Prime Only Members-Only Article
backgrounder

Here’s How All The Vacancies In Trump’s Cabinet Work In His Favor

US Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen (L) and Kevin K. McAleenan (C), Commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection, arrive to a press briefing as White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders spea... US Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen (L) and Kevin K. McAleenan (C), Commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection, arrive to a press briefing as White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaks at the White House in Washington, DC on June 18, 2018. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images) MORE LESS
|
April 17, 2019 5:06 p.m.

With the departure of yet another Cabinet secretary, Kirstjen Nielsen, President Donald Trump has yet again raised questions about the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, the law that, along with others, governs acting position-fillers in case of vacancies within the Executive Branch. Trump has notably said “it’s easier to make moves” with acting secretaries, and that shows.

This is a members-only article
Small Team. Big Results.
We’re proud of what our small newsroom has accomplished and it’s not hyperbole when we say that without our members, none of this would be possible.
Free memberships available for students and those experiencing financial hardship.
Already a member? SIGN IN
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: