Another Fox News alum invited to join the new Trump administration

An hour previously.

When Trump last nominated her to be Sweden’s ambassador, she failed to pass the Senate.

Christine Jack Toretti was his first choice to serve as ambassador to Malta.

With the nomination of Christine Jack Toretti as his next ambassador to Sweden, Donald Trump is making another attempt.

Toretti, a businesswoman and GOP fundraiser, was chosen by Trump to serve as ambassador to Malta during his previous administration. Due to Democratic concerns about the caliber of some of Trump’s nominees, the Senate rejected her nomination in 2019 and again in 2020, never confirming her. According to reports, Toretti was the subject of a restraining order at the time for allegedly placing a target sheet covered in bullets in her ex-husband’s physician’s office.

Trump praised Toretti in a statement on Thursday, calling her an “incredible businesswoman, philanthropist, public servant, and RNC Committeewoman for the Great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” She listed her extensive background, which includes her positions as the former director of the Pittsburgh Federal Reserve Bank and chair of SandT Bancorp.

Two hours ago.

Trump tries to stop his hush money sentence, but the Supreme Court turns it down.

In Manhattan on Friday, the president-elect will be sentenced for his criminal conviction after the high court’s decision.

Three hours ago.

Trump’s tariffs will increase costs for Americans, Trudeau warns.

The prime minister told Jake Tapper of CNN that “everything the American consumers buy from Canada is suddenly going to get a lot more expensive.”.

In a Thursday afternoon interview with CNN, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a warning that “everything the American consumers buy from Canada is suddenly going to get a lot more expensive” if President-elect Donald Trump gets his way.

Trudeau revealed a list of goods that would be subject to the 25% tariffs that Trump has threatened to impose on Canadian imports, including steel, aluminum, concrete, electricity, oil and gas, and lumber.

For his first one-on-one interview since announcing his intention to leave high office by March at the latest, the prime minister met Jake Tapper in the studio on Thursday.

In Washington, Trudeau was present at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, who nearly twenty-five years ago carried Trudeau’s father’s honorary pall.

In addition, Tapper questioned the prime minister about Canada’s history of devastating wildfires and how Trump’s rhetoric affected Trudeau’s earlier this week decision to retire. Trump denied having any influence at all. ).

The president-elect’s thoughts about annexing Canada and using economic force to seize control of America’s northern neighbor were dismissed by Trudeau.

He remarked, “Canadians are immensely proud of being Canadian.”. Being non-American is one of the simplest ways we define ourselves. “,”.

In an attempt to deflect criticism of his tariff threat, Trudeau, who did not speak to Trump at Carter’s funeral, praised the incoming president as a “skilled negotiator.”.

Relatively little has been said by the prime minister to reporters since December.

A customary round of year-end interviews was canceled by Trudeau after Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s deputy prime minister and finance minister, abruptly resigned that month.

He was only asked a few questions when he announced his resignation on a cold Ottawa day.

The prime minister’s choice of an American interviewer as his first interrogator of 2025 may cause Canadian journalists to complain. However, the prime minister has access to airtime in the United States. The previous year, he managed to fit in Vox’s “Today, Explained” and the Freakonomics podcast. “,”.

Trudeau joined the crew of Pod Save America in 2022.

While the prime minister’s bitter opponent, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, was in Ottawa for a press conference, CNN broadcast the Trudeau interview. No matter who leads the Liberals into an election that is anticipated this spring, Poilievre is the clear favorite to succeed Trudeau.

Three hours ago.

CORRECTION: This report’s initial version omitted the year that Ken Nahigian started managing his company.

three hours prior.

Ten days before the Ohio Republican’s inauguration as vice president, JD Vance announced on Friday that he would step down as a senator.

Vance sent a letter to Ohio Governor formally announcing his resignation. Mike DeWine, who described serving for the past two years as a “tremendous honor and privilege.”. In a separate statement, he said, “I will do everything in my power to support President Trump across the next four years as he pursues his agenda.”. We will work together to make America more powerful, secure, and affluent than it has ever been. “”.

five hours before.

More former agency employees have joined Trump’s DOT transition team.

According to two transition and transportation industry officials familiar with the moves, the Transportation Department’s landing team has undergone some reorganization in recent weeks, adding another group of former transportation officials and experts.

The following are now part of the landing team.

