Trump-Vance official portraits released as president-elect names blacklist of old allies banned from White House jobs: Live

The Trump-Vance transition team has released new official portraits of Donald Trump and JD Vance. The president-elect’s pose is strikingly similar to his mug shot from when he was charged in Fulton County, Georgia, in 2023.

As the inauguration looms, Trump has declared that a number of estranged veterans of his first term in the White House – including Mike Pence, John Bolton, Nikki Haley, Mark Milley, Jim Mattis, and Mark Esper – will not be welcomed back into his second administration in his latest social media diatribe.

The president-elect has also insisted that the ceasefire deal agreed upon in the Middle East was only because of his election victory, rather than hard work by negotiators on all sides.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden warned US citizens in his final address from the White House that “an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedom.”

Echoing Dwight Eisenhower’s warnings about the dangers of the military-industrial complex, Biden cautioned against the dangers of a “tech industrial complex”.

The 46th president also called for a constitutional amendment to end presidential immunity.

Key Points

• Scowling Trump echoes mugshot in his official portrait – and social media quickly slams his and Vance’s pics

• Trump names and shames 11 people on his White House blacklist for second administration

• Today’s Senate confirmation hearings — which Trump nominees face questions this morning?

• Joe Biden warns against American ‘oligarchy’ in farewell presidential address

• Biden calls for constitutional amendment ending presidential immunity

• When is Trump’s inaugration?

Scott Turner’s NFL ties highlighted at confirmation hearing to be Trump’s housing secretary

16:17 , Oliver O’Connell

Scott Turner, who also served in the first Trump administration, spoke before the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee for his nomination as leader of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In his opening remarks, Sen. Tim Scott, the Republican chairman of the committee, paused before mentioning the former name of the Washington football team where Turner once played. Turner noted that he was drafted in the seventh round of the NFL, “which is the last round for those that don’t know,” a quip that got some chuckles in the room.

AP

Trump EPA pick Zeldin: ‘I don’t sit before you as a scientist’

16:11 , Oliver O’Connell

Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse asked Donald Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency nominee, Lee Zeldin, basic questions about climate change science, including what impact carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels have on the atmosphere.

“I don’t sit before you as a scientist,” Zeldin said, but after a follow-up question said carbon dioxide traps heat.

He said he was committed to achieving clean water and air, but didn’t provide specifics about his plans to address climate change. President-elect Donald Trump has cast doubt on basic climate science and promised to enact an energy policy that expands oil and gas development.

AP

Watch: Bernie Sanders’ phone rings during Lee Zeldin’s EPA hearing

16:08 , Oliver O’Connell

“Sorry. That was the fossil fuel industry.”

Bessent confirmation hearing underway

16:02 , Oliver O’Connell

At his confirmation hearing, Scott Bessent, Donald Trump’s pick for treasury secretary, is joined by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

Before the hearing began, Bessent walked around the room shaking hands with senators before being seated.

Republican Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo opened Bessent’s confirmation hearing, telling him: “It’s clear you followed applicable law and provided thousands of pages of documentation that substantiate your positions.”

“President Trump made an excellent choice in nominating you for Secretary of Treasury,” Crapo told Bessent.

Ranking Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden says voters won’t get the change they voted for in Bessent or Trump.

“In a Trump economy, the winner’s circle is small,” Wyden, said in his opening statement.

To bring in revenues, Wyden said the Trump administration “will be offering across the board tariffs,” he said “trillions of dollars in new taxes paid for by working Americans.”

Wyden brought up the IRS’s new Direct File system — where taxpayers can file their taxes directly to the IRS for free — and the threat it faces to be defunded.

“The software giants want Direct File killed. Republicans are on their side, so they might get their way. It could cost American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars this year alone,” he said.

“We need a Secretary of Treasury who knows what he’s doing, has the trust of the president and loves his country,” Graham said. “Your ship came in with this guy.”

With reporting from the Associated Press

In pictures: Doug Burgum sits for Senate confirmation hearing

15:53 , Oliver O’Connell

DeSantis appoints Florida AG Ashley Moody to replace Rubio in Senate

15:46 , Oliver O’Connell

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed state Attorney General Ashley Moody to the U.S. Senate, to fill the seat of Senator Marco Rubio, whom President-elect Donald Trump picked as his secretary of state.

Governors have the power to make temporary appointments to vacant Senate seats, and there was much speculation as to whom DeSantis would pick — names that surfaced included Lara Trump and even scandal-plagued congressman Matt Gaetz.

Rubio was selected to serve in Trump’s administration shortly after Trump won the 2024 presidential race.

How big was Kristi Noem’s advance for the book that blew up in her face?

15:40 , Oliver O’Connell

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Homeland Security secretary and she is set to have her confirmation hearing on Friday — but once she seemed destined for greater things…

This is how much Kristi Noem’s advance was for book that blew up in her face

Watch: Incoming Trump national security adviser says Trump will stop TikTok going dark

15:36 , Oliver O’Connell

What to know about Scott Bessent, Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary

15:28 , Oliver O’Connell

Money manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction and deregulation, has been chosen to serve as Treasury secretary.

