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In one instance he requested as much as $100,000 per month in exchange for his services, according to sources familiar with the matter. As of Monday afternoon, it does not appear the transition team will heed that recommendation. “I am honored to work for President Trump and with his team,” Epshteyn said in a statement to CNN. Trump’s legal team was investigating several other similar alleged incidents, according to sources familiar with the situation. “Boris is a Trump original—loyal and effective from the very beginning,” a Trump transition official told CNN.

Persons: Donald Trump, Boris Epshteyn, Trump, Epshteyn, “, ” Epshteyn, ”, elect’s, Boris, ” Trump, Steven Cheung, Scott Bessent, Bessent, Jonathan Drake, Susie Wiles, you’re, ’, “ He’s, “ Boris, President Trump, Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump's, Nathan Howard, Matt Gaetz’s, Gaetz, Elon Musk, Brandon Bell Organizations: CNN, Trump, Trump Make, Mar, Reuters, White, Gaetz, Department of Justice, Florida Rep, SpaceX, Georgetown Advisory Locations: Lago, Palm Beach , Florida, Epshteyn, Asheville , North Carolina, Washington, Washington ,, Florida, Brownsville , Texas, Georgetown, New York, Georgia, Arizona

☆ Fox hosts, cable news regulars and entertainment pros: Trump is casting a made-for-TV Cabinet
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-23 | by ( Steve Contorno | Kristen Holmes | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

He has plucked two Fox News stars from their airwaves – Sean Duffy for Treasury secretary and Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon. Trump’s choice for ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, had a six-year run hosting a Fox News show. As a former reality TV star, Trump is deeply attuned to the power of the small screen. Among the flurry of names for non-Cabinet roles that Trump announced Friday evening were also several former and current Fox News contributors. And Sebastian Gorka, whom Trump named senior director of counterterrorism, was a Fox contributor in 2018 and 2019.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Sean Duffy, Pete Hegseth, Trump, Mehmet Oz, Linda McMahon, Mike Huckabee, Tulsi Gabbard, Tucker Carlson, Donald Trump, Eva Marie Uzcategui, Duffy, Rachel Campos, ”, “, Oz, Mike Waltz, Kristi Noem, Sen, Marco Rubio, Howard Luntick, Rebecca Quick, I’ve, Doug Burgum, Tom Homan, Homan, ” Trump, Matt Gaetz, Gaetz –, –, JD Vance, Scott Applewhite, Pam Bondi, Hegseth, headwinds, Chris Coons, CNN’s Manu Raju, Dr, Janette Nesheiwat, Marty Makary, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, Sebastian Gorka, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, Larry Kudlow, Christina Bobb, Rupert Murdoch’s, Bret Baier, Kamala Harris, Vance, Rubio, Burgum, ” CNN’s Kate Sullivan, Manu Raju, Alayna Treene, Brian Stelter Organizations: CNN, Fox, Pentagon, Department of Education, Fox News, Trump, TV Cabinet, Fox Business, Medicare, Republicans, South Dakota Gov, Department of Homeland Security, Wall Street, CNBC, Commerce, North Dakota Gov, of, Interior, Republican, Capitol, Florida, and Drug Administration, “ Fox, Department of Health, Human Services, Salem Radio Network, National Economic Council, America News Network Locations: Israel, Mar, Palm Beach , Florida, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Florida, America, Spanish, Washington ,, Gaetz, Delaware, Ohio

When we asked CNN readers for their questions about the incoming Trump 2.0 administration, we got a lot of nervous and scared feedback. AshleyPresidents have wide authority to declare a national emergency. Trump declared a national emergency when he was president the first time in order to unlock border wall funding that Congress refused to give him. Some states with Republican governors have already deployed National Guard troops to the border. Read more answered questions on Trump here.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Ashley, Trump, Joe Biden, Read Organizations: CNN, Trump, Security, Ashley Presidents, National Guard

☆ Trump suffers first defeat but as always doubles down for the next fight
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —For Donald Trump, every defeat is just the catalyst for his next battle. The Gaetz disaster suggests that despite his big election win, some laws of political gravity still apply to Trump. This may explain why two-and-a-half weeks into his transition, several of Trump’s Cabinet picks are embroiled in allegations of sexual misconduct, ethics or legal controversy. Like Gaetz, Hegseth was not prosecuted over the allegation and denies he did anything wrong. Plenty of presidents get a Cabinet pick knocked back and do just fine.

