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Summary
Here are the key developments from the last few hours:
Donald Trump named Karoline Leavitt as his pick for White House press secretary. Leavitt, who would be the youngest White House press secretary in history, was the Trump campaign’s national press secretary and served as assistant press secretary during his last administration. “Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator,” Trump said in a statement.
Donald Trump said in a statement that he will appoint Doug Burgum as both interior secretary and the head of a new National Energy Council. Trump announced that the North Dakota governor would head up the department that handles oil and gas drilling on federal lands, rattling environmentalists who fear Burgum will pursue policies that will exacerbate the climate crisis.
The Republican speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, said he is against the ethics committee releasing its report into drug use and sexual misconduct by Matt Gaetz, the former representative nominated by Donald Trump to serve as attorney general.
Donald Trump has appointed his campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung as the next White House communications director.
Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary nominee, was reportedly involved in a sexual assault investigation in 2017 – a surprise to Trump’s transition team – but no charges were filed.
Dick Durbin, the outgoing Senate judiciary committee chair, warned that Trump’s justice department will use its powers to “seek vengeance”.
Mike Pence came out against Robert F Kennedy Jr to lead the health department, citing the nominee’s support for abortion.
Scott Bessent, a hedge fund founder, and Howard Lutnick, the co-chair of Trump’s transition team, are reportedly in the running to head up the treasury.
Updated
