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casino online universe game The left-wing media and their political allies have developed a new strategy in their eternal quest to oppose Donald Trump, this time seeking to drive a wedge between him and Elon Musk. Musk’s instrumental efforts in getting Trump elected have both endeared him to the right and put a target on his back from the left. Most recently, leftist luminaries like MSNBC’s Joy Reid have taken to mockingly referring to the Space X founder as “President Musk” in an attempt to get under Trump’s skin. Reid’s lead prompted a number of Democratic lawmakers to steal the line. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin and Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro are all amongst a group of politicians who parroted Reid. The accusations stemmed from Musk’s vocal opposition to an early version of the House’s continuing resolution to fund the government. The version Musk initially opposed was over 1,500 pages long and included what many GOP politicians referred to as “ pork barrel ” spending inclusions such as a “ Feral Swine Eradication ” program and an earmarked fund to provide juvenile delinquents with driver’s licenses. Musk was hardly the only person to speak out against the bill. Scores of Republican lawmakers voiced their opposition, ultimately leading to the quadruple-digit page bill being scrapped in favor of a much shorter resolution. DeLauro, and others, however, credited Musk with influencing the GOPers who did not want a 1,500 page bill to pass before anyone could read it. “They got scared because President Musk told them, President Musk said ‘don’t do it! shut the government down!'” DeLauro told House members while the body debated the bill Dec. 19. JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Elon Musk slams Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. “The crazy lady with the purple hair is the top House Dem in charge of spending taxpayer money” pic.twitter.com/sPtg9tw1yU — Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) December 20, 2024 The narrative seeped into each and every far reach of the leftwing echo chamber. MSNBC’s Chris Hayes described Trump and Musk as engaged in a “co-presidency,” a term New York Rep. Dan Goldman took issue with, claiming Musk is the sole President. “Elon Musk has Donald Trump in a vise.” Rep. Dan Goldman says “we need to face the reality: right now we have President Elon Musk”. (Video: MSNBC) pic.twitter.com/32b1is1A0n — Mike Sington (@MikeSington) December 20, 2024 The efforts to thrust Musk into a leading role and divide him from Trump, while perhaps not entirely successful as of yet, did manage to catch Trump’s eye. He addressed them in a Sunday speech at Turning Point USA’s AmFest in Phoenix, Arizona. (RELATED: Media’s Elon Musk Propaganda Hides The Real Truth Behind His Sacrifice) “He’s not gonna be President, that I can tell you,” Trump told the crowd after complimenting Musk’s Starlink satellites. “I’m safe, you know why? He can’t be, he wasn’t born in this country,” Trump said, laughing. Trump: [Elon Musk] is not going to be president. That I can tell you. I’m safe. You know why? He can’t be. He wasn’t born in this country pic.twitter.com/YpgcGZ0jF4 — Acyn (@Acyn) December 22, 2024 While Trump appeared to maintain a jovial attitude in the face of the divide and conquer strategy, there are signs of cracks appearing between his MAGA base and the Musk-friendly Silicon Valley newcomers to the Trump Train. Chief among the concerns splitting the two sides is a raging online debate about H1B visas. The H1B visa, the largest visa category in the U.S., allows employers to hire skilled foreign workers and “authorizes the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorized to work in the U.S.,” according to the Department of Labor. Musk appeared to take the pro-H1B side, replying “correct” to a user’s assessment that a slowdown in skilled immigration could lead to a decrease in American innovation. Correct — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 26, 2024 Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) co-head Vivek Ramaswamy co-signed the viewpoint Thursday, defending the implementation of H1B’s and claiming they’re necessary because native-born Americans participate in a culture of mediocrity. “Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long (at least since the 90s and likely longer). That doesn’t start in college, it starts YOUNG. A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math Olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers,” Ramaswamy tweeted. The reason top tech companies often hire foreign-born & first-generation engineers over “native” Americans isn’t because of an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy & wrong explanation). A key part of it comes down to the c-word: culture. Tough questions demand tough answers & if... — Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) December 26, 2024 The tweet echoed sentiments Musk eloquated on Christmas day, when he wrote “The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low.” Musk appeared to call for “ double ” the number of foreign-born engineers. MAGA loyalists like radio host Jesse Kelly pushed back. (RELATED: Democrats’ New Attack On Trump And Musk All But Doomed To Backfire) “White kids with great college degrees cannot find jobs and most cannot