Persons: Donald Trump, –, Matt Gaetz, – Trump, Trump, Pam Bondi, MAGA, Gaetz –, elect’s, Manu Raju, Pete Hegseth, Hegseth, Linda McMahon, McMahon, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, groped, Eliza Cooney, “, Kennedy, he’d, ”, Cooney, “ I’m, he’s, Jean Carroll, didn’t, CNN’s Kristen Holmes, Gaetz, CNN’s Paula Reid, Sarah Ferris, Vance, Tulsi Gabbard, —, Maine Sen, Susan Collins, North Carolina Sen, Thom Tillis, JD Vance, ’, Bondi, she’s Organizations: CNN, Department of Justice, Trump, DOJ, GOP, Cabinet, Former Fox News, Department of Defense, Trump Cabinet, Department of Education, Wrestling Entertainment, WWE, Department of Health, Human Services, USA, Fair, Democratic, Social, Capitol, Senate Republican, Trump University, Republican Locations: Washington, California, Iraq, Afghanistan, Manhattan, Gaetz, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Bondi

☆ Matt Gaetz says he’s not returning to Congress next year
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Kristen Holmes | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general on Thursday, said Friday he will not be returning to Congress next year. And I’m actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation,” Gaetz told Kirk. He also praised Trump’s subsequent choice for attorney general, which the president-elect announced just hours after Gaetz withdrew his name — former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. “My good friend Pam Bondi is going to be a phenomenal attorney general for Donald Trump. “I had a full-time job explaining to senators that maybe a tweet I sent about them was rash and not reflective of how I would serve as attorney general.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump’s, “ I’m, ”, Charlie Kirk, Gaetz, —, who’ve, ” Gaetz, Kirk, Trump, Trump’s, Pam Bondi, “, Donald Trump, Gaetz —, Pam Bondi’s, Kevin McCarthy, Eric Brander Organizations: CNN, Former Florida, 119th, Trump, Department of Justice, Capitol, United States Congress, Justice Department, Hill, California Republican Locations: Northwest Florida, Florida, “, Washington, California

CNN —President-elect Donald Trump named billionaire Scott Bessent as his pick to serve as the next secretary of the Department of the Treasury. A key Cabinet player, the US Treasury secretary advises the president on economic and fiscal matters, including spending and taxes. Bessent would be the first out gay Treasury secretary, as well as the first LGBTQ Senate-confirmed Cabinet member in a Republican administration, according to The Associated Press. Compared to Lutnick’s more aggressive campaign for the role, Bessent led a more understated quest for the position. All of the names Trump put out Friday night had been decided by the afternoon, the sources said, but he wanted to name his Treasury secretary first before publicly releasing his other decisions.

Persons: Donald Trump, Scott Bessent, “ Scott, ” Trump, Scott, ” Bessent, Trump, George Soros, Bessent’s, Bessent, Pete Buttigieg, ”, Howard Lutnick –, Lutnick, Cantor Fitzgerald, fides, MAGA, Elon, Steven Mnuchin, Mnuchin, Kayla Tausche, Matt Egan Organizations: CNN, Department of, Treasury, of Innovation, Capital, U.S, Reserve, Square Capital Management, Soros Fund Management, Democratic, Senate, Republican, Associated Press, Biden, Wall Street, Trump, ”, Financial Times, CNBC, Soros, United, Republicans, Treasury Department Locations: United States, United States of America, China

CNN —Hours after his first pick to run the nation’s top law enforcement agency dropped out, President-elect Donald Trump named former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his new choice to run the Justice Department. Trump met in person with Bondi at Mar-a-Lago before officially offering her the job, a source familiar told CNN. Democratic lawmakers accused Bondi of declining to pursue an investigation into Trump University fraud allegations after receiving the donation. … I never said I don’t like gay people.”After leaving the Florida attorney general’s office, Bondi joined Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm with deep ties to Trump and Wiles. The family told The Tampa Bay Times that Bondi stole the dog, while Bondi accused the family of neglect.