— According to his LinkedIn page, Loren Smith is currently employed with the public policy research and advisory firm Skyline Policy Risk Group. Before that, Smith served as the deputy assistant secretary for policy at DOT.

— Barry Plans, a former Trump campaign staffer and special assistant at DOT during the first Trump administration.

DOT’s former special adviser on intergovernmental affairs under the first Trump administration was Lori Urban. Urban, a travel industry expert, is holding outreach meetings with stakeholders in the transportation sector, according to a transition team official who was given anonymity to discuss current plans.

— During the first Trump administration, Jim Ray served as the DOT secretary’s senior adviser. As per his LinkedIn profile, Ray holds the position of corporate president at the infrastructure advisory firm HNTB Corporation. Prior to becoming the deputy administrator, he served as the Federal Highway Administration’s chief counsel.

The director of pipeline safety policy for the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America is Ben Kochman. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s director of governmental, international, and public affairs was Kochman’s previous position.

According to two individuals familiar with the matter, Andrew Giacini, who presently serves as a special assistant to Todd Inman of the National Transportation Safety Board, is no longer assisting the transition team. Giacini was one of five FAA or DOT officials who left the first Trump administration following the Capitol riot in January, though it is unclear why he left. June 6, 2021.

Giacini remained silent. Requests for comment from Kochman, Smith, and Ray were not immediately answered. Urban and Plans could not be reached for comment.

Skip Elliott, who served as the acting DOT inspector general and as the administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration under Trump’s DOT, is already on the landing team, as POLITICO previously reported. Brigham McCown, a Trump transition official with experience who worked on the transition in 2016, is also on the team. During the George W. Bush administration, McCown was one of the PHMSA’s first leaders. Bush, as well as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s chief counsel.

Prior to Trump’s inauguration in January, the team is still setting up stakeholder meetings with different labor and transportation groups, including those from the rail, auto, and airline industries, according to one of the transition officials who is familiar with the team’s plans. Twenty. The official stated that the team has contacted or spoken with over 60 groups thus far.

five hours before.

five hours prior.

five hours prior.

The communications director for John Fetterman leaves.

Sen. According to a source close to the senator, John Fetterman’s top communications assistant has departed his office.

Following the departure of three senior employees in a short period of time, Carrie Adams became the communications director in Fetterman’s office. However, last year, she came under fire when, in an August interview with the Free Press, she was seen publicly disagreeing with her boss’ position on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Despite the criticism from the public, Adams continued to work for Fetterman. She started working in the office in April 2024.

Many who worked for Fetterman during his 2022 campaign were taken aback by his changing political persona in Congress. He rejected the term “progressive,” but he had supported Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign and supported some left-wing policies.

He’s developed the practice of reaching across the aisle to collaborate with Republicans on legislation and spending time talking to President Donald Trump’s nominees in just the last few weeks. He and Trump are supposed to meet this weekend in Florida. Since Hamas’ October 2023 attack, Fetterman has been among the most vocal Democrats in favor of Israel.

According to Fetterman’s close associate, Adams departed the office at the start of the month “on good terms.”. “”.

This report was aided by Nicholas Wu.

half an hour ago.

7 hours prior.

Congress may decide to consider new wildfire assistance in mid-March.

Congress’s next deadline for government funding is that date, and additional disaster aid may be added.

With the next government funding deadline on Capitol Hill coming up in mid-March, Congress might not consider new aid for California to combat its devastating wildfires.

Lawmakers view the spending deadline of March 14 as the next opportunity to address any emergencies, such as the fires raging across Los Angeles County, that might require congressional funding. Steve Scalise (R-La), the House Majority Leader. declared that they would deal with it during that discussion rather than in a future budget reconciliation bill.

“You must wait for the catastrophe to end. It’s obviously not yet, and you need to give them time to complete the estimate,” stated Tom Cole, the Republican chair of the House Appropriations Committee from Oklahoma. ).

In light of the numerous fires that have ravaged Southern California, President Joe Biden has already authorized a major disaster declaration, which has made additional federal funds and resources available, including grants for temporary housing and initiatives to aid in the recovery of families and businesses. Federal assistance to the area is already being boosted by the Biden administration thanks to funds from the disaster aid package that Congress approved in December for organizations like the Forest Service and FEMA.

Normally, Congress would also hold off on acting until lawmakers received a request for emergency funding from the White House, where President-elect Donald Trump will be in charge of the response in less than two weeks.

