Markwayne Mullin

The fate of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet is still unclear after Republican senators spent much of December carefully dodging questions

The fate of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet is still unclear after Republican senators spent much of December carefully dodging questions about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ’s views on vaccines, accusations of sexual misconduct against Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard’s 2017 meeting with then-President Bashar Assad of Syria. While [...]

President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for HHS Secretary hopes to make a positive impact on lawmakers during one-on-one discussions.

Robert Kennedy, Jr., nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, arrives for his meeting with Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., in the Hart Senate Office Building on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.

The Trump transition team is rolling out a video highlighting the support Pete Hegseth has received from some Republican senators as he looks to sell himself to others.

Tulsi Gabbard is facing a key week on Capitol Hill as she makes the rounds with senators in an attempt to smooth over their concerns and win confirmation to lead the U.S.’s national intelligence apparatus. Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in the House as a Democrat, has flown under the radar in recent weeks, especially with [...]

"That wasn’t him saying he had an alcohol problem, that was him being honest," said Markwayne Mullin of Trump's defense secretary pick.

Blackburn announced she will be introducing the "DOGE Acts," following meetings with Musk and Ramaswamy on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

Some Republicans are questioning whether the goals set out for the Department of Government Efficiency will translate to significant change.

Hegseth's ability to win confirmation by the Senate is in doubt as he faces questions over allegations of excessive drinking, sexual assault and his views on women in combat.

'Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep,' Trump said in a Friday statement.

Pete Hegseth has spent the week on Capitol Hill trying to reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Defense in the wake of high-profile allegations about excessive drinking and sexual assault

The Senate voted Monday to approve the promotion of a general who oversaw troops during the U.S. withdrawal from Kabul, Afghanistan, after it had been blocked by a Republican senator aligned with President-elect Donald Trump.The Senate voted by unanimous consent, meaning all 100 senators agreed, to approve Army Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue’s promotion to four-star general to oversee U.S. Army forces in Europe.Sen Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., had blocked Donahue’s promotion, NBC News reported last month, citing a Senate aide. Though Mullin did not publicly explain his hold, it came as Trump has threatened to fire officials involved in the U.S.’ chaotic exit from Afghanistan and as his transition team explores whether they can be court-martialed.Mullin’s hold was lifted ahead of the Senate’s vote on Donahue on Monday night. His office did not provide comment on it.Donahue, who was commander of the 82nd Airborne Division during the Kabul withdrawal in 2021, was the subject of a viral photograph as the last soldier to board a U.S. military plane out of Afghanistan.Republicans in Congress have held multiple hearings during President Joe Biden’s term about the withdrawal from Afghanistan and particularly the evacuation of U.S. troops, embassy staff members and Afghans who helped American forces from Kabul. A suicide bombing by the Islamic State at Abbey Gate leading into the Kabul airport killed 13 American service members in August 2021.An inspector general’s report in 2022 found that decisions by both Biden and Trump contributed to the troubled exit from Afghanistan.Sarah Mimms contributed.This article first appeared on NBCNews.com. Read more from NBC News here:What’s happening in Syria? How an old conflict in the Middle East erupted againVillage People singer defends Trump’s use of ‘Y.M.C.A.,’ says song isn’t a ‘gay anthem’South Carolina driver gets 25 years for DUI crash that killed bride, injured groom on wedding day

Then-candidate Donald Trump in September promised that he would sign legislation to grant federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe.

When Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigned in North Carolina, both candidates courted a state-recognized tribe there whose 55,000 members could have helped tip the swing state.

Gabbard is among several controversial Trump cabinet nominees who Republicans have expressed reservations about.

One Democratic senator said she needs to see the background checks on Trump's incoming Cabinet selections.

Republican lawmakers are pushing back against criticism from some Democrats that President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead U.S. intelligence services is “compromised” by her comments supportive of Russia and a meeting with an ally of that country

Sen. Markwayne Mullin fired back at what he described as "dangerous" and false accusations about President-elect Donald Trump's pick for director of national intelligence being a Russian asset.

Republicans are signaling a quick confirmation process for President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet in 2025.

Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue was slated to be promoted to a four-star rank and take command of the U.S. Army in Europe.

A Republican senator has blocked the promotion of a general who oversaw troops in Kabul during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, according to a Senate aide.

A GOP senator has blocked the promotion of a general who oversaw troops in Kabul in the first sign of Trump retaliating against officers involved in the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Anti-abortion activists are reportedly urging Kennedy to appoint an abortion opponent to a top HHS role and reinstate Trump-era restrictions on abortion access.

