Bondi sidesteps question of whether Biden won the 2020 election

Pam Bondi, Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, repeatedly declined to say Wednesday that Joe Biden won the 2020 election, saying he was “duly sworn in” but sidestepping a question about whether he was the legal winner of the contest. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Bondi’s […]

What we’re watching: Six nominees get their hearings

Here’s what we’re watching in transition world today: 🗓️ What we’re watching Six of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees will face Senate panels today on their path to potential confirmation. Attorney General-designate Pam Bondi is up first, and her confirmation is looking likely, as many Democrats have softened their opinion of her since she served […]

Joni Ernst says she’ll vote to confirm Pete Hegseth

Pete Hegseth has won over Sen. Joni Ernst. The Iowa senator said Tuesday she will be voting to confirm Hegseth to the next Defense secretary, a crucial endorsement for a nomination that seemed to be on shaky ground a few weeks ago. Ernst told an Iowa radio show that said the former Fox News host […]

Trump hires policy-focused head speechwriter

Ross Worthington is expected to be President-elect Donald Trump’s head speechwriter in the White House, according to three people familiar with the matter who were granted anonymity to discuss personnel matters. It may be an indication that there will be a heavy focus on policy in the second Trump administration. Worthington and Vince Haley, the […]

‘Throwing mud up against the wall’: E&C Republicans plot health care cost savings

Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans met Tuesday to discuss where they might find billions of dollars in potential cuts to existing health care programs — including by making changes to the safety-net program Medicaid. Finding such cost savings will be a key to financing incoming President Donald Trump’s domestic policy agenda, which Congressional Republicans want […]

Trump and DeSantis golf, with Rubio replacement looming

President-elect Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are meeting over a round of golf on Tuesday, as key decisions loom in the state they both call home. The meetup is taking place as Trump backed DeSantis’ recent call for a special session in Florida to address illegal immigration — despite reticence from Republican leaders […]

Trump’s pick for Commerce Secretary latest to hit a paperwork speedbump

Howard Lutnick, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to run the Commerce Department, is the latest cabinet contender to have his confirmation hearing held up by paperwork delays. “It will be soon,” said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, in a brief interview. “We’re waiting for the paperwork […]

Johnson announces flags will fly full-staff during Trump’s inauguration

American flags will fly full-staff for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday after all, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Tuesday, “to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President.” President Joe Biden ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff for 30 days after former President Jimmy Carter died last month, in […]