Key Takeaways:
– A federal judge clears the way for the release of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s first report volume on election interference.
– Trump’s nominees for senior roles in the administration will face the Senate this week for confirmation hearings.
– Melania Trump shares her thoughts about returning to the White House ahead of the inauguration.
– More than 20 Congress members managed to make almost double the S&P 500 average gain last year.
– Incoming first lady Melania Trump has plans for a documentary film about her life.
Federal Judge Approves Release of Election Interference Report
Federal Judge Aileen Cannon, appointed by President-elect Donald Trump, permitted the Department of Justice to release the first volume of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report. The report details Smith’s election interference case against Trump. Judge Cannon shut down motions to stop the report’s publication but drew the line at releasing the second volume. This unopened can of worms pertains to the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case.
Confirmation Hearings for Trump’s Picks Begin
As President-elect Donald Trump’s administration takes shape, nominees for senior roles will face the Senate’s scrutiny this week. The Senate begins in earnest with confirmation hearings. Over a dozen hearings are scheduled, notably for Pete Hegseth, Kristi Noem, Doug Burgum, Pam Bondi, Marco Rubio, and Scott Bessent. These candidates will answer to Senators based on their roles’ relevance to different committees.
Melania Trump Looks Forward to White House Return
With the inauguration just a week away, Melania Trump is prepared for her return to the White House. She revealed her thoughts in a conversation with Ainsley Earhardt from Fox & Friends, indicating she’s looking forward to resuming her official role. She also mentioned plans to revive her Be Best children’s initiative.
Congress Members Outpace the Stock Market in 2024
Notwithstanding the stock market’s record-breaking run in 2024, Congress members outperformed it. Their portfolios made impressive gains in industries where they have legislative power, such as tech and energy. Over 20 members nearly doubled the S&P500’s average gain of 24.9% last year. The top performers increased their portfolio value by over 100%.
Melania Trump Opts for the Silver Screen
Melania Trump also revealed her plans for an upcoming documentary on her life during her appearance on Fox & Friends. Set for distribution by Amazon Prime Video in the coming year, the documentary was her brainchild based on previous memoir reception. She described her life as incredible and remarkably busy.
Hegseth Under the Spotlight
In terms of President-elect Donald Trump’s Pentagon choice, Pete Hegseth faces several serious queries. Hegseth’s unorthodox choice raises question marks, as senators look to grill the 44-year-old Fox News host in the upcoming confirmation hearings.
In Summary
As the Trump administration gears up, there’s a flurry of activity on multiple fronts. The release of Smith’s report on election interference, the Senate hearings, Melania’s move back to the White House, Congress member’s impressive stock market gains, and Melania’s planned documentary all make headlines. These narratives will shape the discourse as the incoming administration takes shape.