Bessent, a former Democratic supporter, has become an enthusiastic supporter of Trump. He advocates cutting spending while extending the tax cuts approved by Congress in Trump’s first term.

Here are four things to know about the South Carolina billionaire who, if confirmed by the Senate, will manage the nation’s finances:

• He worked for George Soros and donated to Democratic causes

• He speaks regularly about deficit reduction while supporting extending Trump’s tax cuts

• He views tariffs as a sanctioning tool

• He would be the first openly gay treasury secretary

Bessent’s selection by Trump came in a flurry of cabinet picks announced on a Saturday night in late November, as Gustaf Kilander reported:

Trump picks Scott Bessent for treasury as he announces flurry of cabinet picks

Scowling Trump echoes mugshot in his official portrait — social media has some thoughts

15:25 , Oliver O’Connell

The official portraits of Donald Trump and JD Vance were released — and social media is already teasing the president-elect for using his Georgia mugshot as “inspiration.”

Trump’s official portrait captures a close-up photo of him scowling, eyebrows raised as his eyes stare down the barrel of the camera.

Many social media users are saying it closely resembles his mugshot in the Georgia election interference case taken in August 2023.

Kelly Rissman has the story.

Scowling Trump echoes mugshot in his official portrait

Second day of Pam Bondi’s confirmation hearing to get underway

15:13 , Oliver O’Connell

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is back on Capitol Hill for day two of her confirmation hearing. Senators will hear testimony in support of her nomination.

Here’s what you need to know about Bondi:

Who is Pam Bondi? Trump’s new pick to be attorney general

Here’s how yesterday went:

Pam Bondi refuses to say Trump lost 2020 election in confirmation hearing

New Jersey wants to defend Biden rule letting Dreamers use Obamacare since Trump can’t be ‘counted on’

15:10 , Joe Sommerlad

The Garden State wants to defend against a group of Republican attorneys general seeking to strip the ability of undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children to access insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

In a brief filed in a North Dakota federal court on Wednesday, New Jersey argued on behalf of a group of 14 Democratic states that the incoming Trump administration can’t be “counted on” to defend a Biden-era rule that opened Obamacare exchanges to members of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Josh Marcus reports.

New Jersey wants to protect Dreamers’ access to ACA since Trump can’t be ‘counted on’

Who is Lee Zeldin, Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency?

14:55 , Oliver O’Connell

Former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin has been tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.

Here are a few things to know about Zeldin:

• In Congress, he voted against certifying the 2020 election results

• He mounted a failed bit for governor of New York in 2022

• During the run, he vowed to reverse a New York fracking ban

• He’s a Trump loyalist who appeared frequently on the campaign trail

Eric Garcia reported on Trump’s nomination of Zeldin, shortly after the election:

Lee Zeldin – ‘who voted against environmental bills’ – named Trump’s EPA head

Who is Scott Turner, Trump’s pick for Housing and Urban Development Department?

14:52 , Oliver O’Connell

Scott Turner is Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Turner, 52, is the only Black person selected to be a member of the Republican’s Cabinet.

Here are some things to know about Turner:

• He’s played for the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos

• He’s a motivational speaker and pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church

• He led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term

Alex Woodward reported on Trump’s selection of Turner back in November:

Trump has nominated only one Black American to his cabinet

Who is Doug Burgun, Trump’s pick for Interior?

14:48 , Oliver O’Connell

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to head the Interior Department.

After ending his own presidential campaign in December 2023, Burgum endorsed Trump and became an outspoken supporter, appearing on TV news shows and at rallies and other events. He was also on Trump’s short list of potential running mates.

Here’s Sam Rkaina with everything you need to know about the latest Trump loyalist tipped for a cabinet role.

Who is Doug Burgum? Everything to know about Trump’s pick to run Interior Department

Everything we know about Elon Musk being sued by the SEC over Twitter takeover

14:40 , Joe Sommerlad

The world’s richest man is being sued by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over his 2022 takeover of Twitter.

The agency alleges that the billionaire failed to disclose his ownership of Twitter stock in a timely manner, saving himself at least $150 million “at the expense of shareholders.”

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO acquired the social network for $44 billion in October 2022 and rebranded it as X.

Musk is just days away from wielding enormous influence and power in the White House when Donald Trump takes office.

Rhian Lubin has the details.

Elon Musk is being sued by the SEC over his Twitter takeover. What we know

Trump names and shames 11 people on his White House blacklist for second administration

14:29 , Oliver O’Connell

President-elect Donald Trump has named and shamed 11 people who are on the White House blacklist to serve in his administration.

The list includes some of Trump’s well-known “enemies” who served in his first administration and have since spoken out about the dangers of a second Trump term.

Below, Rhian Lubin reports on who made the cut.

