The lone Republican who could tank Trump's Fed pick



President Donald Trump's pick to overhaul the Federal Reserve has enjoyed support from the commander in chief's allies in the Senate, but one lawmaker just might shut down the nominee's confirmation.

Trump nominated Kevin Warsh to chair the Federal Reserve back in January after publicly feuding with current Chair Jerome Powell for failing to cut interest rates and for his multibillion-dollar renovation of the Fed building. Since then, Warsh took the first step of the confirmation process by going to Capitol Hill to testify before the Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday.

'Political interference or legal intimidation is non-negotiable.'

Warsh received glowing reviews from the seven Senate Republicans after his hearing, including from GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who has butted heads with Trump in the past. Despite Tillis' endorsement of Warsh, the retiring senator drew a bold red line for the administration that could cost the confirmation.

"Kevin Warsh is a great nominee to be chairman of the Federal Reserve, and I look forward to supporting him out of committee once the DOJ drops their bogus investigation into Chairman Powell that threatens the independence of the Fed," Tillis said in a statement.

RELATED: Federal Reserve makes key decision on interest rates — and Trump won't like it

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Tillis has repeatedly demanded that the administration suspend its investigation into Powell, even threatening to block nominees he supports, like Warsh. Notably, the Senate Banking Committee is composed of seven Republicans and six Democrats, meaning Tillis' vote is necessary to advance Warsh's nomination assuming the vote falls along party lines.

"The Department of Justice continues to pursue a criminal investigation into Chairman Jerome Powell based on committee testimony that no reasonable person could construe as possessing criminal intent," Tillis said following Warsh's nomination in January. "Protecting the independence of the Federal Reserve from political interference or legal intimidation is non-negotiable."

"My position has not changed: I will oppose the confirmation of any Federal Reserve nominee, including for the position of Chairman, until the DOJ’s inquiry into Chairman Powell is fully and transparently resolved."

One viable "off-ramp" that has been floated by Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, who chairs the committee, is to create a subcommittee to investigate and oversee the Federal Reserve's over-budget construction. This would, in effect, replace the Department of Justice's criminal probe into Powell but still allow the administration and its allies to investigate the Fed.

It's unclear whether the DOJ would drop the investigation, but Tillis expressed enthusiasm about the potential resolution.

“I not only think it’s a good off-ramp, but I also think it’s good governance,” Tillis said.

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Lone Democrat saves Trump's DHS nominee



President Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Homeland Security advanced through committee Thursday thanks to one Democrat senator.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin's nomination advanced through the Senate Homeland Security Committee after Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania crossed party lines and voted in favor of the nominee. Mullin's confirmation was previously in jeopardy after the committee's chairman, Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, vowed to vote against the nominee, citing concerns about his "temperament."

'Seems like you fight Republicans more than you work with us.'

"They've had to have known for weeks that I couldn't be real happy about a guy that won't apologize and thinks that my assault was perfectly understandable," Paul said.

Without Paul's support, Mullin was on the brink of failing the simple majority vote needed to pass through the committee. However, Fetterman joined seven Republicans on the committee to advance Mullin's nomination to the Senate floor.

RELATED: 'Freaking snake': Trump's new DHS pick faces major roadblock from lone Republican

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Paul and Mullin sparred in Wednesday's confirmation hearing after the chairman confronted the nominee over past comments he made about a violent assault Paul survived.

"You have never had the courage to look me in the eye and tell me that the assault was justified," Paul said of Mullin's comments following the 2017 assault that left him with broken ribs. Paul also claimed Mullin referred to him as a "freaking snake."

Mullin pushed back on Paul's claims in his opening statement, saying they addressed their differences when the Oklahoma senator was still in the House.

"I'm very blunt and direct to the point," Mullin said. "And if I have something to say, I'll say it directly to your face."

"Seems like you fight Republicans more than you work with us," Mullin added.

RELATED: Noem is OUT — and Trump has named her replacement

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Mullin's nomination is now headed to the floor, where the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to confirm him with a simple majority.

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'Freaking snake': Trump's new DHS pick faces major roadblock from lone Republican



The confirmation for President Donald Trump's top choice for the next head of the Department of Homeland Security is off to a rocky start, thanks to one Republican senator.

Trump tapped Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to replace current DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. While most of Mullin's Senate colleagues have praised Trump's choice, Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was not keen on the nominee.

'Seems like you fight Republicans more than you work with us.'

Paul opened the confirmation hearing Wednesday by challenging Mullin to disavow political violence. Paul was specifically asking Mullin to address alleged past comments in which he said he "completely" understood why Paul's neighbor attacked him in 2017, leaving him with severe injuries including broken ribs.

"You have never had the courage to look me in the eye and tell me that the assault was justified," Paul said of Mullin's comments. Paul also claimed Mullin referred to him as a "freaking snake."

