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."

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Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

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."

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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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White House revokes Trump's CDC pick hours before hearing: 'Big Pharma was behind this'



The White House has reportedly withdrawn Dave Weldon's nomination to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just hours before his Senate hearing Thursday.

Weldon was set to testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on Thursday to advance his nomination. However, multiple reports confirmed that the former congressman's nomination was revoked. Weldon has also had a long-standing career in internal medicine and has raised past concerns about certain vaccine side effects, which some outlets have speculated affected his nomination.

'The concern of many people is that big Pharma was behind this which is probably true.'

In a statement issued Thursday, Weldon said his nomination was rescinded because he did not have enough votes in the Senate.

"Twelve hours before my scheduled confirmation hearing in The Senate, I received a phone call from an assistant at the White House informing me that my nomination to be Director of CDC was being withdrawn because there were not enough votes to get me confirmed," Weldon said. "I then spoke to HHS Secretary Bobbie [sic] Kennedy who was very upset. He was told the same thing and that he had been looking forward to working with me at CDC. He said I was the perfect person for the job."

The Senate HELP Committee has a 12-11 partisan split with a Republican majority, meaning Weldon could afford to lose the vote of only one GOP senator on the committee. Weldon said that Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who has voted to tank several of President Donald Trump's picks, ultimately had immovable reservations about the nominee.

"I had a very pleasant meeting with her 2 weeks prior where she expressed no reservation, but at my meeting with her staff on March 11 they were suddenly very hostile — a bad sign," Weldon said in the statement. "They repeatedly accus[ed] me of being 'antivax,' even though I reminded them that I actually give hundreds of vaccines every year in my medical practice."

Weldon also made the assumption that the HELP Committee's chairman, Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, was going to vote against the nominee.

"Ironically, he is also an internist like me and I have known him for years and I thought we were friends," Weldon said. "But he too was also throwing around the claim that I was 'antivax' or that I believed that vaccines cause autism which I have never said. He actually once asked that my nomination be withdrawn."

Although his nomination was revoked due to lack of support, Weldon said the underlying actor was likely Big Pharma.

"The concern of many people is that big Pharma was behind this which is probably true," Weldon said. "They are hands-down the most powerful lobby organization in Washington DC giving millions of dollars to politicians on both sides of the aisle."

"I have learned the hard way," Weldon continued, "don't mess with Pharma."

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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'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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Despite Democrats Kicking And Screaming, Kash Patel’s Nomination To Direct FBI Advances

'This agency should be above politics,' Sen. Dick Durbin said, while making it about politics.

Senate confirms RFK despite Democrats' desperate attempts to sink the nominee



The Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday. Kennedy is the 15th member of President Donald Trump's Cabinet to be confirmed.

The Senate confirmed Kennedy in a 52-48 vote, with former Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) voting against the nominee. McConnell has now opposed three of Trump's nominees, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Much to Democrats' dismay, the nominees once thought to be long shots have, one by one, been confirmed to serve in Trump's Cabinet.

"President Trump has tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the charge in making America healthy again," Republican Majority Leader John Thune (S.D.) said in a floor speech Tuesday. "He promises to make HHS a collaborative, transparent, and science-driven agency under his leadership."

"Our public health agencies do critical work, and I'm a supporter of their research, and I'm proud of the contributions they make to American leadership and medicine and innovation," Thune continued. "But if we're going to Make America Healthy Again, the agencies doing this important work have to rebuild some trust with Americans."

In the days leading up to his confirmation, several key Republicans rallied behind Kennedy.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska endorsed Kennedy just moments after the Senate advanced his nomination on Wednesday. Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine also came out in support of the nominee on Tuesday. Notably, both Collins and Murkowski voted against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and have a history of deviating from party-line votes.

Although Murkowski and Collins have previously bucked their own party, both senators fell in line and backed Kennedy.

Kennedy is the latest of Trump's more contentious nominees to secure his confirmation. The Senate notably confirmed Tulsi Gabbard to serve as director of national intelligence on Wednesday and advanced Kash Patel's nomination to head the FBI on Thursday morning.

Much to Democrats' dismay, the nominees once thought to be long shots have, one by one, been confirmed to serve in Trump's Cabinet.

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