Fact-Check Summary
Laura Ingraham’s claim that the Trump administration has too many acting officials and not enough confirmed appointees is accurate. As of July 2025, multiple top federal roles—including Cabinet and agency posts—are being filled by acting officials. The administration has relied heavily on acting designations, with over 30 such roles established by executive order in January 2025 alone. Judicial vacancies are also significant: 49 federal judgeships remain unfilled, and the pace of Senate confirmations has been slow. The Senate’s extensive recesses and procedural delays exacerbate the situation, resulting in a continued reliance on temporary leadership and stalled judicial appointments.
Belief Alignment Analysis
This content speaks directly to critical themes of democratic accountability, fairness, and inclusion. The heavy use of acting officials bypasses the constitutional requirement for Senate confirmation, weakening institutional checks and the public’s right to a transparent appointment process. When top roles remain vacant or are filled with temporary appointees, it can undermine public trust, create uneven application of the law, and erode expertise within government agencies. Laura Ingraham’s call for the Senate to act on confirmations falls in line with the values of a government that is meant to serve all Americans by enshrining accountability and expertise, rather than centralizing power through temporary maneuvering.
Opinion
The persistent reliance on acting officials in the Trump administration is more than just a procedural quirk; it is a troubling practice that weakens democratic governance. Appointments subjected to Senate review allow for greater scrutiny and transparency, ensuring that power is exercised responsibly and in the nation’s interest. The Senate’s inaction—whether due to scheduling or political maneuvering—only compounds the problem, harming the credibility and functioning of our institutions. Both the executive and legislative branches should prioritize confirming permanent, qualified leaders to restore public trust and uphold the principles of American democracy.
TLDR
Laura Ingraham is correct that the Trump administration has an unusually high number of acting officials and a backlog of confirmations. This reliance on temporary appointments undermines democratic norms and institutional stability. The Senate needs to act swiftly and prioritize confirmations to ensure government works for all.
Claim: The Trump administration has too many acting officials and not enough permanent, confirmed appointees, and the Senate must stay in session to confirm judges and top officials.
Fact: As of mid-2025, dozens of Cabinet and agency roles are indeed held by acting officials, and there are 49 federal judicial vacancies. The pace of Senate confirmations is slow, with only one second-term judicial nominee confirmed so far this year, corroborating Ingraham’s assertion.
Opinion: Reliance on temporary leadership is unhealthy for democracy, undermining both expertise and accountability. Urgent, transparent action from both the administration and the Senate is needed to restore confidence in American government and ensure it represents all people, not just entrenched interests or temporary appointees.