New Year’s Day terror attacks add urgency to Trump’s plans to reprioritize national security

President-elect Donald Trump has long warned that the Biden administration was not fortifying the country against Islamic terrorism on U.S. soil and, for his supporters, Sunday’s attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas hammered the point home. The Washington Times stories: White House

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Why Mike Johnson’s bid to remain House speaker could be a struggle despite Trump’s support

WASHINGTON (AP) — Mike Johnson is fighting for his political life, again. The Louisiana Republican’s hold on the House speaker’s gavel and his position as second in line to the presidency will be tested Friday when a new Congress convenes and House Republicans weigh whether to reelect him to the post. The challenge, as always, is that Johnson will need almost every Republican vote to win. Johnson has a singular asset in his favor: President-elect Donald Trump endorsed him for speaker in a social media post at the start of…

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Government shutdown is averted just after deadline as Congress rejects Trump’s debt limit demands

WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing a government shutdown deadline, the Senate rushed through final passage early Saturday of a bipartisan plan that would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, dropping President-elect Donald Trump’s demands for a debt limit increase into the new year. House Speaker Mike Johnson had insisted Congress would “meet our obligations” and not allow federal operations to shutter ahead of the Christmas holiday season. But the day’s outcome was uncertain after Trump doubled down on his insistence that a debt ceiling increase be included in any deal…

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Party Poopers: Palm Beach seeks to limit Trump’s Mar-a-Lago galas as residents seethe over traffic

President-elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence has become the White House of the South of sorts, but those who live in Palm Beach want to shut down the resort’s frequent, large parties because of road closures that cut the town in two. The Washington Times stories: White House

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What to know about Pam Bondi, Trump’s new pick for attorney general

NEW YORK (AP) — Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, was chosen by Donald Trump to serve as U.S. attorney general hours after his first choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration after a federal sex trafficking investigation and ethics probe made his ability to be confirmed dubious. The 59-year-old has long been in Trump’s orbit and her name had been floated during his first term as a potential candidate for the nation’s highest law enforcement role. Trump announced his plans to nominate Bondi Thursday in a social media post.…

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Bragg Won’t Drop Trump’s ‘Hush Money’ Sentencing, But May Suspend It for 4 Years

THE CENTER SQUARE—Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Tuesday that his office will oppose President-elect Donald Trump’s motion to dismiss his felony conviction in New York. Bragg said that despite plans to oppose Trump’s motion, his office would agree to hit pause on the proceedings pending the judge’s decision on Trump’s motion to dismiss. Bragg also suggested the case could wait until Trump finishes his term in the White House.  “No current law establishes that a president’s temporary immunity from prosecution requires dismissal of a post-trial criminal proceeding that was initiated…

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