The Senate confirmed South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security on Saturday, marking another significant addition to President Donald Trump’s Cabinet as he advances his second-term agenda.
The Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation’s Secretary of Defense late Friday in a dramatic tie-breaking vote, overcoming vocal opposition and questions surrounding his qualifications and character. This confirmation solidifies President Donald Trump’s national security team as he prepares to take office.
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) highlighted his America First Act during a Senate Budget Committee meeting on Wednesday, reiterating its goal of banning illegal immigrants from accessing welfare and other federal benefits. Originally introduced in December 2024, the legislation seeks to block billions of taxpayer dollars from being used to support individuals paroled into the United States through questionable asylum claims.
Samantha Deering, ex-wife of Pete Hegseth, has publicly denied allegations of abuse made by Hegseth’s estranged ex-sister-in-law, Danielle Dietrich. The allegations surfaced just days before Hegseth’s expected confirmation as defense secretary, prompting accusations of a politically motivated smear campaign.
The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense to the full Senate on Monday, moving him closer to confirmation. The vote, which took place behind closed doors, was strictly along party lines, with all 14 Republican members supporting and all 13 Democratic members opposing.
Attorneys General from 20 states are calling on the U.S. Senate to quickly confirm three nominees proposed by President-elect Donald Trump for key national security positions. The nominees include Governor Kristi Noem (R-SD) for Secretary of Homeland Security, Pam Bondi for Attorney General, and Kash Patel for FBI Director. The officials emphasize the urgency of assembling a strong national security team given current challenges.
The Thomas Moore Society, a conservative legal group, is calling for President-elect Donald Trump to pardon 21 pro-life activists prosecuted by the Biden administration.
Scott Bessent, nominee for Treasury Secretary under the incoming Trump administration, is set to outline a bold economic agenda during his Senate confirmation hearing Thursday. According to prepared remarks, Bessent will emphasize the need to permanently extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while advancing new policies to reduce the tax burden on manufacturers, service workers, and seniors.