If a cable news executive isn’t currently pitching a nightly panel show of those listed to comment on the new administration, what are we even doing…

Trump names 11 people on his White House blacklist for second administration

Jim Jordan agrees Trump should move 2028 Olympics from LA to red-run town

14:20 , Oliver O’Connell

The Ohio Republican Representative has expressed his support for a proposal that the president-elect’s move the 2028 Olympic Games out of Los Angeles in light of its recent wildfires and relocate them to a city run by GOP lawmakers.

Michelle Del Rey reports.

Jim Jordan backs idea Trump should move 2028 Olympics from LA to red-run town

Today’s Senate confirmation hearings — which Trump nominees face questions this morning?

14:13 , Oliver O’Connell

Another group of Donald Trump’s cabinet picks will face questions from senators in the relevant committees on Capitol Hill this morning.

Here’s today’s schedule via the AP:

10 a.m.: Doug Burgum, Interior Department

The former governor of North Dakota and businessman will appear before members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which will consider his nomination as interior secretary, the chief steward of U.S. public lands. Burgum, who endorsed Trump after ending his own 2024 presidential bid and campaigned for him, has also been tapped to lead the National Energy Council. Trump has said the council will seek to establish U.S. “energy dominance” around the world.

10 a.m.: Scott Turner, Housing and Urban Development Department

The former NFL player who ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council in Trump’s first term appears at a hearing before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. Turner is a professional mentor, pastor, and former Texas House member. HUD is charged with addressing the nation’s housing needs and fair housing laws and oversees housing for the poorest Americans.

10 a.m.: Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency

The former New York congressman appears before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The agency is responsible for environmental protection, conducting assessments, conducting research, providing education, and maintaining and enforcing national standards.

10:15 a.m.: Pam Bondi, Attorney General

Day 2 before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

10:30 a.m.: Scott Bessent, Treasury Department

The billionaire money manager from South Carolina answers questions from members of the Senate Finance Committee. Bessent would be the first openly LGBTQ Senate-confirmed Cabinet member in a Republican administration. The treasury chief helps formulate financial, economic, and tax policies and manages the public debt.

Giuliani returns to court

13:58 , Alex Woodward

Rudy Giuliani is heading back to court this morning in his home city.

The former New York City mayor has been desperately trying to keep his multi-million dollar Palm Beach condo out of the hands of a pair of election workers he defamed in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.

A brief trial in federal court on Thursday will determine whether he can exempt his Florida property from a long list of seized assets intended to chip away at the nearly $150 million he owes the women after a blockbuster defamation verdict.

He is expected to testify.

Donald Trump’s former attorney is also hoping to block a court’s order to relinquish three World Series rings that he claims were gifted to his son Andrew.

Last week, the judge overseeing the case found him in contempt of court after he blew multiple deadlines and failed to turn over documents. A few days later, a separate judge in a separate court in Washington, D.C., found him in contempt for repeatedly lying about the women he defamed.

The judges are determining appropriate penalties.

What will a second term for Trump mean for the Middle East?

13:40 , Joe Sommerlad

Our own Richard Hall will be taking all your questions on what Donald Trump’s imminent presidency will mean for the Middle East.

After yesterday’s ceasefire news, it feels more timely than ever…

Is Trump right to take credit for the Israel-Hamas ceasefire?

13:10 , Joe Sommerlad

He certainly thinks so but here’s what the experts have to say.

Is Trump right to take credit for the Israel-Hamas ceasefire?

Washington Post staff beg Jeff Bezos to restore ‘trust that has been lost’ with newsroom visit

12:40 , Joe Sommerlad

Over 400 Washington Post journalists have signed a blistering petition demanding owner Jeff Bezos visit the newspaper’s office to restore “trust that has been lost,” leading “readers to question the integrity of this institution.”

The letter, which was sent to the mega-billionaire on Wednesday and obtained by The Independent, comes as the venerable newspaper has suffered a mass exodus of reporters and readers following Bezos’s decision to scuttle the editorial board’s presidential endorsement of Kamala Harris.

Since the blocked endorsement, the Post has reportedly lost at least 250,000 subscribers.

Justin Barangoa reports.

Washington Post staff begs Jeff Bezos to visit restore ‘trust that has been lost’

Why Michelle Obama is skipping Trump’s inauguration

12:10 , Joe Sommerlad

The former first lady will not attend the 47th president’s swearing-in ceremony next week because she doesn’t want to “plaster” on a smile for someone she fundamentally believes is a threat to American democracy, according to a report.

Rhian Lubin has more.

This is reportedly why Michelle Obama is skipping Trump’s inauguration

Biden and Trump racing to save TikTok

11:40 , Joe Sommerlad

The outgoing Joe Biden and the incoming Donald Trump are battling it out to be the hero of the hour to social media users by saving TikTok, according to The Daily Beast.

The popular video app has until Sunday to avoid a US ban by liberating itself from Chinese ownership.

Biden’s team is exploring ways to implement the law without actually shutting down the app, administration officials told NBC News.

Meanwhile, Trump’s incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz has told Fox News his side is also preparing an intervention.

Both leaders originally supported the ban are not keen to avoid alienating its 170m American users.

You can follow our dedicated liveblog on the fight to save TikTok below, which has all the very latest developments.