RELATED: Noem is OUT — and Trump has named her replacement

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Mullin addressed Paul's claims, insisting that he and Paul had a conversation about their differences when Mullin was still a member of the House. Mullin also looked directly at Paul and said, "I'm very blunt and direct to the point. And if I have something to say, I'll say it directly to your face."

Mullin then added, "Seems like you fight Republicans more than you work with us."

Paul later said he would note vote for Mullin's confirmation, saying Mullin's "temperament was not suitable" and that his "anger issues are a problem."

"They’ve had to have known for weeks that I couldn't be real happy about a guy that won't apologize and thinks that my assault was perfectly understandable," Paul said.

A "no" vote from Paul could cost Mullin the confirmation. Mullin first needs to be approved by a simple majority of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which Paul chairs. If senators vote on party lines, just one Republican defection could throw the whole nomination.

RELATED: Trump's unusual Cabinet meeting may reveal which officials are on thin ice

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If Mullin's nomination advances through committee, he will need a simple majority in the Republican-controlled Senate.

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'Unnecessary and protracted': Elise Stefanik drops out of New York governor's race



Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York suspended her gubernatorial campaign on Friday just weeks after joining the race in November.

Stefanik becomes one of many prospective Republican retirees, clarifying that she will not seek to return to Congress either. Stefanik maintained that she would have won the Republican gubernatorial primary but that her candidacy would draw away crucial resources in an electorally "challenging" state like New York.

This is not the first time Stefanik's career has taken an abrupt turn.

"I am truly humbled and grateful for the historic and overwhelming support from Republicans, Conservatives, Independents, and Democrats all across the state for our campaign to Save New York," Stefanik said in a Friday post on X.

"However, as we have seen in past elections, while we would have overwhelmingly won this primary, it is not an effective use of our time or your generous resources to spend the first half of next year in an unnecessary and protracted Republican primary, especially in a challenging state like New York," Stefanik added.

RELATED: 'Do I have to stay until I'm assassinated?' Marjorie Taylor Greene lashes out over calls to finish her term

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Stefanik said her family was a big part of her political calculus, saying she would regret taking more time away from being with her young son.

"And while many know me as Congresswoman, my most important title is Mom," Stefanik said. "I believe that being a parent is life's greatest gift and greatest responsibility. I have thought deeply about this and I know that as a mother, I will feel profound regret if I don't further focus on my young son's safety, growth, and happiness — particularly at his tender age."

This is not the first time Stefanik's career has taken an abrupt turn.

RELATED: GOP feud breaks out after Elise Stefanik accuses Speaker Johnson of protecting the deep state

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Stefanik was President Donald Trump's first pick to serve as ambassador to the United Nations, even forfeiting her leadership position in the House and going through the early stages of Senate confirmation at the beginning of the year. Her nomination was later pulled, with Republican leadership citing the historically narrow House margins. Mike Waltz was instead confirmed to the position.

Stefanik returned to the House and later announced her gubernatorial run in November, before announcing on Friday she would step back from public service altogether.

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Senate narrowly confirms Trump lawyer despite Republican defectors



In accordance with President Donald Trump's demands, the Senate is chipping away at the massive backlog of nominees. This time, Republicans narrowly confirmed former Trump lawyer Emil Bove, but some familiar names have once again bucked their party.

Bove was officially confirmed for a lifetime appointment to serve as a judge on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Tuesday night. Although Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate, Bove was confirmed in a narrow 50-49 vote after Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine voted against the Trump nominee.

'That’s gotta be rough, being publicly unmasked and emasculated like that.'

While Murkowski and Collins didn't publicly comment about their disapproval of Bove, several Democrats did.

In a drawn-out floor speech, Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey said Bove's confirmation marked a "sad day for the judiciary."

RELATED: Mike Collins launches campaign to flip key swing state Senate seat

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"By confirming Emil Bove, my Republican colleagues once again failed their constitutional duties and put loyalty to Donald Trump over the good of our country," Booker said in his social media post.

At the same time, Trump allies like the Federalist's Sean Davis celebrated Bove's confirmation as yet another political win for the country.

"Congrats to Emil Bove on his confirmation, and condolences to Ed Whelan and everyone else on the fake right who definitely weren’t being paid and directed to run a smear campaign against Bove to prevent his confirmation," Davis said in a post on X. "That’s gotta be a tough pill to swallow after spending years threatening conservative lawyers that their careers would be over if they defended Trump or J6ers from left-wing lawfare."

RELATED: One Republican's rhetoric is even starting to spook pro-Israel groups

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"That’s gotta be rough, being publicly unmasked and emasculated like that, and realizing that everyone now knows you were all bark and no bite," Davis added. "Oof. Oh well!"