Republicans on the House Ethics Committee are barreling into a no-win situation ahead of their expected meeting Wednesday to discuss their report into former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), weighing a high-stakes decision that will reverberate throughout Washington. The gathering for the panel — which is known for conducting its business in secrecy — comes as the [...]

As President-elect Donald Trump digs in on his pick of Matt Gaetz for attorney general, Republican senators are divided over how much information they will demand to move his confirmation — and how much to push back on Trump as he demands that they qui...

Sen. John Thune of South Dakota insisted to Republican senators he intends to carry out Trump's agenda and support him as the Senate leader.

Guest lineups for the Sunday news shows

A look at who has declined to express support for Gaetz, Kennedy, Gabbard and Hegseth.

The expression “The worse, the better” is often attributed to Vladimir Lenin, and captures a sort of messianic nihilism — the dream that escalating misery will hasten the fall of a corrupt order. Usually, I find this ethos despicable; in my experience, suffering only begets more suffering. I’m making an exception, however, for Donald Trump’s [...]The post I Can’t Wait for Matt Gaetz’s Confirmation Hearings appeared first on GV Wire.

Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said the Constitution states that the Senate has a duty to 'advise and consent' when it comes to nominations.

'Ten GOP members have endorsed a candidate so far'

It remains to be seen whether the high-profile endorsements Rick Scott has received from external figures will influence the Senate GOP's secret ballot leader race.

Senate Minority Whip earned another endorsement in his bid to succeed Mitch McConnell as Republican leader.

As Senate Republicans prepare to vote Wednesday on a new majority leader, Trump is already weighing in with demands for recess appointments.

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.) is urging President-elect Trump not to put his thumb on the scale in the race to elect a successor to outgoing Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), putting a new wrinkle in the high-stakes contest. Thune in recent days has declared his preference that Trump give Republican senators space [...]

Weeks before the election, President-elect Trump privately dismissed Sen. Rick Scott's (R-Fla.) leadership bid, telling allies it is "not serious," two sources familiar with what was said told Axios.Why it matters: With Trump's decisive victory and the Senate majority secured, potential replacements for Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell are hustling to get the support they need before the Nov. 13 vote.A senior Trump campaign official pushed back on Axios' reporting, saying Trump "hasn’t weighed in on the leadership race and anyone who says differently is wrong." Zoom in: People very close to Trump have privately signaled their support for Scott as leader, which the senator hopes could turn into public backing by Trump, three sources familiar with the dynamic have told Axios.Scott had signs at his campaign victory party on Tuesday that read "Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader" and he focused his acceptance speech on what he would do as leader.Fellow conservative firebrand Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) called on Trump to endorse Scott for leader, and controversial MAGA personality Laura Loomer has been stumping for Scott.Despite their good relationship, Trump signaled to allies before the election that he doesn't see Scott as a serious contender.State of the race: The vote will likely come down to Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) or John Cornyn (R-Texas). Most sources we hear from in and around the Capitol view Thune as the more likely winner, though Cornyn has had momentum, too.NRSC Chair Steve Daines' (R-Mont.) decision not to mount a last-minute bid removed the threat of a dark horse candidate. He is also close with Thune, and has privately told colleagues he backs him for leader.The intrigue: Thune is now personally encouraging Trump to stay out of it, which has raised some eyebrows."I think it's in his best interest — to stay out of that," Thune told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday morning. "These Senate secret ballot elections are best left to senators. And he's got to work with all of us when it's all said and done. But whatever he decides to do, that's going to be his prerogative, as we know."Cornyn also made a pitch on Fox News on Monday, touting a "very successful" first term working with Trump. "As I told President Trump, I'm interested in getting the band back together again," he said.What they're saying: "At the end of the day, the president does like to be with people that have a possibility to win, too," Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) told Axios in a short interview on Thursday.Mullin has publicly backed Thune. Mullin regularly talks with Trump and has encouraged the former president not to weigh in.With 53 GOP Senate seats, "it's not worth the political capital for the president to spend, because if he endorses one, that means he's made the other two mad," Mullin said.

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky—who infamously stole two Supreme Court seats and refused to convict Donald Trump after the Jan. 6 insurrection—isn't leaving Congress.But McConnell won't be Senate majority leader when the new GOP majority is sworn in in January, announcing in February that he was stepping down from the role when the new Congress is sworn in.Republicans are now jockeying to replace him, with Sens. John Thune of South Dakota, John Cornyn of Texas, and Rick Scott of Florida all running for the role.And the race is already getting ugly, with Scott working hardest to cozy up to Trump and his vile allies—including racist 9/11 truther Laura Loomer—in an effort to try to come out on top.