“A little while later, the Trump administration will have a lot to say about this,” Cole stated.

Obtaining cost estimates from local experts is crucial, the Appropriations chair stressed. Although he would prefer to move any aid package as a stand-alone bill, he stated that in the upcoming months, his committee is “certainly open to carrying” the requested aid on a spending bill.

He remarked, “Perhaps it depends on whether or not they have the estimates in.”. The main difficulty with these tasks is to always ensure two things: First, that you have had enough time to complete the estimates so that nothing is overlooked. Second, to ensure that no excessively excessive attachments are made. “”.

This report was written with assistance from Meredith Lee Hill.

seven hours prior.

Finance’s Senate looks at Jan. Bessent hearing, number 16.

Staff from Democratic and Republican committees met with Bessent Thursday to discuss unanswered questions regarding his financial documents.

President-elect Donald Trump’s Treasury Secretary nominee, Scott Bessent, is scheduled to appear before the Senate Finance Committee on January for a confirmation hearing. 16, according to three individuals who were given anonymity to discuss the committee’s plans.

Legislators could report Bessent out for confirmation by the entire Senate during an executive session following the committee hearing.

A committee aide said Bessent was meeting with staff from both the Republican and Democratic committees Thursday to discuss his nomination and review unanswered questions regarding his financial documents.

When asked for comment, Mandi Critchfield, a spokesman for Finance Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), stated, “Senator Crapo is committed to moving Bessent’s nomination as quickly as possible.”.

So far, Bessent has had no trouble meeting with senators on Capitol Hill. He has received a lot of praise from Republicans, and some moderate Democrats have expressed interest in backing him.

The incoming Trump administration will need to manage the debt ceiling with a confirmed Treasury secretary in place. It was stated last week by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen that the federal government would reach its limit as early as January. 14. In order to prevent default, they might need to begin putting “extraordinary measures” into place.

Seven hours ago.

Chuck Schumer, the Senate’s minority leader, tipped the scales Thursday by declaring he would vote to move the Laken Riley Act forward.

Although some Senate Democrats have refrained from voting to pass the bill and are instead pursuing amendment votes, which Republicans are likely to reject, about a dozen Senate Democrats have stated that they will vote to advance the bill. During Schumer’s leadership, the House passed the Laken Riley Act, which requires detaining undocumented immigrants accused of theft or burglary, but Democrats chose not to take up the issue.

To conclude the debate and proceed with the legislation’s passage, Senate Republicans will require 60 votes, which translates to Democratic support. Without changes, it’s doubtful if they’ll pass that threshold. Democrats, according to Schumer, “want a robust debate, where we can offer amendments and improve the bill.”. “.”.

eight hours before.

RFK, Jr. is trying to see how far he can go with the Kennedy name.

Among Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Today’s stops include meetings with the two senators from Massachusetts.

It would appear that Robert F. Trump would have little chance of winning the votes of two of the Senate’s top anti-Trump opposition figures. Kennedy, Jr. in his attempt to be confirmed as the secretary of health and human services for President-elect Donald Trump.

On the other hand, Kennedy is a Kennedy, the nephew of two other Democratic senators and the son of a Democratic senator, and Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren are Democrats for Massachusetts.

According to some political insiders, Kennedy’s choice to meet with the Senate delegation from the Bay State on Thursday demonstrates the enduring influence of the Kennedy name in the state, which helped to launch the political careers of Kennedy’s namesake father and uncles John F. Kennedy and Kennedy, Edward.

According to Brad Bannon, a veteran pollster from Massachusetts and the CEO of Bannon Communications Research, “the Kennedy name is still strong and has a lot of lasting power in the Bay State.”. For Kennedy, Warren, and Markey, it’s shrewd politics. “.”.

In a Massachusetts contest against Trump and President Joe Biden, Kennedy was polling in the high single digits before abandoning his own presidential bid over the summer. In the end, his name was not on the state ballot.

Markey and Warren, in contrast to their fellow Democrats, voted for relatively few of Trump’s first-term nominees.

According to a Markey spokesperson, the senator is meeting with numerous other nominees and is “hearing from his constituents about Mr. Kennedy’s nomination, as well of all of Trump’s nominees.”.

