Trump says new Senate Republican leader must change appointment rules

US president-elect Donald Trump, right, speaks during a roundtable discussion (AP/John Bazemore)

Days before Senate Republicans pick their new leader, Donald Trump is pressuring the candidates to change the rules and empower him to appoint some nominees without a Senate vote.

Republican Senators John Thune of South Dakota, John Cornyn of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida are running in a secret ballot election on Wednesday to lead the  conference and replace longtime leader Mitch McConnell, who is stepping aside from the job after almost two decades.