Trump reassigns Mike Waltz to a new post following Signal scandal



President Donald Trump announced that he will be nominating Mike Waltz, who currently serves as his national security adviser, to instead be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as the interim national security adviser until the president appoints a new candidate to permanently fill the role. The announcement to reassign Waltz came just hours after multiple reports began to surface about his rumored firing from the administration for his role in the now infamous Signal chat leaks.

Given his responsibility in 'SignalGate,' we can expect to see senators apply significant pressure on the nominee during his confirmation hearing.

"I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations," Trump said in a Truth Social post Thursday. "From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation's interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role."

"In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department," Trump added. "Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN."

Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York was originally set to serve as U.N. ambassador and even began to go through the Senate confirmation process. Her nomination was eventually rescinded after Speaker Mike Johnson brought up the House Republican's historically narrow majority.

Another vacancy in the House GOP would shrink their majority even further, making it nearly impossible to pass meaningful legislation, especially during the ongoing reconciliation fight.

Notably, Waltz was nominated to a role requiring Senate confirmation. Given his responsibility in "SignalGate," we can expect to see senators apply significant pressure on the nominee during his confirmation hearing.

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Hegseth vows to prosecute Pentagon leakers



Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Pentagon staffers "will be prosecuted" if they are found leaking sensitive information within the department.

This push for investigations comes after top Pentagon officials were removed for allegedly leaking information to reporters. One of the officials who was removed, John Ullyot, also penned an op-ed on Sunday depicting behind-the-scenes turmoil within the department. In response, Hegseth said that Ullyot "misrepresented" his leadership and the department in his piece.

'The leakers know who they are, the truth will be told, and we stand behind that.'

"We're going to investigate and take it anywhere it leads," Hegseth said Tuesday.

"It led to unfortunate places for people I have known for a long time," Hegseth added. "It is not my job to protect them; I protect national security."

Hegseth also argued that the leakers are working to curb President Donald Trump's policies and leadership, prompting the investigation and subsequent prosecution of leakers at the Pentagon.

"When evidence is gathered — and this happened quickly — it will be handed over to the DOJ, and the people will be prosecuted," Hegseth said. "The leakers know who they are, the truth will be told, and we stand behind that."

Three other officials who were removed for alleged leaks — Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll, and Darin Selnick — issued a joint statement on Saturday expressing disappointment in the Department of Defense but also maintained their support for Trump and his administration.

"We are incredibly disappointed by the manner in which our service at the Department of Defense ended. Unnamed Pentagon officials have slandered our character with baseless attacks on our way out the door," the statement reads. "All three of us served our country honorably in uniform — for two of us, this included deployments to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And, based on our collective service, we understand the importance of information security and worked every day to protect it."

"At this time, we still have not been told what exactly we were investigated for, if there is still an active investigation, or if there was even a real investigation of 'leaks' to begin with," the statement continued. "While this experience has been unconscionable, we remain supportive of the Trump-Vance Administration’s mission to make the Pentagon great again and achieve peace through strength. We hope in the future to support those efforts in different capacities."

'I'm here to do one job for the president and the American people: secure the country, America first, peace through strength. I don't have time for leakers or hoax media.'

Notably, Caldwell was the senior adviser designated as Hegseth's point of contact in the now-infamous Signal chat leak. Hegseth has maintained that the Signal chat did not include classified or sensitive information.

"It was the result of an ongoing investigation," Hegseth said of Caldwell, Carroll, and Selnick's removal. "We identified sufficient evidence; the evidence will have to keep going. They, or others near them, were party to leaking. I have a statutory responsibility, if I believe that is the case, to ensure they no longer have access, and the investigation commences."

"If we think you are leaking to the press, that's a real problem we take seriously at the Pentagon," Hegseth added. "I'm here to do one job for the president and the American people: secure the country, America first, peace through strength. I don't have time for leakers or hoax media."

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How Congress' balance of power continues to shift



Just months into the 119th Congress, the balance of partisan power continues to shift within historically narrow margins.

Although Republicans held on to their House majority, Democrats managed to flip nine seats, while Republicans flipped eight seats, narrowing their advantage. The GOP also took a hit when several members of the Republican conference, such as former Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida, were tapped to serve in President Donald Trump's administration.

With multiple vacancies and several special elections, the House's partisan split continues to fluctuate, and every seat counts.

Former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida was also initially recruited to head the Department of Justice, although he eventually dropped his bid and announced that he would not return to serve in the 119th Congress.

These vacancies leave Johnson with just a one-seat majority, requiring Republicans to vote in lockstep for every partisan vote.

To fill the Floridians' vacancies, the state will hold a special election on April 1. While both seats are expected to be filled by Republicans, Johnson is bracing himself for another vacancy in New York once the Senate confirms Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik to serve as U.N. ambassador. As a result, Republicans have made an effort to prolong Stefanik's confirmation, given how valuable her vote is in the House.

Once Stefanik does vacate her seat, Republicans will have a challenging time replacing her. Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York reportedly plans on slow-walking the special election to fill Stefanik's seat, prolonging Republicans' narrow majority.

