Sen. John Barrasso, U.S. Senator from Wyoming and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, has publicly commented on the confirmation process for presidential nominees through a series of posts on his social media account.
On July 31, 2025, Barrasso criticized Senate Democrats’ approach to nominations, stating, “Senate Democrats are consumed by Trump Derangement Syndrome. Their new litmus test: if @POTUS nominates you, they’re against you. That’s why 161 highly qualified nominees, like Brian Nesvik, have not yet come to the Senate floor for a vote.”
The following day, August 1, 2025, he reiterated his concerns about the opposition faced by presidential nominees in another post: “Democrats don’t even know who they are voting against. The only reason Democrats are voting no is because these are @POTUS’ nominees.”
Later that same day, Barrasso congratulated Brian Nesvik on his confirmation as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), posting: “Congrats to Wyoming’s own Brian Nesvik on being confirmed as @USFWS Director! Brian is the definition of qualified and represents the very best of Wyoming. I look forward to working with Brian to restore science to conservation policies.”
Barrasso’s remarks come amid ongoing debates over the pace at which presidential nominees are considered in the Senate. Delays in confirming executive branch appointments have been a point of contention between parties in recent years.
Brian Nesvik previously served as director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department before his appointment to lead USFWS.