even get a return phone call. That is happening. It’s all around me. And when that’s happening, you’re never gonna sell legal immigration to people. Ever. Period,” he wrote Thursday. White kids with great college degrees cannot find jobs and most cannot even get a return phone call. That is happening. It’s all around me. And when that’s happening, you’re never gonna sell legal immigration to people. Ever. Period. — Jesse Kelly (@JesseKellyDC) December 26, 2024 With 337 H1B petition approvals for the fiscal year 2022, Musk’s Tesla ranked 27th in U.S. companies for H1B visa sponsorships. Despite his role in the ongoing back-and-forth, Musk and Trump still appear to enjoy a good relationship for the time being. BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 19: Elon Musk speaks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at a viewing of the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket on November 19, 2024 in Brownsville, Texas. SpaceX’s billionaire owner, Elon Musk, a Trump confidante, has been tapped to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency alongside former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Brandon Bell/Getty Images Trump reposted a tweet from Musk on his Truth Social platform, co-signing Musk’s statement about the legacy media’s impending downfall on Christmas Day.HOUSTON — The Houston Texans certainly didn’t look like a playoff team in a rout by the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday. With just one game left until the playoffs begin, the AFC South champions know they’ll have to get much better to be competitive in the postseason. “That’s not who we are. That’s not what we represent,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “What we put out there on the field, that’s not Texans football. For anybody to come back and bounce back from it you’ve got to check yourself and make sure you’re playing with elite execution and elite energy.” The 29-point loss to the Ravens was Houston’s most lopsided defeat this season. The defense gave up a season-high 251 yards rushing, and the offense was shut out, with the team’s only points coming on a second-quarter safety. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw an interception and missed several throws in a performance he called “one of the worst games of my whole career.” He was asked how he and the team can move on from such a tough loss. “That’s the only thing we can do,” he said. “There is nothing in life you can go ... back and redo, so it’s all about how you respond. You hit rock bottom; the only way is up. So we still have a lot of hope. At the end of the day, we clinched our division. We still have an opportunity in the playoffs.” The Texans (9-7) went 0 for 2 in the red zone Wednesday to lower their red-zone efficiency to 50.94% this season, which ranks 26th in the NFL. After their safety Wednesday, they had a chance to cut the lead or potentially tie the score when they had a first down at the 10-yard line. Joe Mixon ran for 7 yards on first down before the drive stalled. He was dropped for a 1-yard loss on second down before an incompletion by Stroud brought up fourth-and-4. Stroud threw a short pass to Mixon, and he was stopped at the 1-yard line to give the Ravens the ball back. Lamar Jackson then led a 99-yard drive capped by a 9-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-2. What’s working Not much was working in this debacle. About the only good thing that happened for the Texans on Wednesday was a 45-yard kickoff return by Dameon Pierce in the second quarter to start the drive that ended with Mixon being stopped on fourth down. Pierce is averaging 38.1 yards per return. What needs help The Texans managed just 58 yards rushing against the Ravens, with Mixon gaining 26 yards on nine carries. Houston hasn’t reached 100 yards rushing in three straight games and four of its past five. The Texans must get their running game going to take some pressure off Stroud, who is working with a thin receiving group with Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs out for the season with knee injuries. Stock up WR John Metchie led the team with five receptions for 48 yards as he took on a bigger role in the offense in the first game without Dell. It’s the second-most yards Metchie has had in a three-year career where he missed his entire rookie season undergoing cancer treatments. Stock down Wednesday was the second time in three games where Mixon was held to fewer than 30 yards rushing. He started the season strong, running for at least 100 yards in six of his first eight games. But he’s struggled since then, reaching 100 yards just once in five games. Injuries G Shaq Mason missed Wednesday’s game after injuring his knee against the Chiefs and it’s unclear if he can return for the next game. ... C/G Juice Scruggs missed a fourth straight game with foot injury. Key number 59.2 — Stroud had a 59.2 passer rating in the loss, which is tied for the third-worst rating of his career. Next steps After playing three games in 11 days, the Texans now have an extended break before wrapping up the regular season next weekend at Tennessee. Stroud will try and use this setback to get better. “There’s not sunny days if there is not days with rain,” he said. “It’s a rainy day but at the end of the day the sun will rise up tomorrow. We have another crack at this thing next week to keep rolling.”