On the other hand, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas is also tasked with replacing Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner after he passed away on March 5 at the age of 70.

With multiple vacancies and several special elections, the House's partisan split continues to fluctuate, and every seat counts.

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Senate confirms final Cabinet nominee despite Republican holdouts



Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Labor, was confirmed Monday night with bipartisan support in the Senate, completing the president's Cabinet.

Chavez-DeRemer was confirmed in a 67-32 vote, with 17 Democrats joining 50 Republicans. Three Senate Republicans opposed Chavez-DeRemer's confirmation: Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ted Budd of North Carolina, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

'Secretary Chavez-DeRemer will have a critical opportunity to put the interests of working families ahead of Big Labor bosses by empowering every American worker to join a union on their terms. I hope she takes it.'

"I'm deeply honored to be confirmed as the 30th Department of Labor Secretary under President Donald Trump," Chavez-DeRemer said in a Monday statement. "As promised, I'll work tirelessly to put American Workers First by fighting for good-paying jobs, safe working conditions, and secure retirement benefits. Let's get to work."

Despite her nomination by Trump, Chavez-DeRemer has received some pushback from Republicans.

Paul was the only Republican "no" vote during her committee vote, citing concerns about her previous support for the PRO Act, a bill that expands workers' rights to unionize. This pro-union position comes into conflict with right-to-work laws that Paul and other Republicans have championed.

Notably, Chavez-DeRemer reversed her position on the PRO Act when Paul pressed her during her confirmation hearing.

"This is the question, whether this is sort of a deathbed reversal or whether or not she is truly for this," Paul told reporters after the hearing.

McConnell echoed Paul's concerns in a statement Monday, arguing that Chavez-DeRemer had a policy record of forcing "hardworking Americans into union membership."

"The American people demand and deserve change after four years of economic heartache under the 'most pro-union administration in American history,'" McConnell said in a statement. "Unfortunately, Lori Chavez-DeRemer's record pushing policies that force hardworking Americans into union membership suggests more of the same."

"Most Americans believe joining a union should be a personal choice — not a mandate — which is why more than half the states, including Kentucky, have adopted right-to-work laws. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer will have a critical opportunity to put the interests of working families ahead of Big Labor bosses by empowering every American worker to join a union on their terms. I hope she takes it."

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Democrats carry Trump's labor pick through key committee vote



Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Labor, cleared a procedural vote Thursday with the help of Senate Democrats, advancing her nomination to the Senate floor.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee advanced Chavez-DeRemer's nomination in a 13-9 vote with the support of Democratic Sens. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and John Hickenlooper of Colorado as well as 10 Republicans.

'As the daughter of a Teamster, Lori Chavez-DeRemer knows the importance of carrying a union card and what it means to grow up in a middle-class household.'

Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was the only GOP senator to vote against Chavez-DeRemer's nomination, citing concerns over her previous support for the PRO Act. Notably, Chavez-DeRemer reversed her position on the PRO Act when Paul pressed her about it in her confirmation hearing.

"This is the question, whether this is sort of a death-bed reversal or whether or not she is truly for this," Paul told reporters after the hearing.

"I'm going to think about her answers and think about whether or not a conversion in this last moment is sincere," Paul added.

Although Chavez-DeRemer received support from several Democrats, not all of them entirely endorsed the nominee.

“I have some concerns … but it just gets worse from here,” Kaine said.

Chavez-DeRemer previously served in Congress, representing Oregon's 5th Congressional District from 2023 to 2025, although she was ousted by her Democratic challenger in November. During her time in office, Chavez-DeRemer was regarded as a more moderate, pro-union Republican, reflecting her swing district.

Chavez-DeRemer additionally secured an endorsement from the Teamsters union, which is the largest union in the United States.

"As the daughter of a Teamster, Lori Chavez-DeRemer knows the importance of carrying a union card and what it means to grow up in a middle-class household,” Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said in a statement.

“Working people need someone with her experience leading the agency that is tasked with protecting workers, creating good union jobs, and rebuilding our nation’s middle class," O'Brien added. "The Teamsters are grateful to President Trump for putting American workers first by nominating Rep. Chavez-DeRemer to this important role.”

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Trump Invites Musk To Attend First White House Cabinet Meeting

'Everybody is working as one team'

Senate confirms Kash Patel to head the FBI



Despite the incessant smear campaigns spearheaded by Democrats, the Senate narrowly confirmed Kash Patel on Thursday to serve as director of the FBI. Patel is now the 18th member of President Donald Trump's Cabinet to be confirmed.

Patel was confirmed in a 51-49 vote with 51 Republicans supporting the nominee and 47 Democrats voting against him. Notably, retiring Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell voted in favor of Patel's confirmation.

At the same time, Patel also faced pushback from some Republican senators, with Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voting to tank the nominee.

'Mr. Patel should be our next FBI director because the FBI has been infected by political bias and weaponized against the American people. Mr. Patel knows it, Mr. Patel exposed it, and Mr. Patel has been targeted for it.'

