US Trade Representative – Robert Lighthizer
US Mission to the United Nations – Jonathan Cohen (ACTING, effective January 1, 2019)rs – Kevin Hassett
Head of SBA – Chris Pilkerton (ACTING, effective April 13, 2019)

There’s been much debate about why Trump is allowing so many gaping holes in our country’s leadership. It’s very difficult to comprehend. We have a staggering population of more than 328 million. A massive landmass. And a myriad of intense challenges to overcome. Leaving vitally important positions unfilled is irresponsible and begs the question, is Trump unfit for office? Several of these Cabinet posts are the most critical in our country. It’s time to bring this matter to conclusion by passing legislation that limits the acting status to 90 days, as well as allowing no more than two acting cabinet members at the same time, or something to this effect.

It appears Trump’s strategy of maintaining acting secretaries rather than nominate premanent secretaries is for several strategic purposes:

Acting Secretaries don’t challenge Trump’s decision making, which Trump feels gives him more flexibility (and power, making him that much more authoritative)
They’re more likely to follow orders, even if Trump’s orders are against the law
They don’t demand bringing in their own team to assist
Trump doesn’t have to worry as much about the 25th Amendment
Several of the acting secretaries haven’t been confirmed by congress, but are still making critical decisions that impact the American public

CALL TO ACTION. Tell Congress that it’s imperative they pass legislation to minimize the use of acting secretaries.