Story highlights Trump lags far behind Obama and Bush for presidential nominations

In new interview, Trump says for certain roles, "you don't need them"

Washington (CNN) For months, President Donald Trump has lagged behind his predecessors in filling presidential appointments throughout the federal government.

Vacancies have been particularly acute at agencies like the State Department, but also extend to other departments, ranging from Agriculture and Interior, to Labor and Education.

In the past the White House has complained that Democrats were slowing the process for confirmations.

But in many instances, the holdup is not due to Senate inaction but rather the administration's failure for numerous positions to send nominees to Capitol Hill in the first place.

Now, in a new interview, Trump says this is no accident: he is intentionally declining to nominate candidates as a way to shrink certain agencies, saying "you don't need them."

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