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Trump holds first Cabinet meeting minus four members, alleges 'partisan obstruction'
"We have four empty seats, which is a terrible thing," Trump said, "Because the Senate Democrats are continuing to obstruct the confirmation of our nominees for the Department of Labor, the Department of Agriculture, the director of national intelligence and the United States Trade Representative, somebody I want very badly."
New York: President Donald Trump convened his first Cabinet meeting, in which four prospective members were missing, and blamed the Senate Democrats for the delay saying that the American public was the 'victim of this partisan obstruction'.
Agriculture Secretary-nominee Sonny Perdue, Labor Secretary-nominee Alex Acosta, Director of National Intelligence nominee Dan Coats and U.S. Trade Representative nominee Robert Lighthizer are awaiting confirmation to join the 24-member Cabinet.
"We have four empty seats, which is a terrible thing," Trump said starting the meeting, adding, "Because the Senate Democrats are continuing to obstruct the confirmation of our nominees for the Department of Labor, the Department of Agriculture, the director of national intelligence and the United States Trade Representative, somebody I want very badly."
He then proceeded on to talk about the deteriorating weather saying that he has been receiving the latest information about blizzard forecast, assuring that the Government and administration are in great shape and fully equipped to handle the situation, according to a video of his meeting.
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"Chancellor Merkel and I have just spoken and she is going to be postponing the trip until Friday, and we look forward to that, that will be a very good visit. I have spoken with my Homeland Security advisor, acting FEMA administrator and instructed him to make certain the government is ready to provide assistance. This Cabinet is here to serve and protect the American people, this is what we doing, even more so than anybody would understand," Trump said.
Earlier, White House press secretary Sean Spicer had said the President was fully confident in the abilities of those who were and were not in attendance.
"Their absence will clearly be felt as this administration comes together for the first time to receive guidance from and provide counsel to the presidenton these unique areas of jurisdiction," he said in his press briefing. (ANI)