Real Madrid, the Spanish powerhouse, will be looking to secure their spot in the knockout stages as they take on Atalanta. Both teams currently sit in the top two spots of Group D, with Real Madrid holding a slight advantage over their Italian opponents. With key players such as Karim Benzema and Luka Modric in fine form, Real Madrid will be aiming to assert their dominance and clinch the top spot in the group. However, Atalanta, known for their attacking style of play and impressive counterattacks, will be a formidable opponent. Players like Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Real Madrid defense and secure a crucial victory for the Italian side.

In conclusion, the escalating rates of high blood pressure among adults over 45 and its strong association with stroke emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to prevent and manage hypertension. By adopting healthy lifestyles, seeking regular healthcare screenings, and receiving appropriate medical guidance, individuals can reduce their risk of developing high blood pressure and its associated complications. Together, through collaborative efforts at the individual, healthcare provider, and societal levels, we can strive towards a healthier future for all, free from the burdens of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases.In the aftermath of the incident in Zhengzhou, authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the carbon monoxide poisoning and have vowed to take action to prevent similar incidents in the future. It is crucial for businesses to prioritize the safety and well-being of their customers and to take proactive measures to prevent accidents and injuries.

Google Reports Nigeria’s 2024 Year In Search ListsFriday, December 27, 2024 Facebook Instagram Twitter WhatsApp Youtube Personal Finance Education Entertainment Jobs Alert Sports Hindi Technology Complaint Redressal. Fact-Checking Policy Correction policy Authors and Team DNPA Code of Ethics Onwership and Funding Cookie Policy Terms of Service Disclaimer Contact US About Us More Search Home Personal Finance PF New Rules: 5 new rules of EPFO ​​will be implemented in... Personal Finance PF New Rules: 5 new rules of EPFO ​​will be implemented in the new year, know what will be the effect on the employees By Shyamu Maurya December 27, 2024 0 20 Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram PF New Rules: 5 new rules of EPFO ​​will be implemented in the new year, know what will be the effect on the employees EPFO is making important changes for pensioners. Under the new rules, pensioners will be able to withdraw their pension from any bank in the country without any additional verification. PF New Rules: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced some major changes in guidelines and policies for its crores of subscribers. Most of these changes are likely to come into effect from the new year. The retirement fund body is preparing to launch many new facilities for its subscribers. The purpose of these new rules is to provide more convenience to PF account holders and help them manage their retirement fund in a better way. These changes will benefit both private sector employees and government employees. Let’s know about these new rules. 5 new rules for PF account Facility to withdraw PF money from ATM EPFO has decided to issue an ATM card to provide more convenience to the members, which will provide 24/7 fund withdrawal facility to the subscribers. This ATM withdrawal facility is expected to start in the financial year 2025-26. With the implementation of the new guidelines, subscribers will be able to easily withdraw funds anytime in 24 hours. This will also save a lot of time for the subscribers. Currently, they have to wait for about 7 to 10 days to receive PF money in their bank account. Employee contribution limit may change Another major change coming next year is the change in EPF contribution limit for employees. Currently, employees contribute 12% of their basic salary to the EPF account every month. However, the government is considering allowing employees to contribute based on their actual salary instead of the Rs 15,000 fixed by the EPFO. Once this policy is implemented, employees will be able to accumulate a larger fund till their retirement and receive more pension every month. EPFO IT system upgrade EPFO is upgrading its IT infrastructure, which will allow PF claimants and beneficiaries to easily withdraw their deposits. It is expected that this upgrade will be completed by June 2025. Once the IT infrastructure is upgraded, members’ claims will be settled faster than before. Besides, this will increase transparency and reduce cases of fraud. Facility to invest in equity EPFO is considering allowing its members to invest in equity. This will give PF account holders the option to manage their funds more effectively. If the retirement fund body allows direct equity investment, members can expect high returns. Easy pension withdrawal EPFO is making important changes for pensioners. Under the new rule, pensioners will be able to withdraw their pension from