Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., speaks during a news conference on tariffs, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Washington.
Mariam Zuhaib/AP
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Mariam Zuhaib/AP
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate adjourned for its August recess without a deal on President Trump’s nominees after days of negotiations. Republicans may push for rule changes in September to speed up confirmations due to Democratic opposition.
Senate Majority Leader Thune criticized the nomination process, while Schumer warned against rule changes that could hinder bipartisan cooperation.
Trump’s pressure on Senate Republicans to confirm nominees quickly has led to a standoff with Democrats, who have been blocking nominations. Negotiations between the parties and the White House have failed to produce a compromise.

Sen. Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks during a news conference after a policy luncheon at the Capitol Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Washington.
Mariam Zuhaib/AP
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Mariam Zuhaib/AP
The Senate session over the weekend ended without an agreement, as Trump’s social media attacks on Schumer added to the tension. Efforts to secure a deal between the parties failed, leading to a stalemate.
Thune expressed disappointment at the lack of progress, highlighting the challenges faced in confirming nominees this year.
Democrats resisted quick confirmations without concessions, citing concerns over nominee quality and the need for compromise.
Schumer criticized the nominees as flawed and unqualified, underscoring the deep divide between the parties.