Markey irritated Joseph P. Kennedy, one of Kennedy’s nephews. Kennedy III has previously stated that Kennedy is an “unqualified, unserious, and dangerous” choice for HHS in order to win his Senate seat in 2020. Warren has also stated that “if it weren’t so scary,” she would laugh at the nomination. “”.

Many members of Kennedy’s own family have even denounced his presidential campaign and subsequent support for Trump.

Beyond Massachusetts, however, the Kennedy legacy endures.

Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas who is a member of the Finance Committee, which must approve Kennedy’s nomination before it can be considered on the Senate floor, told reporters that he and Kennedy had “some interesting conversations” regarding the senator’s relationship with Kennedy’s uncle Edward, who was the second-most senior senator when he passed away in 2009 after serving as a Massachusetts senator for almost 50 years.

When Cornyn first arrived, he was “sort of the lion of the Senate,” she recalled. And what a flamboyant character he was. “”.

Nine hours ago. .

According to the Senate, Fridays will work. No, not this Friday.

Senators were able to keep their customary long weekend thanks to a little bipartisan cooperation.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s ambitious 2025 schedule, which included frequent Friday votes—a rarity in the chamber—caused a stir on the Hill.

Now that the new GOP majority has taken office for a full week, senators seem ready to start their vacation on Thursday.

That being said, are Republicans already breaking their go-go schedule?

Actually, if Democrats hadn’t agreed to give up debate time, a GOP immigration bill would have been put to a vote on Friday. This kind of discussion occasionally takes place in the Senate, especially when a bill’s outcome is clear, as it is with the Laken Riley Act, which is expected to receive strong Democratic support. This week also presents unique conditions because snowstorms are sweeping across large areas of the United States. A. and the devastating fires in southern California.

With Democrats under pressure from their peers to expedite votes on Republican priorities, the GOP majority will effectively be able to cram five days of work into four, so expect this week’s tango to become the norm.

What else we’re looking at: Thune’s Senate calendar has another oddity: it begins the year with 10 weeks of nonstop sessions, which is much longer than the chamber typically has. Usually, each chamber plans one “state work period” (repeat week) each month.

To be honest, when members are kept in D.C, they often become grumpy. for prolonged periods of time. This is particularly true for West Coast residents who don’t always travel home once a week. We might envision a scenario where Thune attempts to give them a kind of hall pass by negotiating the legislative calendar to extend the weekend sometime between now and March.

Nine hours ago.

Psychedelic drug advocate wants to collaborate with RFK Jr.

Doctor. Biden’s VA appointee Shereef Elnahal finds a lot of similarities with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

President Joe Biden appointed a psychedelic drug evangelist to a high-level position at the VA, and he wants to work with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Doctor. Shereef Elnahal stated to POLITICO that he wants to continue managing the VA’s health portfolio and that his personal interest in the medications aligns with that of Kennedy, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to head the Department of Health and Human Services.

Elnahal stated to POLITICO, “I haven’t been asked to stay, but if I am asked, I would continue.”. It would be a privilege to carry on and further the cause of veterans. “.

Over 9 million veterans are served by the nation’s largest health system, which is operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans and proponents of psychedelics say they are calling lawmakers this week to urge them to urge Trump to keep Elnahal on the show.

That has a good chance. Trump’s administration has mostly been staffed by celebrities and loyalists.

Elnahal is encouraged by what he has heard from Kennedy, who has publicly criticized the Food and Drug Administration’s plan to regulate the mind-altering substances, even though Trump has not made any public remarks regarding psychedelics. An application by a pharmaceutical company to offer the psychedelic drug MDMA in conjunction with therapy as a treatment for PTSD was denied by the FDA this summer.

Elnahal said, “Bobby Kennedy’s public remarks on this have been very encouraging.”.

“People ought to have the freedom and the liberty to experiment with these hallucinogens to overcome debilitating disorders,” Kennedy wrote in a September post to X, expressing his openness to the idea of using psychedelics for treatment. “.”.

However, there are those who doubt that the popularity of psychedelic medicine has kept pace with the science and are concerned that the drugs may be abused or endanger patients.

Elnahal contended that the incoming administration has the opportunity to advance psychedelic therapy, and he wants to be involved. According to him, if he stays at VA, he would further the field by expanding the agency’s portfolio of psychedelics research and, with support from the White House and veterans, increasing the use of psychedelic therapy for veterans in safe settings in addition to ongoing clinical trials.