Persons: Donald Trump, Pam Bondi, Trump, Matt Gaetz, ” Trump, Pam, ” Bondi, Gaetz, Trump’s, ”, Susie Wiles, Boris Epshteyn, Jeff Sessions, Bondi, CNN’s Anderson Cooper, —, “, ” Cooper, …, Wiles, Jack Smith, –, Aileen Cannon, Bernard, Master Tank, Tank Organizations: CNN, Justice Department, of Justice, DOJ, FIRST, Florida Republican, Senate, Bondi, Trump, Democratic, Trump University, Center, Litigation, Policy Institute, Fox News, Obamacare, Ballard Partners, Foreign, Hurricane, Tampa Bay Locations: Florida, Bondi, Mar, Trump, Tampa, Qatar, Louisiana, Tampa Bay Times

By the end of the day, Trump had announced a new pick for attorney general: Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida. One by one, the senator wanted to know who had told Gaetz “yes” they were with him. After being asked for comment for CNN’s story, Gaetz announced his withdrawal as Trump’s nominee for attorney general. “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. Some lawmakers have already asked the parliamentarian to weigh in and clear up the confusion, one source told CNN.

Persons: JD Vance, Matt Gaetz, they’d, Vance, “, Donald Trump, Trump, Gaetz, Gaetz —, he’d, Department —, ” Gaetz, Pam Bondi, Gaetz’s, Republican Sen, Kevin Cramer of North, ” Cramer, wouldn’t, ’, Trump’s, Gaetz couldn’t, Matt, ” Trump, Karoline Leavitt, Pete Hegseth, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, Kevin McCarthy, Kentucky Sen, Mitch McConnell, Maine Sen, Susan Collins, Oklahoma Sen, Markwayne Mullin, Dakota Sen, Mike Rounds, “ I’m, Rounds, ” Sen, Roger Wicker, Cynthia Lummis, Florida Sen, Rick Scott, ”, Will Gaetz, preemptively, Michael Guest, , CNN’s Kaitlan Collins Organizations: CNN, Capitol, Senate, Trump, Department, DOJ, Republican, GOP, Republicans, Justice Department, Administration, “, Department of Justice, Fox News, Defense Department, Department of Health, Human Services, Hill, Oklahoma, Mississippi Republican, Wyoming Republican, Democrats Locations: Florida, Washington, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, Gaetz, Kentucky, Maine, Dakota, Mississippi, Wyoming

☆ Absences by Trump’s Senate pals help Democrats confirm Biden judges
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Tierney Sneed | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Trump earlier this month had urged Senate Republicans not to allow any judicial confirmations in the final weeks of the Biden administration while the upper chamber was under Democratic control. Since then, other judicial nominees have been able to clear pivotal votes because not enough Republicans were present to block them. Two of the missing Republicans, Sens. Several of the missing Republicans – which also included Sen. Marco Rubio, Trump’s pick for secretary of state – were back in the chamber Wednesday. Even if no other Biden-appointed judge is confirmed, Trump will start his second term with a number of openings that is fewer than half of that previous number.