Trump and MrBeast scramble in last minute bid to save TikTok from lockdown: latest

‘Is that a joke?’: Biden asked if Trump should receive more credit for Israel-Hamas ceasefire

11:10 , Joe Sommerlad

Here’s the president’s indignant response when asked about his successor’s contribution to yesterday’s landmark agreement to end the violence in Gaza.

Biden asked if Trump should receive more credit for Israel-Hamas ceasefire

Trump’s AG nominee Pam Bondi won’t say he lost 2020 election

10:40 , Joe Sommerlad

More of the president-elect’s cabinet nominees will face the Senate committees today, with Doug Burgum, Scott Turner, Lee Zeldin and Scott Bessent all up for review.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, in line for US attorney general, appeared yesterday (picking up where Matt Gaetz left off) and was grilled repeatedly about her support for Trump’s Big Lie four years ago, refusing to answer “yes” or “no” on whether she had any evidence to prove it.

Here’s Alex Woodward’s report on her hearing.

Pam Bondi refuses to say Trump lost 2020 election in confirmation hearing

When is Trump’s inaugration?

10:25 , Joe Sommerlad

Here’s everything you need to know about the 47th president’s upcoming swearing-in ceremony from Katie Hawkinson.

What day will Trump take office?

Trump rebukes old allies after taking credit for Gaza ceasefire

10:10 , Joe Sommerlad

The president-elect’s latest social media post finds him applauding his hires to his new administration while also lashing out at old enemies, including but not limited to: “Charles Koch, ‘Dumb as a Rock’ John Bolton, ‘Birdbrain’ Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, disloyal Warmongers Dick Cheney, and his Psycho daughter, Liz, Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, General(?) Mark Milley, James Mattis, Mark Yesper, or any of the other people suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome”.

Before that, he had insisted on the same platform that ceasefire agreed in the Middle East on Wednesday “could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies”.

“We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!” he added.

What a thought.

Here’s Eric Garcia on who really deserves the credit.

Democrats and Republicans spar over whether Biden or Trump deserves ceasefire credit

Biden leaves office with higher approval rating than Trump after first term, new poll finds

09:40 , Joe Sommerlad

The Democrat is leaving office with a slightly higher approval rating than Trump did after his first term, a new poll shows.

The outgoing president’s final approval rating is 36 percent compared to Trump, who had a rating of 34 percent when he left the White House in 2021, the CNN poll conducted by SSRS found.

However, Biden’s four years in office are regarded by Americans more as a failure (61 percent) than a success (38 percent), the survey found.

Rhian Lubin reports.

Biden leaves office with higher approval rating than Trump after first term –poll

Analysis: Biden’s attack on tech power and wealth recalls another dark time

09:10 , Joe Sommerlad

After a half-century in public service, one might have expected Joe Biden to exit the world stage with a speech urging Americans to remember him fondly for the productive legislative record his administration compiled, or his work shoring up alliances and bringing two new members of NATO into the now 32-member bloc.

But he opted not to use the coveted prime-time air time to brag.

Instead, he delivered a surprisingly sharp warning.

Here’s more from Andrew Feinberg.

Biden’s attack on tech power and wealth recalls another dark time

Biden calls for constitutional amendment ending presidential immunity

08:50 , Joe Sommerlad

In the same speech from the White House, the president called for the creation of a new constitutional amendment to demolish the concept of presidential “immunity” from criminal prosecution.

“We need to amend the Constitution to make clear that no president, no president, is immune from crimes he or she commits while in office,” he said.

“The president’s power is not unlimited. It’s not absolute. And it shouldn’t be.”

Last summer, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority granted sitting presidents absolute “immunity” from criminal prosecution for actions stemming from “official” duties and “presumptive” immunity for actions in the “outer perimeter” of the functions of the presidency.

That ruling marked a seismic victory for Donald Trump, who argued that his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election are “immune” from prosecution in the sprawling federal criminal case against him.

Alex Woodward reports.

Biden demands constitutional amendment on immunity before Trump takes power

Joe Biden warns of dangerous threat of new age of ‘robber barons’ in farewell presidential address

08:30 , Joe Sommerlad

Good morning!

The outgoing US president Joe Biden warned in his farewell speech last night that a new gilded age of “robber barons” is in danger of eroding Americans’ hard-won freedoms unless the government takes steps to ensure that the ultra-wealthy pay a fair share in taxes and aren’t allowed to exercise “outsized” power.

In remarks deliberately tailored to echo Dwight Eisenhower’s warnings about the dangers of the military-industrial complex, Biden said he was just as concerned as Eisenhower had been about what he described as a “tech industrial complex that could pose real dangers for our country”.

That, combined with a dangerous “concentration of technology power and wealth,” he added, is forming a new “oligarchy” of “extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead”.

Andrew Feinberg reports.

Biden warns of dangerous threat of new age of ‘robber barons’ in farewell address

Who is performing at Trump’s inauguration?

07:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on January 20.

At the ceremony in Washington, D.C. on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will take the oath of office and assume their positions in the White House.