Elnahal added, “Psychedelics fit right into that agenda when it comes to breakthrough therapies for mental health and tackling veteran suicide. I really appreciate Bobby Kennedy’s approach to trying to instill wellness as a bigger part of American life — I think veterans would benefit from that.”. “.

Why it matters: For the first time since the 1960s, the VA promised to support psychedelic research on depression and PTSD a year ago.

The VA is the nation’s largest health system and provides care for a population with a disproportionately high rate of PTSD. According to VA, almost 17 veterans commit suicide every day.

Each year, thousands of veterans—many of whom suffer from depression or PTSD—travel abroad to receive psychedelic-assisted therapy.

In light of this, Elnahal believes that those therapies ought to be made available in the US in carefully monitored environments.

According to him, “the only way to do that is to boldly approach this with more research and to give veterans access to this kind of therapy here at home.”. “You shouldn’t be required to go to Mexico. You shouldn’t have to go to Costa Rica. To ensure that this kind of therapy is successful, we truly need a line of sight. “.”.

“That evidence is being developed and delivered to veterans in a safe manner by the incoming administration,” he continued.

What comes next: Whether or not Elnahal retains his position, the VA will continue its research. Millions of dollars in VA-funded psychedelics research are scheduled to be awarded next year, and studies are still underway.

However, people who have collaborated with Elnahal say it will be more difficult to promote psychedelics without him if Trump replaces him.

nine hours prior.

The GOP immigration bill is anticipated to be advanced by the Senate.

Although they won’t necessarily pass it, enough Democrats will vote to start a discussion about the Laken Riley Act.

As the first bill Senate Republicans discuss under their new majority, the Laken Riley Act is anticipated to be advanced by a bipartisan vote in the Senate Thursday afternoon.

Earlier this week, the bill, which was named after a nursing student from Georgia who was killed last year, passed the House with strong bipartisan support. Among other things, it would require the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of stealing or damaging property.

The bill is expected to receive the support of all 52 Republican senators, and over eight Democrats have declared their intention to join them in Thursday’s procedural vote, surpassing the 60-vote threshold needed to break a filibuster.

However, it is uncertain how many of those Democrats will vote to keep the bill moving forward. While some have stated that they prefer amendments first, five have stated that they would approve the bill in its current form. alongside Sen. Choose Jim Justice (R-W). Virginia. ) would need the backing of seven Democrats in order to be sworn in next week.

Following their loss of the Senate majority and presidential election last year, the Democratic Party’s approach to the bill will reveal how they are addressing American concerns about immigration and border security.

ten hours prior.

Michelle Obama would have sat next to Donald Trump, but she is not present at Carter’s funeral.

In Hawaii, the former first lady had an unidentified scheduling conflict.

Michelle Obama was conspicuously absent from the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter on Thursday at the Washington National Cathedral. An individual with knowledge of her schedule claims that she is currently in Hawaii due to a scheduling conflict.

Former President Donald Trump, who sat next to former President Barack Obama, would have been seated next to Michelle Obama. Prior to the funeral starting, the two spoke for a number of minutes.

“Mrs. Michelle Obama spokesperson Crystal Carson said, “Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President.”.

George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Trump, and Obama are the five current presidents. Bush and President Joe Biden made a rare appearance together on Thursday at Carter’s funeral. Besides Obama, they were all joined by their spouses, including former first lady Melania Trump, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former first lady Laura Bush and first lady Jill Biden. Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, as well as former Vice President Mike Pence and former second lady Karen Pence, were also in attendance.

10 hours ago.

Rollins’ confirmation hearing is delayed due to a background check.

One of the few Trump nominees who has not yet submitted documentation to the Senate is the Agriculture pick.

Donald Trump’s Agriculture secretary nominee Brooke Rollins is one of a few nominees whose confirmation hearings are running behind schedule because of FBI ethics and background check delays, according to two people with direct knowledge of the situation.

Rollins’ hearing, which was originally scheduled for January. According to the two people who were given anonymity to discuss the issue, 15 — has not yet been scheduled while the Senate Agriculture Committee awaits her FBI check and ethics disclosures from the Trump administration. POLITICO first reported the paperwork delays.

In contrast to certain other committees dealing with comparable delays for Trump nominees, senators anticipate that Chair John Boozman (R-Ark. ) to hold Rollins’ hearing after giving the complete seven-day notice stipulated in the panel rules.