Persons: Joe Biden’s, Donald Trump’s, Trump, JD Vance, Embry Kidd, Sen, Joe Manchin, Vance, Bill Hagerty of, –, Democratic Sen, John Fetterman, Biden, Carrie Severino –, ” Vance, Grace Chong, Steve Bannon’s, Christopher Wray, Fetterman, Sarah Russell, Kamala Harris, Hagerty, Ted Cruz, Hagerty’s, Republicans –, Marco Rubio, Trump’s, Mike Braun, Cruz, Rebecca Pennell, Amir Ali, doesn’t, Ali, Kyrsten Sinema, Montana GOP Sen, Steve Daines, Embry, Aileen Cannon, Jack Smith’s, Barack Obama’s, Alyana Treene, Kristen Holmes, Betsy Klein, Devan Cole Organizations: CNN, GOP, Conservative, Republicans, Ohio Republican, Circuit, Mar, Democratic, Trump, Crisis Network, FBI, House, Republican, Sens, SpaceX, Indiana, US, Court, of, Montana GOP, Senate Locations: Ohio, Trump’s Florida, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Hawaii, Ted Cruz of Texas, Texas, Eastern, of Washington, Montana

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe, meanwhile, was unsuccessful in trying to set up a meeting with Trump this week. Bongino spent more than a decade in the Secret Service and individuals who worked with him praised him as a stellar agent. Engel told the committee he did not recall the conversation described by Hutchinson and said he didn’t recall Trump gesturing toward him. Ornato also told the committee he didn’t recall the story happening or telling it to Hutchinson. Ornato told Trump’s transition team he was not interested in the role of Secret Service director, a source familiar with the discussions told CNN.

Persons: Donald Trump, Podcaster Dan Bongino, Sean Curran, Ronald Rowe, Robert Engel, Trump, Rowe, Kimberly Cheatle’s, Bongino, hadn’t, Matt Gaetz, Curran, Engel, Tony Ornato, Cassidy Hutchinson, Ornato, Hutchinson Organizations: CNN, Service, Trump, Congress, Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, Justice Department, White Locations: Pennsylvania

So why shouldn’t federal employees who are paid with taxpayer dollars be required to be in office?” the source said. Ending remote work across government is being considered a potential “early candidate” for executive orders that members of DOGE will recommend to Trump, the source said. “I can’t abandon this career,” one Library of Congress worker who lives in the Midwest told CNN. Another federal employee who works remotely told CNN that they would have to commute two to three hours to the nearest office. Other targets beyond remote workRemote work isn’t the only cost-cutting measure that is likely to be addressed through executive orders.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Elon, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ramaswamy, “, ”, “ It’s, ” Everett Kelley, AFGE, Charlie Kirk –, –, DOGE, Kirk, doesn’t, aren’t, Musk Organizations: CNN, of Government, Republican, Trump, telework, Personnel Management, American Federation of Government Employees, Midwest, of Congress, Congress, General Services Administration Locations: Washington, DC, Washington ,

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft sits atop its powerful Super Heavy rocket at the company's Boca Chica launchpad, near Brownsville, Texas, on November 16. Musk’s claims came after the FAA proposed $633,009 in civil penalties against SpaceX, saying the company violated launch license requirements twice during flights of its workhorse Falcon 9 rocket. SpaceX has denied wrongdoing related to those requirements, saying none of the allegations related to public safety. Still, the FAA granted SpaceX its long-awaited license to move forward with Starship’s fifth uncrewed test launch in October — and that same launch license covers this week’s test flight. It marks the first time that SpaceX has not had to go back to the FAA to approve launch license changes since the company began this testing campaign years ago.

Persons: Joe Skipper, Elon Musk, Musk, Donald Trump, —, Mike Whitaker “, ” Musk, Musk’s Organizations: Boca, Reuters, SpaceX, Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, “ Department, Government Locations: Brownsville , Texas, —

☆ Howard Lutnick: Trump expected to nominate Cantor Fitzgerald CEO as Commerce secretary
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-19 | by ( Kristen Holmes | Elisabeth Buchwald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick as secretary of Commerce, a source familiar with the process told CNN. Lutnick had been in a battle with hedge fund manager Scott Bessent over the role of Treasury secretary after throwing his own name into the mix. Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, a financial services firm, was tapped by Trump to serve as co-chair of his presidential transition team in August. As a candidate, Trump pledged to impose 60% tariffs on goods from China, as well as 10% tariffs on goods from other countries. Trump announced Kennedy as his pick to serve as Health and Human Service secretary last week.

