Republicans are grappling with the idea that President-elect Trump could test the limits of his constitutional authority by appointing controversial picks to his Cabinet with recess appointments.

One source who has spoken to Trump believes that idea — trying to forcibly adjourn Congress, even if the Senate does not affirmatively agree to do so — has been seriously considered in his circle.

Trump’s ideological allies publicly argue that such a move is possible, even as other experts on the Constitution balk.

Republicans skeptical of the idea breathed a sigh of relief when former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) withdrew from consideration to be attorney general on Thursday. That sent a clear signal that GOP senators will not always fall in line with Trump’s wishes.

But even with Gaetz out, the prospect of Trump trying to forcibly adjourn Congress remains on the table.

Other controversial picks, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services secretary and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii) for director of national intelligence, are still in the mix.

Under the purported plan, the House would agree to recess, and if the Senate does not act, Trump would use Article II, Section 3 authority to recess Congress: “[I]n case of disagreement between [the House and Senate], with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper.”

The prospect of Trump trying to exert........

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