Senate Republicans used the “nuclear option” Friday to confirm 48 Trump nominees at once.
Among the approvals was Kimberly Guilfoyle, who will serve as U.S. ambassador to Greece.
Nuclear Option Triggered
The GOP majority changed Senate rules to allow bloc votes on nominees.
The move eliminated individual vetting and floor debates for non-Cabinet posts.
Democrats opposed the change and refused to support the new procedure.
Republicans argued Democrats had deliberately stalled Trump’s appointments.
More than 50 percent of past nominees were confirmed by unanimous consent.
By contrast, under Obama and Bush, figures hovered near 90 percent.
Majority Leader criticized Democrats for continuing partisan obstruction.
Historical Context
The nuclear option allows rules changes by simple majority.
Democrats first invoked it in 2013 under Harry Reid.
Harry Reid
That change removed the filibuster for lower court nominees.
In 2017, Mitch McConnell extended the move to Supreme Court picks.
That paved the way for the current conservative majority on the court.
Trump allies said the latest step was necessary to fill key roles.
The new rules do not cover Cabinet or judicial nominations.
High-Profile Picks
Kimberly Guilfoyle was the most prominent name approved.
She previously worked at Fox News and was linked to Donald Trump Jr.
She was once married to Gavin Newsom, now California’s governor.
She praised Greece as the birthplace of democracy and liberty.
“It is the honor of my life,” Guilfoyle said in a statement.
She thanked Trump and the Senate for placing their trust in her.
Other Appointments
Calista Gingrich, wife of former Speaker Newt Gingrich, was also confirmed.
She will serve as ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Calista Gingrich
Her confirmation highlights the Republican Party’s elder statesmen network.
Gingrich’s role connects U.S. diplomacy to European financial hubs.
Dozens of other nominees were quietly confirmed in the same package.
The mass approval underscored how seriously Republicans are moving nominees.
GOP Strategy
Republicans said Democrats had left hundreds of desks unfilled.
They warned Trump’s administration could stall without new appointees.
Leaders said rule changes would prevent gridlock in Washington.
Trump celebrated the mass confirmations as a win for his agenda.
Republicans vowed to keep pushing back against Democratic obstruction.
Democrats condemned the move as partisan power politics.
