No tweets, no trouble: Trump team orders nominees to stay silent on social media ahead of senate hearings

In an effort to maintain control and ensure smooth sailing through the

Senate confirmation process

, President-elect Donald Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has issued a clear directive to his cabinet nominees: stop posting on social media. The message, sent out Sunday, came just days before the

Senate hearings

are set to begin, and reflects the mounting pressure Trump’s team faces as

confirmation battles

loom.
A tightrope walk for nominees
Wiles, known for her no-nonsense approach and nicknamed the “Ice Maiden,” reiterated in a Dec. 29 memo that no member of the incoming administration or the transition team speaks for the president-elect or the United States. “All intended nominees should refrain from any public social media posts without prior approval of the incoming White House counsel,” she instructed, aiming to prevent any missteps or controversial statements from derailing the delicate process.
Though Wiles acknowledged the enthusiasm of those joining the second

Trump administration

, her directive was firm. The move underscores the high stakes involved as Trump’s nominees prepare for what promises to be a contentious confirmation process, particularly with a GOP-controlled Senate that cannot afford to lose more than three votes from its own ranks if Democrats push back.

The need for discipline
Several of Trump’s picks have already encountered waves of criticism in recent weeks, with nominees like Pete Hegseth—Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary—facing intense scrutiny over allegations of misconduct. Despite this, he has managed to secure some key support, including from Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who recently praised his “encouraging conversations.”
Still, Trump’s team has made it clear: any public social media engagement could spell trouble. The directive comes after the fallout from recent social media activity by figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who stirred controversy with their outspoken comments on H-1B visas. However, Wiles emphasized that the ban wasn’t directly linked to this recent uproar but was a precautionary measure as the Senate confirmation process gears up.

Silence from key nominees
The memo appears to be having its desired effect. A review by The Post shows that most nominees, including some with the potential for tough questioning, have stayed silent on social media. This includes high-profile picks like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, tapped for roles at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of National Intelligence, respectively. Both former Democrats have kept a low profile since Christmas, likely under the watchful eye of Trump’s team.
Notably, Hegseth has been quiet on social media despite facing a storm of allegations, including accusations of promoting “anti-Christian bigotry” over his cross tattoos. The defense secretary designee had previously used his platform to push back against these criticisms, but with the confirmation process ahead, he has refrained from online battles.
A tight-lipped strategy for success
With the Senate confirmation hearings just around the corner, Trump’s nominees seem to be heeding the advice to stay silent, at least publicly. Behind closed doors, however, many have been working tirelessly to shore up support, including reaching out to senators across the aisle. The results of these efforts will likely shape the early days of Trump’s second term, and the stakes are high.
As the battle for confirmation intensifies, the silence from Trump’s team speaks volumes. Whether this strategy of discipline will pay off remains to be seen, but for now, the focus is clear: keep quiet, stay focused, and prepare for the tough questions ahead.