Persons: Donald Trump, Cantor Fitzgerald, Howard Lutnick, Lutnick, Scott Bessent, he’s, Trump, “, ”, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, Kennedy Organizations: CNN, Commerce, Trump, Human Service, World Trade, Museum Locations: Trump’s, America, China

☆ Trump escalates test of strength over Gaetz pick
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-19 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Video Ad Feedback Lawyer describes client's testimony in House Ethics Committee investigation of Gaetz 03:04 - Source: CNNThe Ethics Committee report has quickly become the first big crisis of the nascent second Trump administration. A small handful of Republican senators would be needed to defect in order to block Gaetz’s nomination when the party controls the Senate majority next year. GOP senators could pay a price for a prolonged confirmation fightIf Trump sticks with his pick, Republican senators feeling the MAGA movement’s pressure could be forced to defend Gaetz for weeks. Maine Sen. Susan Collins told CNN’s Raju that it would be “helpful” to see the House Ethics report. “Whether we get the ethics report or not, the facts are going to come out one way or the other,” Cornyn said.

Persons: Donald Trump, Matt Gaetz, Joel Leppard, CNN’s Erin Burnett, Gaetz, Mike Johnson, Trump, Dakota Sen, Kevin Cramer, ” Cramer, CNN’s Manu Raju, MAGA, Cramer, Pete Hegseth, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, Florida Republican –, Capitol Hill, it’s, Washington Trump, Bill Clinton, Zoë Baird, Kimba Wood, Maine Sen, Susan Collins, CNN’s Raju, Texas Sen, John Cornyn, ” Cornyn, “, Johnson, Susan Wild of, won’t, —, ” CNN’s Kristen Holmes, Axios, Kennedy, Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, It’s Organizations: CNN, Florida Republican, Justice Department, Trump, Gaetz, Fox News, Human Services Department, GOP, Capitol, FBI, Democrat, —, National Intelligence, Senate, Republican, North Dakota Republican Locations: Dakota, Washington, Texas, Susan Wild of Pennsylvania

CNN —Trump transition co-chair Linda McMahon is expected to be named as secretary of the Department of Education, four sources familiar with the matter told CNN. The decision took shape after it became clear that McMahon would be passed over for Commerce secretary. McMahon is also the former CEO of the WWE, which she co-founded with her husband, Vince McMahon. As head of the WWE, McMahon oversaw its transformation from a small wrestling entertainment company into a publicly traded media empire. During Trump’s first campaign for president, McMahon donated more than $7 million to two pro-Trump super PACs, according to Open Secrets.

Persons: CNN —, Linda McMahon, McMahon, Donald Trump, Howard Lutnick, Cantor Fitzgerald, Scott Bessent, Trump’s, Larry Kudlow, Trump, AFPI, Vince McMahon Organizations: CNN, CNN — Trump, Department of Education, Commerce, Commerce Department, Treasury, Small Business Administration, America, Trump, Policy Institute, WWE Locations: Connecticut

☆ Trump calling senators directly to lobby for Gaetz’s confirmation as attorney general
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( Kristen Holmes | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

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But many Republicans and Gaetz allies have touted his aggressive style as an essential attribute for an attorney general. The president-elect filled some of those spots Thursday evening, appointing a series of his own personal lawyers to run key sections of the Justice Department. Trump also announced his selection of Emile Bove, another member of his criminal defense team, to be principal associate attorney general. Now, while some of his colleagues in Congress expressed skepticism of his pick as attorney general, they said they are prepared for a detailed confirmation process. As attorney general, Gaetz would be in control of the FBI investigative files that detail the evidence the bureau uncovered.