Murkowski, Collins, and McConnell have previously voted against Trump's nominees like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. McConnell also voted against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, surprising onlookers with his support for Patel.

"I’ve never seen our law enforcement and intelligence community institutions so badly infected with political decision-making," Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley said in his opening statement during Patel's hearing. "They’ve broken faith with 'we the people.'"

Patel previously advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee in a 12-10 party-line vote, paving the path to his confirmation a week later.

"Mr. Patel should be our next FBI director because the FBI has been infected by political bias and weaponized against the American people," Grassley said during the committee vote. "Mr. Patel knows it, Mr. Patel exposed it, and Mr. Patel has been targeted for it."

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Mitch McConnell announces Senate retirement: Report



Former Republican Leader Mitch McConnell reportedly announced on Thursday that he won't seek re-election to the Senate in 2026.

In recent years, the 83-year-old senator has suffered multiple health scares, with many calling for his resignation. Over the last few years, McConnell has received medical attention for multiple falls, has been seen freezing up during press conferences, and was even spotted in a wheelchair.

Despite his longstanding service, McConnell has become a thorn in the Republican Party's side.

McConnell has served in the Senate for over four decades after he was first elected in 1984. McConnell was also the longest serving party leader, presiding in the role for over 17 years.

McConnell announced that he would be retiring from serving as party leader in 2024 and was eventually succeeded by Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota.

Despite his longstanding service, McConnell has become a thorn in the Republican Party's side.

McConnell has historically had a rift with President Donald Trump over the years. Most recently, the former leader voted against three of Trump's Cabinet picks: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

It's becoming increasingly clear that the Republican Party has outgrown McConnell, and he seems to have taken note.

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Trump's Teamsters-backed labor pick pivots on pro-union position



Former Republican Rep. Lori Chaves-DeRemer of Oregon, who was nominated to head the Department of Labor, was pressed over her pro-union past during her confirmation hearing Wednesday.

During her time in the House, Chavez-DeRemer earned a reputation for being a pro-union Republican, primarily through her support of the PRO Act. In doing so, Chavez-DeRemer received pushback from Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who initially came out against her nomination.

'This is the question, whether this is sort of a death-bed reversal, or whether or not she is truly for this.'

"Her support for the PRO Act, which would not only oppose national right-to-work, but it would pre-empt state law on right-to-work," Paul previously told reporters. "I think it's not a good thing, and it'd be sort of hard for me since it's a big issue for me to support her. So I won't support her."

The PRO Act is designed to expand workers' rights to unionize, coming in conflict with right-to-work laws that have historically been backed by Republicans.

During the hearing, Paul questioned Chavez-DeRemer about her past support for the PRO Act, to which she changed her position.

"The PRO Act wasn't just about organizing or enabling unions to organize, which they already have the right to do. The PRO Act was about overturning right-to-work laws in 26 states," Paul said.

"You no longer support the aspect of the PRO Act that would have overturned state right-to-work laws?" Paul asked.

"Yes, sir," Chavez-DeRemer replied, reversing her previously held position.

Because the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions has 12 Republicans and 11 Democrats, Chavez-DeRemer will have to rely on Democrats to advance through the committee, assuming that Paul remains a no vote. Although several Democrats have signaled they are open to supporting Chavez-DeRemer, she may not need to reach across the aisle after all.

When asked if Chavez-DeRemer's answers changed his vote, Paul said he was going to continue weighing her responses.

"This is the question, whether this is sort of a death-bed reversal, or whether or not she is truly for this," Paul told reporters after the hearing.

"I'm going to think about her answers and think about whether or not a conversion in this last moment is sincere," Paul added.

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Trump enjoys yet another confirmation for his Cabinet



The Senate confirmed Howard Lutnick to serve as President Donald Trump's secretary of commerce Tuesday night.

Lutnick was narrowly confirmed in a 51-45 party-line vote, making him the 17th member of Trump's Cabinet to be confirmed. Notably, Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted to block Lutnick's confirmation on the final floor vote despite siding with 15 Republicans to advance his nomination through committee.

'He was an inspiration to the World - The embodiment of resilience in the face of unspeakable tragedy.'

Lutnick served as co-chair of the Trump-Vance transition team and has long championed a tariff-forward trade policy as well as implementing DOGE-style spending cuts.

"He will lead our Tariff and Trade agenda, with additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative," Trump said in a post on Truth Social announcing his nomination.

Prior to his nomination, Lutnick had spent decades working on Wall Street and securing his role as CEO of Cantor and Fitzgerald at the impressive age of 29. However, the trajectory of his career was forever changed following the terrorist attacks on September 11 that claimed the lives of hundreds of his employees, including his brother.

"He emerged from these events with an indomitable sense of purpose to rebuild the firm to honor those lost, support their families, and become a beacon of hope for those who remained," Trump said in the statement. "He was an inspiration to the World - The embodiment of resilience in the face of unspeakable tragedy."

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