New Social Media Guidelines Set for Trump’s Nominees

Person with duct tape over mouth in suit

Trump’s transition team clamps down on social media activity for Cabinet nominees as Senate hearings loom.

At a Glance

Trump’s team orders nominees to refrain from social media posts without approval.
Directive aims to control communication amid MAGA civil war over H-1B visas.
Key Cabinet picks face scrutiny as Senate confirmation hearings approach.
Nominees engage in private discussions with senators to garner support.

Trump Team Tightens Social Media Reins

President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has implemented a strict social media policy for Cabinet nominees ahead of Senate confirmation hearings. Susie Wiles, acting chief of staff, has instructed all intended nominees to abstain from making public social media posts without prior approval from the incoming White House counsel. This move underscores the team’s efforts to centralize communication and prevent potential missteps during this critical period.

“While this instruction has been delivered previously, I am reiterating that no member of the incoming administration or Transition speaks for the United States or the President-elect himself,” stated Susie Wiles. She added, “Accordingly, all intended nominees should refrain from any public social media posts without prior approval of the incoming White House counsel.”

Trump team orders ‘all intended nominees’ to stop posting on social media ahead of Senate confirmations https://t.co/RCuHedf7Ag pic.twitter.com/iNfC6AIISb

— New York Post (@nypost) December 30, 2024

MAGA Civil War Over H-1B Visas

The directive comes amid a MAGA civil war over skilled immigrant visas, particularly H-1B visas. Elon Musk, a Trump supporter named leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, has publicly opposed MAGA Republicans on this issue, arguing for the necessity of foreign talent in the tech industry. This stance has drawn criticism from prominent MAGA figures such as Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon, who accuse Musk of taking jobs from Americans.

Interestingly, Trump has expressed support for Musk’s position on H-1B visas, despite his previous criticism of the program. This alignment has caused some friction within the MAGA base, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the transition process.

High-Stakes Senate Confirmation Hearings

As Senate confirmation hearings approach, several key Cabinet picks are facing intense scrutiny. Notable nominees include Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, Kash Patel, Robert Kennedy Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard. These individuals have been engaging in private discussions with senators to secure support, recognizing the tight margin for Republican votes in the Senate.

The confirmation process has already seen some setbacks, with former Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrawing his nomination for attorney general due to insufficient Senate support. This development underscores the challenges facing some of Trump’s more controversial picks.

Nominees Navigate Confirmation Challenges

In response to the social media directive and approaching hearings, high-profile nominees like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard have noticeably reduced their public social media activity. Pete Hegseth, facing allegations, has defended himself and received support from influential figures such as Sen. Joni Ernst.

As the confirmation process unfolds, the Trump transition team’s social media policy aims to present a unified front and minimize potential controversies. With Democrats seeking to oppose some nominees and the Republican majority in the Senate narrow, the coming weeks will be crucial for the incoming administration’s ability to secure its desired Cabinet appointments.