Donald Trump holds first Cabinet meeting, minus four members

President Trump convened his first Cabinet meeting Monday at the White House, minus four members who have yet to be confirmed by the Senate.

“We have four empty seats, which is a terrible thing,” Mr. Trump said at the start of the meeting.

The president said he had reached out to the Homeland Security Department and FEMA about a severe winter storm due to hit the Northeast U.S. Monday night and Tuesday.

Agriculture Secretary-nominee Sonny Perdue, Labor Secretary-nominee Alex Acosta, Director of National Intelligence nominee Dan Coats and U.S. Trade Representative nominee Robert Lighthizer are awaiting confirmation to join the 24-member Cabinet.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Senate Democrats “have drawn out this entire process for too long.”

“Their absence will clearly be felt,” he said of the missing Cabinet members.

Mr. Trump nominated Mr. Perdue on Jan. 18, but the administration sent the formal nomination to the Senate only last week. The Senate Agriculture Committee has received the paperwork, a final step before scheduling a confirmation hearing.

In a written agreement with the Office of Government Ethics, Mr. Perdue said Monday that he will distance himself from several business interests that could potentially conflict with his new job.

Mr. Acosta was nominated after Labor Secretary nominee Andrew Puzder withdrew his candidacy in February, with his record on workers’ rights under attack. A hearing for Mr. Acosta is scheduled for March 22.