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New Docs Shatter Leftist Claims Emil Bove Ordered Former DOJ Official To ‘Defy’ Court Orders

New records obtained by The Federalist undercut Democrat claims that judicial nominee Emil Bove ordered DOJ officials to ignore a court order.

Republican senator makes a stunning admission: 'I can't be somebody that I'm not'



Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska signaled that she would be open to a major political shake-up, but on one condition.

Murkowski, who has a track record of bucking her party, admitted on a new episode of the "GD Politics" podcast that she would be open to caucusing with Democrats and even changing her party affiliation to independent if she felt it benefited her constituents. Although Murkowski has repeatedly refrained from voting alongside Republicans on key votes, she also acknowledged that there are certain aspects of the Democratic Party she simply disagrees with.

'There is some openness to exploring something different.'

"I have to figure out how I can be most effective for the people that I serve," Murkowski said. "That's why I'm going to continue to do a really hard job, because I want to try to help people."

"My problem with your hypothetical is that as challenged as I think we may be on the Republican side, I don't see the Democrats being much better," Murkowski said. "And they've got not only their share of problems, but quite honestly, they've got some policies that I just inherently disagree with."

RELATED: Vance casts tiebreaking Senate vote after Republicans join Democrats to tank Trump's tariffs

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Murkowski managed to evade directly addressing whether she would change her party affiliation to independent, but she expressed an "openness" to it.

"There is some openness to exploring something different than the status quo."

RELATED: RFK secures support from key Republican ahead of confirmation

Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for JDRF

Murkowski noted that she has been pressured to change her party affiliation to Libertarian in the past in order to secure a political advantage. Even though it might have played in her favor, Murkowski rejected the idea.

"I can't be somebody that I'm not," Murkowski said. "I can't now say, 'I want this job so much that I'm going to pretend to be somebody that I'm not.' That's not who I am."

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Republican senator turns against key Trump nominee, potentially empowering activist Judge Boasberg



Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he will not be supporting Ed Martin, President Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., which could lead to some unintended consequences.

After meeting with Martin Monday night, Tillis told reporters that he opposed Martin's nomination due to "concerns related to January 6." Notably, Martin was a defense attorney for January 6 protesters and has long advocated for those who he says were wrongly prosecuted in the aftermath of the riot for political purposes.

With Tillis acting as a roadblock to Trump's agenda, it's possible that Boasberg will be able to tilt the scales in his favor.

"I met with Mr. Martin; he seems like a good man," Tillis said. "Most of my concerns related to January 6, and he built a compelling case on some of the 15 or 12 prosecutions that were probably 'heat of the moment' bad decisions. But where we probably have a difference is I think anybody that breached the perimeter should have been in prison for some period of time. Whether it's 30 days or three years is debatable, but I have no tolerance for anybody who entered the building on January 6."

"If Mr. Martin were being put forth as a U.S. attorney for any district except the district where January 6 happened, the protest happened, I'd probably support him," Tillis added. "But not in this district."

Martin has been serving as interim U.S. attorney for the district since Trump's inauguration, but his interim term is set to expire on May 19. If the Senate fails to confirm Martin before then, his replacement will be chosen by activist judge and MAGA combatant Judge James Boasberg.

Boasberg has been a thorn in Trump's side for several weeks now, primarily for issuing rulings that have halted and disrupted the administration's efforts to carry out mass deportations.

With Tillis acting as a roadblock to Trump's agenda, it's possible that Boasberg will be able to tilt the scales in his favor.

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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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Senate confirms Trump's top military pick in overnight vote



The Senate confirmed retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine to serve as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Friday during an overnight vote.

Caine was confirmed in a 60-25 vote after President Donald Trump abruptly fired Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. in February. Although his confirmation was bipartisan, several Democratic senators, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, protested his nomination in light of Brown's firing.

'Under President Trump, we are putting in place new leadership that will focus our military on its core mission of deterring, fighting and winning wars.'

Even still, 16 Democrats joined Republicans to confirm Caine right before Congress' two-week recess.

"General Caine is an accomplished pilot, national security expert, successful entrepreneur, and a 'warfighter' with significant interagency and special operations experience," Trump said in a Truth Social post.

"During my first term, Razin [Caine] was instrumental in the complete annihilation of the ISIS caliphate," Trump added. "It was done in record setting time, a matter of weeks. Many so-called military 'geniuses' said it would take years to defeat ISIS. General Caine, on the other hand, said it could be done quickly, and he delivered."

Trump credited Caine for his prior military experience and "America First" worldview, which Secretary Pete Hegseth has also embraced in his role heading the Department of Defense.

"General Caine embodies the warfighter ethos and is exactly the leader we need to meet the moment," Hegseth said in a statement. "I look forward to working with him."

"Under President Trump, we are putting in place new leadership that will focus our military on its core mission of deterring, fighting and winning wars," Hegseth added.

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