Coverage on this live blog has ended.
What to know today
- Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, headed to Capitol Hill today for meetings with lawmakers. He said he'll return tomorrow as he attempts to win over lawmakers who have concerns about his nomination.
- Hegseth, an Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News host, has been under scrutiny over a sexual assault claim, as well as allegations concerning his drinking.
- NBC News reported yesterday that Hegseth consumed alcohol in ways that concerned his colleagues at Fox News, according to 10 current and former Fox employees. He told Megyn Kelly today that he "never had a drinking problem" and blamed the story on "disgruntled" former employees.
- Trump is considering replacing Hegseth with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to two sources familiar with the decision-making. DeSantis, a Navy veteran, challenged Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries but later endorsed him.
Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to be FBI director, targeted in Iranian-backed cyberattack
The FBI recently told Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to be the bureau’s next director, that he was the target of an Iranian cyberattack, two senior law enforcement officials told NBC News.
The exact timing of the cyberattack is unclear, but it was before Trump named Patel as his choice to be the next head of the FBI, the officials said.
Trump’s lawyers move to dismiss Georgia election interference case
Attorneys for Trump asked a Georgia appeals court today to dismiss the Fulton County racketeering case against him because a “sitting president is completely immune from indictment or any criminal process, state or federal.”
In papers filed with the Georgia Court of Appeals, Trump’s attorneys argued the 2020 election interference charges should be tossed out because of “the unconstitutionality of his continued indictment and prosecution by the State of Georgia” now that “he is President-Elect and will soon become the 47th President of the United States.”
GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy draws primary challenger citing Trump impeachment vote
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., will face at least one primary challenger in 2026, with Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming announcing today that he will run for the seat held by the two-term senator, citing Cassidy’s vote to convict Trump after his 2021 impeachment trial.
Fleming, a former member of Congress, said in a statement that Cassidy “has failed the people of Louisiana.”
Trump taps Frank Bisignano for Social Security Administration commissioner
Trump announced this evening on Truth Social that he has selected Frank Bisignano to be Social Security Administration commissioner.
"Frank is a business leader, with a tremendous track record of transforming large corporations. He will be responsible to deliver on the Agency’s commitment to the American People for generations to come!" Trump said.
About an hour earlier, Trump posted a congratulatory note about Bisignano without saying why he was congratulating him. He deleted those two posts, which laid out Bisignano's credentials, without explaining he had offered him the administration position.
Ken Cuccinelli touts Ron DeSantis' 'extraordinary résumé' amid reporting he could be picked to replace Hegseth
Ken Cuccinelli, acting deputy homeland security secretary in the first Trump administration, told NBC News’ Tom Llamas on "Top Story" that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, reportedly a candidate to become Trump's nominee for defense secretary if Pete Hegseth withdraws, has an "extraordinary résumé to step into this role."
“Ron DeSantis lines up awfully close to President Trump’s historic approach to policy areas, as well as what he has broadcasted, he’s going to do in a second term. They are very, very close on those issues and the president’s determination,” Cuccinelli said.
Cuccinelli, who also helped launch the Never Back Down super PAC that urged DeSantis to run for president, said DeSantis has “the necessity of management and leadership capacity” needed for the position.
NBC News reported yesterday that Hegseth’s nomination is in jeopardy because as many as six GOP senators are wavering in their support for him amid allegations about drinking and his treatment of women.
Cuccinelli added: “He’s going to have to have to fight, just as the president said. He’s going to have to fight for this nomination. Doesn’t mean he’ll get it, but President Trump isn’t known for backing down. I don’t expect any of his nominees to back down.”
Sen. Kevin Cramer sees 'no reason not to be a yes vote' on Hegseth
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., a member of the Armed Services Committee, told NBC News after an hourlong meeting with Hegseth this evening that he is most likely going to vote in support of Hegseth's bid for defense secretary.
"I’d see no reason not to be a yes vote," Cramer said when he was asked whether the meeting had won him over. "Again, you know, we’re not — it’s not time to vote. But yeah, I look forward to being supportive as I can."
Cramer said he’s giving Hegseth the benefit of the doubt and is “ready to be supportive of getting him to that point. I’m ready to get him in front of the committee.”
Cramer recounted that when he asked Hegseth whether there were any further surprises afoot amid a series of damaging allegations about his drinking and treatment of women, among other topics, Hegseth assured him that “there’s absolutely nothing, unless somebody makes something up."
Cramer said Hegseth committed “to not touch alcohol while I’d have this position” and understood the importance of having "a clear-eyed secretary of defense."
Cramer had expressed skepticism about Hegseth before the meeting, previously telling NBC News "it's a pretty big problem" when he was asked whether a sexual assault report dating to 2017 that was released last month gave him reason to hesitate over Hegseth's bid. Hegseth was not charged and has denied wrongdoing.
Rep. Anthony D'Esposito says he has expressed interest in DEA administrator role
Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, R-N.Y., said he has reached out to members of Trump's team and expressed interest in the Drug Enforcement Administration administrator role after Trump's previous pick, Chad Chronister, withdrew from consideration.
"I have not spoken to the president directly. I’ve reached out to members of his team, and listen, I’m sure that there are many other qualified candidates that have been putting their name in for this after last night and President Trump removing his nominee," D'Esposito said. "I was contacted by some of the law enforcement unions throughout New York City and New York state, and that’s where we’re at."
D’Esposito said, a former New York City police detective, said he would go to Mar-a-Lago if he were invited.
"It would be an absolute honor to serve as DEA administrator," he said.
Trump picks former Sen. Kelly Loeffler to be small business administrator
Trump announced today that he has chosen former Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., to lead the Small Business Administration in his second term.
“I am very pleased to nominate business leader and former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler, from the Great State of Georgia, to serve as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA),” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump called Loeffler “a tremendous fighter in the U.S. Senate during the first Trump Administration” and said she will “bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape, and unleash opportunity for our Small Businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive.”
Trump to nominate former Rep. Billy Long for IRS commissioner
Trump announced on Truth Social that he wants former Rep. Billy Long to be the commissioner of the IRS.
"I have known Billy since 2011 — He is an extremely hard worker, and respected by all, especially by those who know him in Congress," Trump wrote. "Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm."
Long said on X after Trump’s announcement, “I’m very honored and excited!!!”
Long was a House member from Missouri from 2011 to 2023. He unsuccessfully ran for the Senate in 2022.
The IRS commissioner must be confirmed by the Senate.
Hegseth says he'll meet with Trump 'anytime' as he enters final Senate meeting of the day
Asked whether he will meet with Trump tomorrow, as has been reported, Hegseth told NBC News: “Not right now, but I’ll meet with him anytime he’d like.”
Hegseth, entering into his final meeting of the day to talk with with Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., told reporters that his meetings have been going well. Earlier, he said his meeting with Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, was “engaging and constructive.”
Hegseth told reporters he plans to be in the Capitol tomorrow for more meetings.