any bank in the country without any additional verification. This move will be very convenient for the members and will also save a lot of their time as they will be able to withdraw their pension from any bank. Tags PF New Rules Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Previous article Banking System: Now bank will fine you Rs 100 per day if the transaction fails; Know RBI rules Next article Tax Free Salary: There will be no tax on salary up to ₹ 10,50,000? preparations are being made to give relief to middle class taxpayers Shyamu Maurya Shyamu has done Degree in Fine Arts and has knowledge about bollywood industry. He started writing in 2018. Since then he has been associated with Informalnewz. In case of any complain or feedback, please contact me @informalnewz@gmail.com RELATED ARTICLES India School Holiday: Schools will remain closed for 15 days in Haryana, notice of winter vacation issued December 27, 2024 Personal Finance H-1B visa limit may end for India, know what will be the benefit December 27, 2024 India Cancelled Train: Big news for railway passengers! Many trains on this route have been cancelled, see the list before travelling December 27, 2024 - Advertisment - Most Popular School Holiday: Schools will remain closed for 15 days in Haryana, notice of winter vacation issued December 27, 2024 H-1B visa limit may end for India, know what will be the benefit December 27, 2024 Cancelled Train: Big news for railway passengers! Many trains on this route have been cancelled, see the list before travelling December 27, 2024 HSRP Number Plate Application: HSRP number plate applicable for old vehicles in this state, know price and application process December 27, 2024 Load more Recent Comments Gul Mohiudin on Kavita sister-in-law wore a sari without a blouse, seeing the pictures you will also be... 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Many trains on this route have been cancelled, see the list before travelling December 27, 2024 POPULAR POSTS School Holiday: Schools will remain closed for 15 days in Haryana, notice of winter vacation issued December 27, 2024 H-1B visa limit may end for India, know what will be the benefit December 27, 2024 Cancelled Train: Big news for railway passengers! Many trains on this route have been cancelled, see the list before travelling December 27, 2024 POPULAR CATEGORY Personal Finance 18120 Entertainment 17065 India 4559 News 3785 Technology 2264 Jobs Alert 793 Travel 652 Education 451 ABOUT US INFORMALNEWZ brings the Latest News & Top Breaking headlines on Politics and Current Affairs. Up-to-date news coverage, aggregated from sources all over the world by informal Newz. Find latest news coverage of breaking news events, trending topics, and compelling articles. Contact us: informalnewz@gmail.com FOLLOW US Facebook Instagram Twitter WhatsApp Youtube © - 2024 - informalnewz | Izon web Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us - Izon Web Pvt. Ltd. Hno. 789, Basement, Dlf Phase 4 Sector 43, Gurgaon, Haryana -122009, Call: +91-9110801499, 0124-4941700 Home Privacy Policy Authors and Team About Us Contact US Cookie Policy Disclaimer DNPA Code of Ethics Onwership and Funding Terms of Service Complaint Redressal. Fact-Checking Policy Correction policy हिन्दीIn the midst of tragedy, there is a glimmer of hope that the capture of the suspect will bring some measure of closure to those affected by this senseless act of violence. As the healing process begins, the community looks towards a future where such acts of aggression are met with swift and decisive action, ensuring the safety and well-being of all.

The General Directorate of Internal Revenue (DGII) represented the Dominican Republic at the Global Trade and Infrastructure Summit (GTIS), held on December 10-11, 2024, during Logimotion in Dubai, UAE. The summit convened leaders from over 70 countries to discuss digital trade, logistics, and mobility. Juan Matos, Head of DGII’s Information Security and Monitoring Department, was the sole Dominican speaker, sharing insights on cybersecurity’s role in global commerce and infrastructure. Matos participated in two strategic panels: “Strengthening the Digital Frontier” and “The Role of Advanced Cybersecurity Solutions.” These sessions explored key strategies, including comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks, advanced threat detection, multi-layer defense systems, and global collaboration to establish unified standards. Matos emphasized DGII’s proactive efforts in aligning with international cybersecurity standards, adopting advanced technologies, and ensuring robust protection of taxpayer data. Acknowledging the importance of global collaboration, Matos praised the summit’s organizers, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, for fostering knowledge exchange. He underscored cybersecurity as a shared responsibility essential to future digital ecosystems. DGII’s participation at GTIS underscores the Dominican Republic’s growing prominence in global cybersecurity efforts, showcasing its dedication to building a resilient and secure digital infrastructure.