Persons: Donald Trump, Matt Gaetz, Trump, Gaetz, there’s, John Morgan, doubters, Morgan, ” Morgan, “, General Merrick Garland, Joe Biden, Todd Blanche, Emile Bove, ”, AnchorsGordon didn’t, Lawrence “ Larry ” Keefe, Keefe, Ron DeSantis, Feedback Sen, Klobuchar, —, Michael Cohen, Sen, Rick Scott, ” Gaetz, Hunter, Hank Johnson, Kevin McCarthy, Liz Cheney, Gaetz didn’t, South Carolina Sen, Lindsey Graham, Bill Barr, Joel Greenberg, CNN’s Kristen Holmes Organizations: CNN, Justice Department, Trump, Florida Republican, Prosecutors, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Democrats, Capitol, Senate, Panhandle Republican, Truman, Florida State University, & Mary Law School, AnchorsGordon, Florida Panhandle, Partners, Florida, Northern, Northern District of Florida, Vineyard, Tallahassee statehouse, Republican, Florida Bar, Florida Republicans, Washington Elected, White, Republican Party, House Republican, Union, House Intelligence, Democratic, Judiciary Committee, FBI, South, Garland’s Justice Department Locations: Congress, United States, Trump’s, Florida, Gaetz, Manhattan, Northern District, Texas, Tallahassee, Washington, Wyoming, South Carolina

Trump wants Gaetz confirmed “100%,” a source told CNN. He also believes Gaetz is uniquely positioned to defend the Trump administration on television, an attribute prioritized by the president-elect. Trump’s pick for deputy attorney general — his defense attorney Todd Blanche — will carry out the day-to-day work of overseeing the Justice Department’s more than 40 agencies and 115,000 employees. In recent days, Gaetz has been reaching out directly to Republican senators, according to a source familiar with the efforts. The Democratic-controlled Judiciary Committee formally requested the House Ethics Committee report already, but Democrats will lose control of the committee in January.

Persons: Donald Trump, Matt Gaetz, Trump, Gaetz, ” Trump, Trump’s, Todd Blanche —, Justice Department’s, ” Gaetz, “, ”, Sean Spicer, Gaetz’s, Pete Hegseth, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, Tulsi Gabbard, Kennedy, Sen, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins of Maine, Joni Ernst, “ He’s, North Dakota Sen, Kevin Cramer, Kevin McCarthy, Oklahoma Sen, Markwayne Mullin, CNN’s Manu Raju, ” Mullin, Mullin, Mike Johnson, Mike Rounds, John Cornyn of, ” Rounds, Chuck Grassley, Grassley, John Thune, Thune Organizations: CNN, Department, Senate, Justice Department, Trump, Justice, Fox News, Hawaii Rep, Republican Senate, Republicans, Republican, North Dakota, Democratic, GOP Locations: Florida, Alaska, Iowa, Oklahoma, John Cornyn of Texas

CNN —President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is bypassing traditional FBI background checks for at least some of his Cabinet picks while using private companies to conduct vetting of potential candidates for administration jobs, people close to the transition planning say. It also reflects Trump’s deep mistrust of the national security establishment, which he derides as the Deep State. If Gaetz does not participate in the vetting process, the FBI could still try to do a basic investigation at the request of the Senate. Instead, Trump’s transition team has been focused on conducting its own internal vetting of candidates for top administration jobs. So if Trump’s team continues to skirt the vetting process, those tapped for key roles wouldn’t be able to receive briefings until then.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Trump, Matt Gaetz, Tulsi Gabbard, Dan Meyer, “, ”, Trump’s, Gaetz, Gabbard, Bashar al, Vladimir Putin’s, Biden, Jared Kushner, won’t, wouldn’t, Mike Waltz Organizations: CNN, Trump, FBI, Justice Department, NATO Locations: Washington, Washington ,, Florida, Syria, Russia, Assad, United States, Ukraine, Moscow

