Warning signs for Trump after GOP lawmakers give him the 'back of their hand': ex-senator

According to former Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), President-elect Donald Trump's post-election honeymoon with Republican party lawmakers hit a major bump on Wednesday during a secret vote.

Speaking with the hosts of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," McCaskill –– after criticizing the former president's cabinet picks –– noted the Senate Republicans bypassed MAGA-favorite Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) to replace majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) with Sen. John Thune (R-SD), an occasional critic of Trump.

According to McCaskill, the incoming president may find members of his party unwilling to let him always get his way.

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Speaking with the hosts, the "Morning Joe" regular was asked to explain Trump's reported hopes to install his cabinet nominees with recess appointments.

"Well, first, let's put this in context," she began. "Yesterday morning, the United States Senate gave the back of their hand to Donald Trump. Everybody in the Senate knew that Donald Trump did not want John Thune as leader. Now, why were they able to do that? Because it was secret ballot, but nonetheless they did it."

"Then a couple of hours later, he drops [Matt] Gaetz and [Tulsi] Gabbard [as cabinet appointees]," she continued. "Now, I made a list last night of 11 names of senators that I think are most likely to say no to both of these appointments, particularly Gaetz."

"Keep in mind, a few of these names, like Chuck Grassley (R-IA), he is not running again!" she pointed out. "He got re-elected and he is 90! You've got Mitch McConnell, Mitch McConnell is not going to run again. You've got Susan Collins (R-ME) who I can't imagine voting for these people. You've got Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), I can't imagine Lisa voting for these people –– you only need three."

"So I think Trump was sending a letter to the Senate saying one of two things: either I expect the Senate to ignore the part of the Constitution, which says you must give advice and consent, or, two, you've got to show me that you have no power," she added. "I need you to demonstrate to me that the Senate is not in session ever, because what you do does not matter. I just don't think either one of those are going to sit well with the majority of the United States Senate."

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