However, the inauguration ceremony will be more than just a swearing-in — Trump’s team has just released the schedule of events, revealing those who will perform at the event, The Spectator World reports.

Here’s what you need to know about the line-up for Trump and Vances’ inauguration:

Who is performing at Trump’s inauguration?

Jim Jordan backs idea Trump should move 2028 LA Olympics to red-run city

06:30 , Oliver O’Connell

U.S. Representative Jim Jordan has expressed his support for President-elect Donald Trump to move the 2028 Olympics out of Los Angeles and relocate them to a city run by GOP lawmakers.

Jordan, a Republican who represents Ohio’s fourth congressional district, made the remarks while speaking on Newsmax on Tuesday.

Michelle Del Rey has the story.

Jim Jordan backs idea Trump should move 2028 Olympics from LA to red-run town

Harris declines to invite Vance on tour of VP residence

05:30 , Oliver O’Connell

Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly snubbed Vice President-elect JD Vance by not inviting him for a tour of the vice president’s residence before the inauguration.

While the tour for the incoming family has become a recent norm, Harris was never at the vice president’s residence before her inauguration amid the Covid-19 pandemic and President-elect Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

The residence is located on the grounds of the Naval Observatory in northwest Washington.

Gustaf Kilander reports.

Harris reportedly snubs Vance by not inviting him to VP residence

Cash-strapped MAGA ‘pillow guy’ now selling MyCross necklaces for $250 a pop

04:30 , Oliver O’Connell

Admirers of the trademark cross that Mike Lindell wears around his neck are now in luck as the MAGA pillow entrepreneur is now offering MyCross necklaces “designed in the likeness” of his own personal Christian emblem.

And prospective buyers can get their own replica of Lindell’s necklace for the low price of $249.98 — or $179.98 with a promo code.

Justin Barangoa has the story.

MAGA pillow entrepreneur Mike Lindell is now selling MyCross necklaces for $250 a pop

Profile: Pam Bondi — Trump’s pick to be attorney general

03:30 , Oliver O’Connell

The incoming Trump administration didn’t waste any time after Matt Gaetz said that he was dropping his bid to become attorney general. Soon afterward, it announced that Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, would seek the top position at the Justice Department instead.

Bondi, 59, who served as Florida’s attorney general from 2011 to 2019 and represented Donald Trump at his first impeachment trial in the Senate, is both an experienced public official and a long-time ally of the president-elect.

Gaetz reacted to the choice on X by calling her “a stellar selection” as well as “a proven litigator, an inspiring leader and a champion for all Americans.”

Here’s what you need to know about her:

Who is Pam Bondi? Trump’s new pick to be attorney general

Analysis: Democrats and Republicans spar over whether Biden or Trump deserves credit for the ceasefire

02:22 , Eric Garcia

President Joe Biden had barely finished speaking about the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas when a reporter asked him whether he or Donald Trump, who will succeed him next week, deserved credit for the ceasefire.

Biden immediately turned around with a grin and asked: “Is that a joke?” — then walked away.

The president, who leaves office in five days, may have been grinning, but it’s a question everyone in Washington had to ask. Democrats and Republicans immediately jockeyed to pitch whether Biden or Donald Trump deserve the lion’s share of the credit.

Read more:

Democrats and Republicans spar over whether Biden or Trump deserves ceasefire credit

Full story: Biden warns of dangerous threat of new age of ‘robber barons’ in final presidential address

01:59 , Katie Hawkinson

Check out the full recap of President Joe Biden’s farewell address from The Independent’s White House Correspondent Andrew Feinberg:

Biden warns of dangerous threat of new age of ‘robber barons’ in farewell address

Biden ends decades of public service with thanks to family, VP Harris

01:41 , Katie Hawkinson

President Joe Biden thanked Vice President Kamala Harris and his family as he ended the final public address of his presidency on Wednesday night.

“Let me close by stating my gratitude to so many people…Of course, to Kamala and her incredible partner. A historic vice president,” he said. “She and Doug have become like family. And to me, family is everything.”

“My deepest appreciation to our amazing First Lady, who is with me in the Oval today,” he added. “To our entire family: You’re the love of my life and the lives of my love.”

“After 50 years of public service, I give you my word that I still believe in the idea on which this nation stands.”

Biden slammed ‘dark money’ and calls for Supreme Court term limits in farewell speech

01:36 , Katie Hawkinson

President Joe Biden criticized “dark money” and called for term limits for Supreme Court Justices in his farewell address, which ended moments ago.

“We need to get dark money, that’s that hidden funding behind too many campaign contributions, we need to get it out of our politics,” Biden said. “We need to enact an 18-year term limit, time in term…for the Supreme Court.”

Biden calls for amendment ending presidential immunity

01:27 , Katie Hawkinson

President Joe Biden called for a new amendment to the Constitution to make it clear that “no president is immune from crimes that he or she commits while in office.”

The Supreme Court ruled this summer that former presidents have at least some immunity from prosecution for “official acts” carried out while in office.