Sen. Steve Daines is pushing colleagues to support Sen. John Thune in the leader race, according to a source familiar.

Only a few Republican senators have publicly endorsed a candidate. Many say they are still undecided.

National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) is telling colleagues that he will support Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) in the race to become next Senate Republican leader, according to sources familiar with the private conversations. Daines’s public support would be a promising development for Thune, who is locked in a tough [...]

Republicans believe that they are in prime shape to win at least 52 seats in the Senate with only days to go until Election Day. The GOP has long been favored to win back the upper chamber, but the size of its majority has been in question as the party’s candidates trailed against Democratic incumbents in [...]

In swing states like Arizona, North Carolina, Michigan and Nevada, the campaigns have targeted Native Americans with radio ads and events.

The vetting of an Afghan national accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired terror attack is under scrutiny, with government agencies pointing fingers on the matter.

An Election Day terror plot, allegedly being planned by an Afghan national who came to the U.S. in 2021, is raising new concerns about the numbers brought to the U.S.

Senators are privately (and publicly) saying they hope Donald Trump stays out of the internal election to replace Mitch McConnell as Senate GOP leader.Why it matters: None of them know — or it's a damn good secret — whether the former president will make an endorsement. But senators and advisors fear a Trump intervention could turn the secret ballot leader election into a public feud."I said, 'Sir, if I was you, I would stay out of the race, because there's no win for you in this,'" Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) told us about a recent call with Trump."I hope not," said Sen. Thom Tillis, when asked if he thinks Trump will weigh in. "I think outside influence could be problematic.""He's offered some views on it to me," Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) told us. "It's safe to say he has a pretty consistent prediction of who he thinks it'll be." Hawley said he did not know if Trump would weigh in.Between the lines: This the first real competitive Senate GOP leadership race of the Trump-era, and his endorsement carries a lot of weight with a growing segment of the conference.McConnell has had a tumultuous relationship with the former president.The top two candidates — Sens. John Thune and John Cornyn — each have had rocky relationships with Trump. However, they have worked to make amends.After Jan. 6, Thune denounced Trump and initially endorsed Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) for president. Cornyn has said the GOP needed to move on from Trump.Senate sources do not talk about Sen. Rick Scott's (R-Fla.) bid as seriously as Thune's or Cornyn's, though he has a good relationship with Trump. "Sen. Scott is focused on dramatically changing the way the Senate operates and creating a member-driven process," according to spokesperson McKinley Lewis.Sources often describe Thune as the likely favorite, though they say not to discount how much Cornyn's long history of hard-dollar fundraising for Senate campaigns means to people.Cornyn told us it's been a few weeks since he spoke with Trump about the leadership race. But he visited Mar-a-Lago a couple months ago "to talk about planning for the future," adding they've been "visiting with some of the transition folks."Mullin said Trump "likes" Thune despite their rocky past. The Oklahoma Republican has publicly backed Thune.Some sources suspect there could be a late entry: NRSC Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) is the most-floated name.The bottom line: There's not a lot of incentive for senators benefiting from both Thune and Cornyn's aggressive fundraising efforts to commit too early."If one of them felt that they really had a majority, I think they would not be shy about saying that, but I don't think anybody does," Hawley said.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is calling on Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to fire his country’s ambassador to the U.S. The Republican speaker is criticizing the war-torn leader’s visit to a swing-state Pennsylvania manufacturing site producing war...

A threat to impose a 200% tariff on John Deere products by former President Donald Trump could hurt publicly traded Deere & Co (NYSE:DE) and the investors who hold the stock, including members of Congress.What Happened: Trump recently said he would place a hefty tariff on John Deere products if the company shifts some production from the U.S. to Mexico."If you do that, we're putting a 200% tariff on everything that you want to sell into the United States," Trump said at a Pennsylvania event.The threat from Trump could have a major impact on Deere's future growth plans as it looks for new ways to cut costs and increase production.A tariff could hurt the stock price and investors, which includes several members of Congress.According to Benzinga's Government Trades ...Full story available on Benzinga.com

Sen. Cornyn is highlighting his fundraising ability as he and others battle to fill Minority Leader McConnell's shoes in the next Congress.

Senate Republicans are letting the air out on House Republican efforts to pump up a partisan standoff over federal funding, which they fear could risk an embarrassing government shutdown a few weeks before Election Day. With the prospect of a Senate Republican majority in 2025 tantalizingly close, GOP senators don’t want to let a proposal [...]