☆ Trump’s transition team caught off guard by Hegseth allegation
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Kristen Holmes | Kaitlan Collins | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team was in the middle of announcing new Cabinet picks this week when they were informed of a sexual assault allegation about one of his previous selections, Pete Hegseth, stunning several members of Trump’s team who have since raised questions about the viability of his nomination, according to two people close to the situation. Within 48 hours, the heads of Trump’s transition team were brought a complaint about a sexual assault allegation regarding Hegseth. The campaign was brought information that aligns with what Monterey, California, police described as an investigation into “an alleged sexual assault” involving Hegseth on October 8, 2017. Wiles asked Hegseth if there were any other issues the team should be aware of moving forward. One source insisted that despite the surprise, the president-elect and the transition team were moving forward with the nomination at this time.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Pete Hegseth, Trump’s, Trump, “, Hegseth, Susie Wiles, Wiles, Hegseth wasn’t Organizations: CNN, Fox News, California Federation of Republican Women, Facebook, Trump, Department of Veterans Affairs Locations: Monterey , California, Hegseth, Monterey County

Trump nominated Wray in 2017 after firing James Comey, but he began to sour on him before he left office in 2021. The 10-year term is designed to keep the FBI director position insulated from political whims. “Kash is frightening at the bureau,” one source familiar with internal deliberations about the role of FBI director. Trump also briefly considered installing Patel as deputy FBI director in the closing weeks of his first administration. The deputy FBI director job is a career position, and not a political appointee, and Attorney General William Barr helped talk Trump out of putting Patel at the bureau.

Persons: Donald Trump, Kash Patel, Christopher Wray, Patel, Matt Gaetz, Tulsi Gabbard, Trump, Mike Rogers, Mark Morgan, Jeff Jensen, Louis, Mike Flynn’s, he’s, –, John Ratcliffe, Wray, James Comey, “, Elect Trump, ”, Karoline Leavitt, Vance, Jensen, Rogers, Morgan, “ Kash, ” Patel, Steve Bannon’s, Devin Nunes, Nunes, Gina Haspel, – Patel, William Barr, Wray isn’t, CNN’s Kristen Holmes, Manu Raju Organizations: CNN, FBI, Republican, Customs, Trump, intel, DOD, CIA, House, National Security Council Locations: Mar, Lago, Trump’s, Russia

Trump’s transition team includes close to 100 people, with some working at Mar-a-Lago and others at the campaign office in Palm Beach and in Washington. Andrew Harnik/Getty ImagesInside Trump’s transitionTrump’s transition effort had begun with relatively orthodox choices — including Wiles, who led Trump’s campaign, as chief of staff. Much like his defense secretary pick, Trump had also grown frustrated with his options for attorney general. The role of attorney general has long been viewed by Trump as one of, if not the, most important positions he would fill. CORRECTION: This story has been corrected to properly reflect the process by which Donald Trump considered candidates for attorney general.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, Matt Gaetz, —, Trump, firebrands —, elect’s, MAGA, ”, “, ” Trump, Joe Biden, Mike Johnson, South Dakota Sen, John Thune, Elon Musk, Tesla, he’d, strode, Chris Christie’s, Susie Wiles, Wiles, Donald Trump, Andrew Harnik, Monday Trump, Florida Sen, Marco Rubio, Gabbard, Steve Bannon, ” Bannon, Donald Trump Jr, Richard Grenell, Rubio, Tony Hinchcliffe denigrated, JD Vance, Vance, Brian Snyder, Department —, Kamala Harris, Mark Paoletta, Andrew Bailey, Justice Department —, Jeff Sessions, William Barr, Department’s, Kevin McCarthy, Todd Blanche, Blanche, Nathan Howard, Gaetz, McCarthy, ” Gaetz, Gaetz’s, “ We’re, ” Johnson, Trump’s, Alaska Sen, Lisa Murkowski, Justice Department . Maine Sen, Susan Collins, Texas Sen, John Cornyn, Thune, Sen, Mike Rounds, ” Rounds, Kaitlan Collins, Annie Grayer, Danya Gainor, Holmes Lybrand, Dana Bash, Haley Talbot, Jeremy Herb, Katie Bo Lillis, Ted Barrett, Manu Raju, Sarah Ferris, Pamela Brown Organizations: CNN, Fox News, Hawaii Democratic, Republican, “, Wednesday, Washington, Hill, South, GOP, Elon, House Republicans, DC, SpaceX, Department of Government, Trump, New, New Jersey Gov, Mar, Hyatt, Monday, Democratic, Army National Guard, US Army Reserve, America, Florida Republican, Tony Hinchcliffe denigrated Puerto Ricans, State Department, Base Andrews, Reuters, Department, Justice Department, White House, Republicans, Capitol, U.S . Capitol, Senate, Justice Department ., Texas, South Dakota Republican Locations: Florida, Washington, South Dakota, Trump’s, New Jersey, Palm Beach, Washington ,, Syria, Russia, Tony Hinchcliffe denigrated Puerto, Madison, Maryland, U.S, Missouri, Manhattan, Trump, Alaska, Justice Department . Maine