“The system of separated powers designed by the Framers has always demanded an energetic, independent Executive,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote. “The President therefore may not be prosecuted for exercising his core constitutional powers, and he is entitled, at a minimum, to a presumptive immunity from prosecution for all his official acts.”

Biden warns ‘oligarchy is taking shape in America’

01:14 , Katie Hawkinson

President Joe Biden warned an “oligarchy is taking shape in America” as he leaves office.

“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedom and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead,” Biden said.

“We see the consequences all across America, and we’ve seen it before, more than a century ago, but the American people stood up to the robber barons back then and busted the trust,” he added.

Biden calls himself president ‘for all Americans’

01:11 , Katie Hawkinson

President Joe Biden is cementing his legacy as the 46th president of the United States in his final farewell address.

“In the past four years, our democracy has held strong, and every day I’ve kept my commitment to be president for all Americans for one of the toughest periods in our nation’s history,” Biden said from the Oval Office.

“I’ve had a great partner and vice president, Kamala Harris,” he added.

President Biden begins farewell address

01:04 , Katie Hawkinson

President Joe Biden has begun his farewell address.

“This will be my final address to you, the American people, from the Oval Office, from this desk as president,” he said.

Watch live from the White House:

Ahead of farewell address, Biden declares nation is ‘stronger, more prosperous, and more secure’

00:50 , Andrew Feinberg

As he prepares to deliver an Oval Office address for the last time after a single term in the White House and a full half-century of service in the federal government, President Joe Biden declared Tuesday that America now stands “stronger, more prosperous, and more secure” than it was when he entered office amid the tumult of the COVID-19 pandemic four years ago.

Read on:

Ahead of farewell address, Biden declares nation ‘stronger, more secure’

How to watch Biden’s farewell address

00:35 , Katie Hawkinson

President Joe Biden will give his farewell address from the White House at 8 p.m. Eastern Time this evening.

The White House will stream the event on YouTube, meaning anyone with a device can watch for free. You can also follow along here for live updates on Biden’s remarks from The Independent.

Major broadcast news networks including ABC, CBS, NBC and C-SPAN will also carry coverage of the speech this evening.

Trump voters will be ‘brutally scammed’ during his term, Nobel economist warns

00:33 , Michelle Del Rey

A Nobel laureate is warning supporters of President-elect Donald Trump that they’ll feel as though they’ve been “scammed” once his second administration begins.

Continue reading:

Trump voters will be ‘brutally scammed’ during his term, Nobel economist warns

Musk is being sued by the SEC over his Twitter takeover — what we know so far…

00:30 , Oliver O’Connell

Elon Musk is being sued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over his 2022 Twitter takeover.

The agency alleges that the billionaire failed to disclose his ownership of Twitter stock in a timely manner, saving himself at least $150 million “at the expense of shareholders.”

Rhian Lubin reports.

Elon Musk is being sued by the SEC over his Twitter takeover. What we know

Biden leaves office with ceasefire deal — but it wasn’t soon enough to save Kamala Harris

Wednesday 15 January 2025 23:40 , Oliver O’Connell

John Bowden writes:

The news of a permanent ceasefire agreement being struck between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday resulted in a collective sigh of relief across the U.S. political spectrum.

Even many ardent supporters of Israel’s siege of Gaza had publicly fretted over the past year over what effects the conflict was having on the broader American public’s view of the Israeli state. Now, a new poll confirms that those fears were warranted — and validates warnings from the progressive left over the past year.

Continue reading…

Biden leaves office with a ceasefire deal. But it wasn’t soon enough to save Kamala

Trump Transportation pick vows to buck any pressure to help Elon Musk

Wednesday 15 January 2025 23:20 , AP

Donald Trump’s pick to head the Transportation Department promised Wednesday to scrutinize Boeing‘s safety issues, streamline regulations and not interfere in ongoing agency investigations into Elon Musk’s electric car company if confirmed as secretary.

Former Wisconsin congressman Sean Duffy said at his Senate confirmation hearing that he would “restore global confidence” in Boeing, hire more air traffic controllers and create federal rules for self-driving cars instead of leaving that to the states, something Musk’s Tesla has been pushing for to help speed development of the technology.

Continue reading…

Transportation secretary pick vows to buck any pressure to help Elon Musk in agency probes of Tesla

Why is Michelle Obama skipping Trump’s inauguration?

Wednesday 15 January 2025 23:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is skipping Donald Trump’s inauguration next week, and her supposed reason seems entirely justified — especially given Donald and Melania Trump’s absence from Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Rhian Lubin reports.