With strong Democratic support, Rollins is expected to be confirmed by the Senate with ease, barring any more issues with her paperwork.

Spokesman Brian Hughes for the Trump transition stated, “Brooke Rollins has submitted all necessary background materials and is looking forward to a swift confirmation process.”.

eleven hours prior.

‘It’s ‘about the Arctic,’ according to Trump’s national security adviser.

The United States’ attempt to seize Greenland is being supported by Mike Waltz, the new national security adviser, who claims that acquiring the territory is crucial for American national security.

Waltz told Jesse Watters of Fox News, “This is not just about Greenland.”. This relates to the Arctic. Russia is attempting to ascend to the position of king. This relates to natural resources, specifically oil and gas, and critical minerals. It concerns the security of our country. It’s essential minerals. “.”.

President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his long-standing interest in US control of Greenland (along with Canada and the Panama Canal) during a brief press conference on Tuesday, telling reporters, “We need Greenland for national security purposes.”. “”.

“People don’t even know if Denmark has any legal right to [Greenland], but if they do, they should give it up because we need it for national security,” Trump stated at Mar-a-Lago.

Even though many people reject Trump’s ambition to rule the nation, he recently dispatched his son and several advisors to Greenland, which is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark but retains its autonomy. Trump could buy the island or make an agreement with Denmark, among other ways, to seize control of the island.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s reaction to Trump Jr. declared during Tuesday’s visit that “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.”. “.”.

12 hours ago.

Actually, according to Musk, DOGE may not be able to cut $2 trillion.

Elon Musk, a Trump ally, pledged last year to reduce “at least $2 trillion” from the federal budget through his so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Wednesday, he said the real figure may end up being half that.

In an X livestream, Musk said, “I think we’ll try for $2 trillion, I think that’s like the best case outcome.” Penn was formerly an adviser to former President Bill Clinton. I do believe, however, that you need to have some overage. Your chances of getting one are good if you aim for two trillion. “”.

Even though Musk seems to have lowered his expectations, he insisted that $1 trillion would still result in “no inflation” and free up the economy. “.”.

“I believe that would be a fantastic result,” Musk stated.

Speaking about particular government departments he would cut, Musk stated, “It’s a very target rich environment.”. “”.

Musk compared it to being in a room full of targets, saying that you could close your eyes and still hit them.

Musk’s target is difficult to achieve and may necessitate significant cuts to some government agencies, even after expectations were lowered to $1 trillion. However, he has gained some traction in Congress, where there are already caucuses in both houses devoted to cooperating with him and Vivek Ramaswamy, the co-leader of DOGE.

In addition, President-elect Donald Trump has begun to temper expectations that he set during the campaign by telling Time Magazine that while he thinks grocery prices will still drop, it will be “hard” to do so.

They got them up, you see. Bring them down, please. Once things are up, it’s difficult to take them down. It’s really difficult,” Trump told Time.

A dozen hours ago.

Watching: Trump shows up for Carter’s funeral.

11 days remain until the day of the inauguration.

The thing we’re observing.

Instead of letting congressional Republicans make the decision about how to implement his legislative agenda, President-elect Donald Trump is deferring to them. Following his meeting with Senate Republicans, Trump told reporters that he “doesn’t care” which approach is taken to enact a comprehensive tax, energy, and border package.

Trump is criticizing the state’s Democratic governor as flames that have destroyed thousands of buildings and killed at least five people continue to engulf parts of Los Angeles. A longtime political rival is Gavin Newsom. Trump declared late Wednesday on Truth Social that “one of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground.”. “Gavin Newscum ought to step down; it’s all ashes. He is entirely to blame for this.

What is going on with Trump?

Trump and the other four presidents will be present at Jimmy Carter’s funeral today.

🚨Why are the nominees acting this way?

In January, Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi will meet with the Senate Judiciary Committee. 15 and 16.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources ranking member Martin Heinrich (D-N. M. ) wants the committee to wait to schedule a confirmation hearing for Chris Wright, Trump’s pick for Energy secretary, until it receives all relevant paperwork.

Congress’s Democratic physicians stated that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. If confirmed, Trump’s selection to head HHS would be harmful to the public’s health. In addition, the Senate HELP Committee’s Republican chair gave a muted response to their meeting on Wednesday.

On Wednesday afternoon, Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Jack Reed (D-R) met with Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth. Me. ).