Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense, former Fox News weekend anchor Pete Hegseth, continues to be dogged by allegations about his past, potentially making his confirmation less likely and splitting right-wing media on his prospects as his candidacy faces an “absolutely critical day.”
Hegseth took questions from the House Republican Study Committee on Wednesday, and promised incoming Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker that if confirmed he wouldn’t drink.
His mother Penelope appeared on his former network earlier to defend him, having previously criticized her son’s behavior towards women in a letter. The Trump transition team is reportedly considering alternatives to lead the Pentagon — surprisingly including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Trump’s pick to serve as administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Sheriff Chad Chronister withdrew from consideration, although Trump has since said he pulled the nomination over comments he made to pastors.
In a slew of appointments on Wednesday morning, the president-elect asked his former trade adviser Peter Navarro to return in a similar role for his new administration. Trump also picked a NASA administrator, a secretary of the army, and a chair of the SEC.
Because of Trump, Bill Maher threatens to quit HBO talk show
Speaking to guest Jane Fonda on his podcast Club Random, Maher said he already felt exhausted by the prospect of having to cover the Trump administration for another four years.
“I mean I may quit,” said Maher.
Kevin E G Perry reports from Los Angeles.
Oliver O’Connell4 December 2024 22:45
ICYMI: California Democrat flips Republican seat as final 2024 House race called
Gray’s win in the farm belt seat that cuts through five counties means Republicans won 220 House seats this election cycle, with Democrats holding 215 seats.
Gray won by a margin of less than 200 votes, with election officials reporting Tuesday all ballots had been counted.
Second Democrat joins House DOGE caucus
Rep Greg Landsman of Ohio has become the second Democrat to join the House Department of Government Efficient (DOGE) caucus. Rep Jerd Moskowitz of Florida was the first.
Oliver O’Connell4 December 2024 21:54
Sen Schmidt says Hegseth not drinking
Senator Eric Schmidt, who met with Pete Hegseth yesterday, says Trump’s defense secretary nominee is promising senators he has stopped drinking and won’t drink if confirmed.
Oliver O’Connell4 December 2024 21:50
Profile: Jared Isaacman — Billionaire SpaceX astronaut picked to lead Trump’s NASA
The former president cited Isaacman’s accomplishments in business, philanthropy, and space, saying his passion and dedication made him “ideally suited to lead NASA into a bold new era.”
Oliver O’Connell4 December 2024 21:45
Trump to give first network interview since election on Sunday
President-elect Donald Trump will give his first network interview since winning the 2024 election.
He will sit down with Kristen Welker moderator of NBC News for this weekend’s edition of Meet the Press this Sunday.
Oliver O’Connell4 December 2024 21:39
Hegseth dragged for enlisting mom to help save his Defense nomination
But lawmakers and people online did not seem moved by Penelope’s plea.
“I’d hate to put my mom on there. She would have chewed my a** out,” Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville told The Independent.
Ariana Baio and Eric Garcia report.
Oliver O’Connell4 December 2024 21:28
Ernst says she and Hegseth had ‘frank and thorough’ conversation
Senator Joni Ernst, whose name has come up as a possible replacement as nominee for secretary of defense, says she and Pete Hegseth had a “frank and thorough conversation.”
Not the most enthusiastic message of support he’s received today.
Oliver O’Connell4 December 2024 21:16
YOLO era Biden? What else might the president push through before he cedes power to Trump?
With Congress set to spend its remaining time this year pushing through judicial nominees and a few must-pass pieces of legislation, Biden has no more political capital to spend and little more than his pen and phone to get anything done before he closes the book on a full half-century in public life.
Yet at the same time, he might still have levers he can pull to make some things happen before he leaves the Oval Office for the last time.
Some things Biden can do himself while he still has the powers of the presidency.
Oliver O’Connell4 December 2024 21:15
Read More: Trump defense pick Pete Hegseth says no alcohol if confirmed after meeting with GOP