This is reportedly why Michelle Obama is skipping Trump’s inauguration

Trump classified documents lays out schedule for Friday hearing on Jack Smith’s report

Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:55 , Alex Woodward

Judge Aileen Cannon has written up a game plan ahead of Friday’s court hearing on whether Jack Smith’s Mar-a-Lago classified documents report will ever see the light of day:

• Before tomorrow, Trump must tell the court whether his legal team wants to present an argument

• The Department of Justice must provide the court with a copy of the report so parties can review it in the judge’s chambers

• The hearing will be public obviously “but any discussions of specified content in Volume II will be conducted in closed, sealed session to preserve Defendants’ fair trial rights and to fully respect protective orders previously entered in this case”

• The hearing is set for 2 p.m. ET on Friday

Obama hails ceasefire, hostage deal; praises Biden and negotiators

Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:50 , Oliver O’Connell

Former President Barack Obama has lauded the ceasefire and hostage release deal announced between Israel and Hamas, expressing gratitude to President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Blinken, and “all the leaders and diplomatic teams from around the world who have worked so hard to get this done.”

Here is the full statement from the 44th president:

The ceasefire and hostage release deal announced between Israel and Hamas is good news – for the families of the hostages taken on October 7th, for the Palestinian civilians who have suffered for more than a year, and for everyone who has prayed for an end to this awful chapter.

It’s important to recognize that no deal – including this one – can ease the pain of those who have lost loved ones, or resolve the longstanding conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. That work will be much harder, and take much longer. But it will put a stop to the bloodshed, allow people to return to their homes, and get much-needed aid to more than a million desperate, hungry people.

That’s something we should all support, and I’m grateful to President Biden, Secretary Blinken, and all the leaders and diplomatic teams from around the world who have worked so hard to get this done.

Watch: British politicians discuss help for rich Americans who want to flee Trump’s second term

Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:45 , Oliver O’Connell

British politicians discuss help for rich Americans who want to flee Trump rule

Pence’s organization comes out swinging against RFK Jr.

Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:38 , Oliver O’Connell

The organization of former Vice President Mike Pence is pushing senators not to confirm Robert Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services because of his views on abortion.

Advancing American Freedom (AAF) outlines five questions for Kennedy to answer in a letter first obtained by The Daily Wire. The letter notes that Kennedy has previously said that a woman should have the right to an abortion “even if [the baby] is full term.”

That position is “completely out of step with the strong, pro-life record of the first Trump Administration,” AAF President Tim Chapman and Chairman of the Board Marc Short wrote in the letter.

Gustaf Kilander reports.

Mike Pence’s organization comes out swinging against RFK Jr. — because of abortion

Trump team asks three US senior career diplomats to resign, sources say

Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:32 , Reuters

Aides to President-elect Donald Trump have asked three senior career diplomats who oversee the U.S. State Department’s workforce and internal coordination to step down from their roles, two U.S. officials familiar with the matter said, in a possible signal of deeper changes ahead for the diplomatic corps.

The team overseeing the State Department’s transition to the new administration, the Agency Review Team, has requested that Dereck Hogan, Marcia Bernicat and Alaina Teplitz leave their posts, the sources said.

While political appointees typically submit their resignations when a new president takes office, most career foreign service officers continue from one administration to the next. All three officials have worked in both Democratic and Republican administrations throughout the years, including as ambassadors.

Trump, who will be inaugurated Jan. 20, pledged during his presidential campaign to “clean out the deep state” by firing bureaucrats that he deems as disloyal.

“There’s a little bit of a concern that this might be setting the stage for something worse,” one of the U.S. officials familiar with the matter said.

In response to a request for comment, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team said: “It is entirely appropriate for the transition to seek officials who share President Trump’s vision for putting our nation and America’s working men and women first. We have a lot of failures to fix and that requires a committed team focused on the same goals.”

A State Department spokesperson said the department has no personnel announcements to make. Hogan, Bernicat, Teplitz did not respond to requests for comment.

Reuters

New poll: Biden leaves office with higher approval rating than Trump after his first term

Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:20 , Oliver O’Connell

President Joe Biden is leaving office with a slightly higher approval rating than Donald Trump after his first term, a new poll shows.

The outgoing president’s final approval rating is 36 percent compared to Trump, who had a rating of 34 percent when he left the White House in 2021, the CNN poll conducted by SSRS found.

However, Biden’s four years in office are regarded by Americans more as a failure (61 percent) than a success (38 percent), the poll found.

Rhian Lubin reports.

Biden leaves office with higher approval rating than Trump after first term –poll

Key takeaways: Trump’s energy secretary pick sits for confirmation hearing

Wednesday 15 January 2025 22:00 , AP

Chris Wright, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for energy secretary, told senators during his confirmation hearing Wednesday that he would promote all sources of American energy, while also acknowledging the burning of fossil fuels causes climate change.

Wright, a fossil fuel executive, has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He believes that more fossil fuel production can lift people out of poverty around the globe. His nomination went before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for a confirmation hearing. Protesters interrupted it multiple times.

Here are the most interesting moments:

Key takeaways from Trump’s energy secretary pick’s confirmation hearing

What will a second term for Donald Trump mean for the Middle East?

Wednesday 15 January 2025 21:45 , Oliver O’Connell

The Independent’s Richard Hall will be taking all your questions on what Donald Trump’s presidency will mean for the Middle East.