Romano: Eriksson expected to leave Manchester United on a free transfer after contract expires next summer( MENAFN - Asia Times) New missile systems boost the US Navy's troubled Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program's firepower, but questions remain about whether upgrades can redeem its costly, embattled legacy. This month, USNI News reported that US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro announced significant upgrades to the LCS fleet during the Naval Institute's Defense Forum in Washington, DC. According to USNI News, the enhancements include installing the Mk 70 Payload Delivery System (PDS) and containerized Mk 41 vertical launching systems, enabling the LCS to launch larger missiles such as the SM-6 and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. The report says these upgrades aim to bolster the LCS's maritime strike capabilities, addressing previous criticisms of the -class's limited firepower. The report says the Freedom-class USS Beloit (LCS-29) and USS Nantucket (LCS-27) are among the first to receive these systems. It notes that the USS Nantucket showcased the Mk 70 PDS during its recent commissioning. USNI News mentions the initiative is part of the Over-the-Horizon Weapons System upgrade, which seeks to enhance the US Navy's operational flexibility and technical advantage, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. As stated in the report, Del Toro emphasized the strategic importance of these upgrades, noting their potential to significantly enhance US naval capabilities globally, including in the Persian Gulf and the Pacific. The report mentions that this move reflects the US Navy's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and maintain a competitive edge over adversaries. The LCS was designed to address the US Navy's“green water” capability gap, reflecting a change in naval design philosophy from mission-specific ships to a multi-function platform. However, the program has a troubled history, marred by multiple issues since the first vessel, USS Freedom (LCS-1), was commissioned in 2008. In a November 2024 article for The National Interest (TNI), Christian Orr mentions that the LCS program has faced significant criticism due to high costs, maintenance dependencies, and limited survivability. Orr says that early models, such as the USS Freedom (LCS-1) and USS Independence (LCS-2), have been decommissioned despite their intended 25-year service lives. He states the LCS has been plagued by propulsion system failures, contractor-dependent maintenance, and difficulty swapping mission configurations. He mentions that LCS critics argue that the ships are under-armed and unable to survive in hostile combat environments. According to him, the initially planned fleet of 55 LCSs was reduced to 35, reflecting the program's struggles. These issues have led to calls to scrap the LCS program. In an April 2023 Proceedings article , Anthony Carrillo argues that it should be scrapped due to its numerous shortcomings and high costs. Carrillo points out that despite over a decade of development, the LCS has failed to meet expectations, with early models like the USS Freedom and USS Independence being decommissioned after just 13 and 11 years of service, respectively. He argues that the ships have been plagued by propulsion system failures, high maintenance costs, and limited survivability, mainly due to their aluminum hulls, which are prone to cracking and corrosion. He points out that the LCS's operational range is also restricted, requiring frequent refueling, which hampers its ability to conduct missions effectively. Additionally, Carrillo says the program's high costs, estimated at over USD 60 billion for 35 ships and 44 mission modules, do not justify its limited capabilities. Further, he states that the US Navy's decision to retain only 21 of the 35 planned ships further underscores the program's failure. Given these issues, Carrillo views the LCS program as a drain on resources, with its ships better suited for cannibalization to support other naval assets. He argues that the US Navy should focus on more capable and cost-effective platforms like the Constellation-class frigates to meet its operational needs. Viewing the LCS program in a different light, Pete Pagano argues in an August 2024 Proceedings article that the LCS concept warrants reconsideration due to its potential to fulfill critical roles in modern naval warfare despite initial flaws. While Pagano acknowledges the program's rough start, he says recent improvements in propulsion and mission packages show promise. He points out that the Freedom variant's propulsion problems have been addressed, and surface warfare and mine countermeasures mission packages have been validated. Pagano mentions that while critics argue that the LCS cannot contribute to high-end combat, advancements in over-the-horizon antiship missiles and Hellfire Longbows have proven otherwise. Further, he says the LCS's large flight decks and mission bays make it suitable for amphibious operations and supporting US Marine Corps missions. He also notes that the LCS can serve as fleet scouts, employing manned and unmanned aerial systems to reposition and engage enemy forces rapidly. With the right enhancements, Pagano says the LCS can become a valuable asset in the US Navy's fleet, capable of executing various missions in diverse operational environments. While the Constellation-class frigates were developed in response to the LCS program's earlier failures and a capability gap brought by the retirement of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, the Constellation-class program has its challenges. In a 1945 article this month, Robert Farley mentions that the program has encountered significant challenges despite the Constellation class's promise of advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities and a multi-role platform with 32 vertical launching system (VLS) cells and modern sensors. Farley points out that adapting the European FREMM frigate design to the US Constellation class has increased costs from USD 800 million to USD 1.3 billion, with construction delays and workforce issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He states that the first ship's delivery has been pushed to 2029, raising concerns about speed, affordability, and scalability. Farley adds that the concurrent construction and design process has resulted in weight growth, potentially reducing the ships' speed below 25 knots and complicating future modifications. Further, he says Marinette Shipyard, the Constellation class's builder, has workforce problems that have delayed the program, creating a capability gap as the US Navy retires Ticonderoga-class cruisers. The push to repurpose the LCS may follow the same lines of effort with its problematic Zumwalt-class destroyers , with the US Navy trying to justify a sunk-cost fallacy. Perhaps the saving grace of trying to revive the LCS would be giving the US more hulls to match China's People's Liberation Army – Navy (PLAN), currently the world's largest navy in terms of hull numbers . Asia Times has previously pointed out that historical evidence shows that the side with the larger fleet usually wins naval battles and that sheer numbers often trump short-lived technological advantages. Thank you for registering! An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. 