☆ Trump is on the verge of announcing RFK Jr. for Health and Human Services secretary
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-14 | by ( Kaitlan Collins | Kristen Holmes | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

West Palm Beach, Florida CNN —President-elect Donald Trump is on the verge of announcing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, according to two people close to the situation, in a move that would add to Trump’s provocative picks whose confirmation process will test the loyalty of Senate Republicans. Trump has formally offered Kennedy the job and the announcement could come as soon as Thursday. This is a breaking story and will be updated.

Persons: Donald Trump, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, Trump, Kennedy Organizations: Palm Beach , Florida CNN —, Department of Health, Human Services, Republicans Locations: Palm Beach , Florida

☆ Vaccine maker stocks tumble after Trump picks RFK Jr. for health secretary
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-14 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Shares of prominent vaccine makers plunged Thursday after President-elect Donald Trump announced his pick of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be the next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. An hour before the market closed Thursday, as news reports of Trump’s choice began trickling out, Covid-19 vaccine maker Moderna dipped as much as 6%, and Pfizer fell almost 2%. Novavax, which created a protein-based Covid-19 vaccine, fell almost 6%. Last week, Kennedy said he would “immediately” begin studying vaccine safety and efficacy but promised to not “take vaccines away from anybody.”Other vaccine-related companies also felt the fallout. Over the past year, Pfizer stock has dipped 11%, and Moderna stock has plunged 46%.

Persons: Donald Trump, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, Kennedy, “, Trump, ” Trump, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Kristen Holmes, Aaron Pellish Organizations: New, New York CNN, Department of Health, Human Services, Moderna, Pfizer, BioNTech, British GSK, Health, HHS Locations: New York, British

☆ Melania Trump unlikely to move to the White House full time as first lady: ‘This time is different’
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-13 | by ( Betsy Klein | Kristen Holmes | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

I was in the White House before. The Bidens have similarly spent significant time at the family’s Delaware homes, though the White House has been both Joe and Jill Biden’s primary residence on weekdays for the past four years. I don’t feel that way,” Melania Trump told Fox News’ Ainsley Earhardt last month. The prospect of a first lady declining to live full time at the White House offers a remarkable break in precedent but should not be surprising to those who have long observed Melania Trump. In this May 2018 photo, Melania Trump arrives during a "Be Best" initiative event in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC.

Persons: Washington CNN — Melania Trump, she’ll, Jill Biden, Joe Biden, Donald Trump’s, Melania Trump, Trump, “ I’m, ” Trump, Donald Trump, Jill Biden’s, Barron, Barron Trump, ” Melania Trump, Ainsley Earhardt, … He’s, ”, Kate Bennett, Melania Trump’s, Biden, children’s, Al Drago, Bennett, ‘, Stephanie Grisham, “, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Winston Wolkoff, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Rosalynn Carter, “ wasn’t, Rebecca Wright, that’s, ” Bennett Organizations: Washington CNN, CNN, White, Fox News, Mar, New York University, Trump, White House, CNN White House, “, Bloomberg, Getty, East Wing, SSRS, Palm, ”, Republican National Convention Locations: Washington, New York City, Palm Beach , Florida, Lago, Bedminster , New Jersey, Delaware, Florida, New York, Madison, West Palm Beach, Rose, Washington , DC, McAllen , Texas, Palm Beach and New York, Milwaukee

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