Trump transition live updates: Johnson says he, Trump didn't discuss Gaetz Ethics Committee report

Trump's picks include RFK Jr., Marco Rubio, Elon Musk, Matt Gaetz and more.

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Last updated: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 11:30AM GMT
Trump energy pick, Biden SA visit show opposing climate change views
President-elect Donald Trump's energy secretary pick and President Joe Biden's visit to South America show their opposing views on climate change.

After a sweeping victory over Vice President Kamala Harris on Nov. 5, President-elect Donald Trump is now set to become just the second ever to serve nonconsecutive terms in office.

Trump has wasted no time in moving to assemble his team for a second term in the White House -- naming Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, Florida Rep. Mike Waltz as his national security adviser and Tom Homan as his "border czar," among other positions.

Inauguration Day is Jan. 20.

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Nov 22, 2024, 3:24 PM

List: Trump's picks for cabinet, key roles in next administration

President-elect Donald Trump is naming cabinet members and adding other key positions to his administration.

These team members will have a direct impact on implementing Trump's policies in his second term.

MORE | Here's a look at the president-elect's other appointees so far.

ByJonathan Karl, Olivia Rubin and Katherine Faulders ABCNews logo
Nov 13, 2024, 8:13 PM GMT

The battle for Trump's treasury secretary

As Trump continues to round out his cabinet, the job of treasury secretary remains in flux, with the co-chair of Trump's transition team actively vying for the job, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.

Howard Lutnick is looking to be tapped as treasury secretary, sources said, a move that comes as investor and hedge fund manager Scott Bessent is also a top contender for the role.

Howard Lutnick speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.
Howard Lutnick speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.

Bessent traveled to Mar-a-Lago as recently as Friday to meet with Trump about the job, the sources said.

Lutnick, on the other hand, spends hours with Trump nearly each day, presenting candidates for top roles in the administration. As such, the move by Lutnick to attempt to get a cabinet position for himself has frustrated some close to Trump.

Sources caution the job is still in flux and neither man could get the job -- with the potential for other candidates to emerge.

One potential dark horse for the job, one source told ABC News, is former Trump administration trade representative Robert Lighthizer, who Trump sees as an aggressive advocate for his tariff-heavy approach to international trade.

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Nov 13, 2024, 7:27 PM GMT

Republicans projected to retain control of the House of Representatives

ABC News reports that the Republicans are projected to retain control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Republicans are projected to control all three branches of government -- The U.S. House of Representatives, Senate and the White House.

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Nov 13, 2024, 6:54 PM GMT

Trump announces senior White House staff

Trump announced his senior staff on Wednesday, bringing back some of his well-known names from his first term and those who helped on his campaign.

Dan Scavino, one of Trump's long-time allies, was named assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff. Stephen Miller was named assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff, a move reported earlier this week.

James Blair, the Republican National Committee political director and campaign aide, has been named assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs. Taylor Budowich will serve as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel. He was a senior member of several of Trump's PACs.

ByAllison Pecorin and Rachel Scott ABCNews logo
Nov 13, 2024, 5:27 PM GMT

John Thune elected as Senate Republican leader to succeed McConnell

Senate Republicans on Wednesday elected John Thune to be the next Republican leader, succeeding Mitch McConnell in a position he's held for 17 years.

Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.
Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.

Thune beat out Sen. John Cornyn in a second round of votes, securing enough to clinch the position.

This was by secret ballot and behind closed doors. Thune is expected to address the press at a press conference later today.