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President-elect Donald Trump has filled the key posts for his second term in office, prioritizing loyalty to him after he felt bruised and hampered by internal squabbling during his first term. Some of his choices could face difficult confirmation fights in the Senate, even with Republicans in control, and one candidate has already withdrawn from consideration. Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz was Trump's initial pick for attorney general, but he ultimately withdrew following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation he was embroiled in. Here's a look at Trump's choices: Trump would turn a former critic into an ally as the nation's top diplomat. Rubio , 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate before the slot went to JD Vance. Rubio is vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His selection punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator once called a “con man" during his own unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. Hegseth , 44, was a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends Weekend” and had been a contributor with the network since 2014. He developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021, deploying to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011 and earning two Bronze Stars. He lacks senior military and national security experience and would oversee global crises ranging from Europe to the Middle East. A woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report recently made public. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and has denied any wrongdoing. Bessent , 62, is a former money manager for George Soros , a big Democratic donor, and an advocate for deficit reduction . He founded the hedge fund Key Square Capital Management after having worked on and off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, Bessent would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. Gabbard, 43, is a former Democratic House member from Hawaii who has been accused of echoing Russian propaganda. She unsuccessfully sought the party’s 2020 presidential nomination and left the party in 2022. Gabbard endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him. Gabbard has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades and deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. If confirmed she would come to the role as an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, spent several years in top national security and intelligence positions. Bondi , 59, was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist , Bondi also has served with the America First Policy Institute, a Trump-allied group that has helped lay the groundwork for his future administration. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush-money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appeared on Fox News and has been critical of the criminal cases against him. The Republican U.S. House member narrowly lost her reelection bid on Nov. 5 but had received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, Chavez-DeRemer would oversee the department's workforce and budget and put forth priorities that affect workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of a few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act that would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and penalize companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws in more than half the states. Lutnick heads the brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and is a cryptocurrency enthusiast. He is co-chair of Trump's transition operation, charged along with Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration, with helping the president-elect fill key jobs in his second administration. As secretary, Lutnick would play a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. He would oversee a sprawling Cabinet department whose oversight ranges from funding new computer chip factories and imposing trade restrictions to releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. Noem is a well-known conservative who used her two terms as South Dakota's governor to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions like other states, instead declaring South Dakota “open for business.” More recently, Noem faced sharp criticism for writing in her memoir about shooting and killing her dog. She is set to lead a department crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda as well as other missions. Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. Ratcliffe , a former U.S. House member from Texas, was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump’s first term. He led U.S. government’s spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. If confirmed, Ratcliffe will have held the highest intelligence positions in the U.S. Kennedy , 70, ran for president as a Democrat, then as an independent before he dropped out and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 during his own presidential campaign. Kennedy's nomination alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Rollins , 52, is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for Trump's second administration. She is a Texas attorney who was Trump's domestic policy adviser and director of his office of American innovation during his first term. Rollins previously was an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry , who also served in Trump's first term. Rollins also ran the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years , sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential campaign, but was acquitted by the Senate. Collins also served in the armed forces himself. He is a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. The North Dakota governor , 68, is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump after he dropped out of the running. Burgum then became a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice in part because of his executive experience and business savvy. He also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump said Burgum would chair a new National Energy Council and have a seat on the National Security Council, which would be a first for the Interior secretary. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Wright is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. He also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. Wright said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. McMahon, a billionaire professional wrestling mogul , would make a return appearance in a second Trump administration. She led the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 in Trump’s first term and twice ran unsuccessfully in Connecticut as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University. She has expressed support for charter schools and school choice. Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI" and "we will do so while protecting access to clean air and water.” Trump often attacked the Biden administration’s promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referred to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often said his administration would “drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Greer is a partner at King & Spalding, a Washington law firm. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be responsible for negotiating directly with foreign governments on trade deals and disputes, as well as memberships in international trade bodies such as the World Trade Organization. He previously was chief of staff to Robert Lighthizer, who was the trade representative in Trump's first term. Wiles , 67, was a senior adviser to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. She has a background in Florida politics , helping Ron DeSantis win his first race for Florida governor. Six years later, she was key to Trump’s defeat of him in the 2024 Republican primary. Wiles’ hire was Trump’s first major decision as president-elect and one that could be a defining test of his incoming administration considering her close relationship with him. Wiles is said to have earned Trump’s trust in part by guiding what was the most disciplined of Trump’s three presidential campaigns. Waltz is a three-term Republican congressman from east-central Florida. A former Army Green Beret , he served multiple tours in Afghanistan and worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Hassett, 62, is a major advocate of tax cuts who was chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers in the first Trump term. In the new role as chairman of the National Economic Council, Trump said Hassett will play an important role in helping American families recover from inflation as well as in renewing and improving tax cuts Trump enacted in 2017, many of which are set to expire after 2025. Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. He led the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Trump's first administration. Democrats have criticized Homan for defending Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings in the first term, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Vought, 48, held the position during Trump’s first presidency. He the founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought also was closely involved with Project 2025 , a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that Trump tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump’s priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump’s first term. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump’s policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation’s economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people living illegally in the U.S. Scavino was an adviser in all three of the president-elect's campaigns and was described by the transition team as one of “Trump’s longest serving and most trusted aides." He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino previously ran Trump’s social media profile in the White House. Blair was political director for Trump’s 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and an assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump’s economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign. Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump’s 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Leavitt , 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. McGinley was Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and they were golfing at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Kellogg , 80, is a highly decorated retired three-star general and one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an “America First” national security agenda for Trump's second term. He has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues and served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence . Kellogg also was chief of staff of the National Security Council under Trump and stepped in as an acting national security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned the post. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests. Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Huckabee has rejected a Palestinian homeland in territory occupied by Israel. His daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, served as White House press secretary in Trump's first term. Stefanik, 40, is a U.S. representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders dating to his first impeachment trial. She was elected chair of the House Republican Conference in 2021, the third-highest position in House leadership, after then-Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after she publicly criticized Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. A former acting attorney general during Trump's first administration and tight end on the University of Iowa football team, Whitaker , 55, has a background in law enforcement but not in foreign policy. A fierce Trump localist, Whitaker, is also a former U.S. attorney in Iowa and served as acting attorney general between November 2018 and February 2019 without Senate confirmation, until William Barr was confirmed for the role. That was when special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election interference was drawing to a close. Whitaker also faced questions about his past business dealings, including his ties to an invention-promotion company that was accused of misleading consumers. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. Oz , 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime TV talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz’s bid for elected office. Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor on Fox News. Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed Weldon’s opponent. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nation’s most heated debates of the 1990s over quality of life and a right-to-die and whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative after cardiac arrest, state should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. Bhattacharya , 56, is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. As head of the NIH, the leading medical research agency in the United States, Trump said Bhattacharya would work with Kennedy Jr. to direct U.S. medical research and make important discoveries that will improve health and save lives. Bhattacharya is professor at Stanford University School of Medicine and was one of three authors of the Great Barrington Declaration, an October 2020 open letter maintaining that lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic were causing irreparable harm. Gaetz, 42, withdrew from consideration to become the top law enforcement officer of the United States amid fallout over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed by the Senate. In choosing Gaetz, Trump had passed over more established lawyers whose names had been floated as possible contenders for the job. Gaetz resigned from Congress after Trump announced him on Nov. 13. The House Ethics Committee has been investigating an allegation that he paid for sex with a 17-year-old. Gaetz has denied wrongdoing. Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Zeke Miller, Farnoush Amiri, Lolita C. Baldor, Jill Colvin, Matthew Daly, Edith M. Lederer, Adriana Gomez Licon, Lisa Mascaro, Chris Megerian, Michelle L. Price, Will Weissert and Darlene Superville contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!