Recent revelations have affirmed that President-elect Donald Trump's team is directing all cabinet nominees to suspend their social media activity in anticipation of their Senate confirmation hearings, Breitbart reported.
This noteworthy directive, issued as part of strategic planning for the hearings due to begin in early January 2025, signifies a systematic approach to the transition process.
The order was disseminated on Sunday, December 29, through Susie Wiles, the erstwhile campaign manager for Trump and the incoming chief of staff.
Wiles urged all nominees not to perceive themselves as the voice of Trump.
The directive further stated that no member of the incoming administration or transition team should pretend to represent either the United States or the President-elect himself. Stringent rules now require every public social media post to be authorized by incoming White House counsel.
Publication of the directive was first managed by The New York Post and also verified the nominees’ compliance.
Wiles established the rule by stating, "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.”
The impact of the recently issued directive was immediate – nominees expected to face tough questioning have abstained from their usual public comments since Christmas. Significant amongst them are Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, tagged for leading roles in the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of National Intelligence, respectively, who have kept a low profile on social platforms.
The absence of RFK Jr.'s usually vocal commentary, considering his influential place in public health discussions, is seen as a sign of the seriousness of the new regime.
Gabbard’s acceptance of the order further emphasizes the significance of the directive designed to ensure a smooth transition.
Despite these actions, preparations for the upcoming confirmation hearings continue uninhibited.
Pete Hegseth, Trump's choice for Secretary of Defense, faces his hearing on January 14, a week before Trump's inauguration day.
In closing, these developments underline the importance the incoming team is attaching to preparation and public image. With a controlled public narrative and intensive preparation, they are attempting to ensure smooth sailing for the confirmation hearings.
As the day of the inauguration approaches, all eyes will be on the nominees and their handling of this transitioning period under the new guidelines.