After today’s ceasefire news, it feels more timely than ever…

US officials who resigned over Gaza war slam Biden’s inaction as Trump credited for ceasefire breakthrough

Wednesday 15 January 2025 21:30 , Oliver O’Connell

Richard Hall reports:

U.S. officials who resigned over the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza slammed the outgoing president for failing to broker a ceasefire sooner, after President-elect Donald Trump played a key role in securing an end to the devastating 15-month conflict.

“This is a deal that, in its basic form, has been on the table for many months, and it is an absolute travesty that the Biden administration never used any of the massive leverage it had to push it over the finish line,” Josh Paul, who resigned from the State Department’s in opposition to America’s policy of providing lethal arms to Israel for use in Gaza, said.

The agreement “demonstrates clearly that Biden could have achieved a ceasefire all along if his people were really serious about it,” Annelle Sheline, who resigned from the State Department in February 2024, told The Independent.

Read on…

Trump credited for ceasefire breakthrough as former US officials slam Biden inaction

Watch: Duckworth shares fond memory of Rubio during confirmation hearing

Wednesday 15 January 2025 21:15 , Oliver O’Connell

After Trump takes credit, Biden pointedly notes that he ‘introduced’ Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

Wednesday 15 January 2025 21:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Hamas and Israel have reached a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States with the aid of the Egyptian and Qatari governments, ending 15 months of violence that began with the October 7, 2023, terror attacks, President Joe Biden announced Wednesday afternoon.

Speaking from the White House not long after news of the agreement became public, Biden said it was “a very good afternoon” because he could announce the deal had finally been reached. The inking of a ceasefire deal brings to a halt more than a year of war in Gaza, during which the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 100,000 wounded.

The three-phase deal will begin with “a full and complete ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from all the populated areas of Gaza, and the release of a number of hostages held by Hamas, including women and elderly and the wounded” over a period of six weeks, Biden explained. The second phase, which is still being negotiated, would see a “permanent end to the war,” he added.

Andrew Feinberg reports from the White House.

Biden notes he ‘introduced’ Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal after Trump claims credit

Watch: Rubio laughs as protester interrupts him in Spanish

Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:45 , Oliver O’Connell

“I get bilingual protesters,” says Senator Marco Rubio at his confirmation hearing to be Donald Trump’s secretary of state.

Danish PM had 45-minute call with Trump following his Greenland comments

Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:27 , Oliver O’Connell

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark had a 45-minute-long phone conversation with Donald Trump today following his widely publicized remarks about wanting to buy Greenland.

The prime minister referred the president-elect “to the statements of the Chairman of the Greenlandic Parliament … that Greenland is not for sale.”

Frederiksen also argued “that it is up to Greenland itself to make a decision on independence”

Here’s the full readout of the call:

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had a telephone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

In the conversation, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening security in the Arctic, and that the Kingdom of Denmark is ready to shoulder even greater responsibility for this.

In the conversation, the Prime Minister referred to the statements of the Chairman of the Greenlandic Parliament, Múte B. Egede, that Greenland is not for sale, and the Prime Minister has argued that it is up to Greenland itself to make a decision on independence.

The Prime Minister has emphasized that Danish companies contribute to growth and jobs in the United States, and that the EU and the United States have a common interest in strengthened trade.

The conversation also discussed the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the relationship with China.

The conversation lasted 45 minutes. The Prime Minister and the incoming President have agreed to continue the dialogue.

DeSantis says his pick to replace Rubio in the Senate is coming soon

Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:22 , Oliver O’Connell

Watch: Bondi won’t say Trump lost 2020 election

Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:15 , Oliver O’Connell

Bondi hearing adjourns

Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:02 , Oliver O’Connell

Pam Bondi’s confirmation hearing adjourns for the day. Written questions can be submitted by the committee until 5pm tomorrow.

The committee will reconvene tomorrow to hear from a panel of outside witnesses concerning Bondi’s nomination.

Chairman Chuck Grassley thanks Bondi and says she “performed very well” today — “admirably” he adds.

Coca-Cola presents Trump with inaugural diet coke

Wednesday 15 January 2025 20:00 , Oliver O’Connell

Coca-Cola has presented President-elect Donald Trump with an inaugural Diet Coke bottle, becoming the latest company to fall in line with the new Trump era.

This comes after the company slammed Trump and his supporters following the January 6 Capitol riot. The company said at the time that the assault on Congress was “an offense to the ideals of American democracy.”

Gustaf Kilander has the story.

Coca-Cola presents Trump with inaugural diet coke bottle

Democrat Judiciary senator says Bondi did a ‘good job’

Wednesday 15 January 2025 19:52 , Oliver O’Connell

Peter Welch, one of the Senate Judiciary Democrats, gave positive feedback about Pam Bondi’s performance before the committee.

CNN’s Manu Raju reports that Welch said she did a “good job” as her confirmation hearing nears its end.

About other Democratic concerns concerning her independence from Trump, Welch said: “The president is always going to have somebody that he or she feels comfortable with.”

“My concern is the threats Donald Trump has made about going after his political opponents.”

Watch: Bondi asked about hypothetical Trump directive ‘outside boundaries of ethics or law’

Wednesday 15 January 2025 19:45 , Oliver O’Connell