Nominees Asked To Prioritize Discretion As Hearings Near

President-elect Donald Trump’s transition office has issued guidelines restricting public communications from nominees ahead of Senate hearings. A memo from Susie Wiles, incoming White House chief of staff, outlined the importance of avoiding unapproved statements.

The memo instructed nominees to refrain from making public social media posts without approval from the White House counsel. The directive is aimed at ensuring a seamless confirmation process as Congress begins its new term.

The message reportedly comes after heightened scrutiny surrounding comments made by Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk on immigration policies. While the memo did not directly address those instances, it emphasizes the need for discipline during this transitional phase.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Trump’s pick for secretary of state, has received widespread support and is anticipated to face minimal opposition. However, other high-profile nominees, such as Pete Hegseth for defense secretary and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services, are likely to encounter more challenging hearings.

The administration’s move to reinforce communication protocols reflects its focus on avoiding unnecessary distractions and maintaining a unified message during the confirmation process.

Hearings for the nominees are expected to begin shortly after Congress convenes later this week.