Trump’s Appointment Pace & DoD’s Audit Failure | 11.18.24
Morning Wire
Deep Dive
Why is President-elect Trump making rapid cabinet appointments?
Trump aims to avoid the disunity and rebellion that hampered his first term by filling his cabinet with loyalists committed to his agenda. His team learned lessons from the past and is ready to hit the ground running.
What are the key appointments made by Trump over the weekend?
Trump appointed North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for Interior Secretary and Energy Czar, and fracking executive Chris Wright for Energy Secretary. He also appointed Caroline Leavitt as White House press secretary, making her the youngest person to hold the position.
Why is there controversy surrounding Matt Gaetz's appointment as Attorney General?
Gaetz is under an ethics investigation for alleged sexual misconduct and drug use. GOP senators want to see the findings of the report before confirming him, leading to potential confirmation challenges.
How did athletes react to Trump's appearance at the UFC event?
Athletes warmly embraced Trump, with fighters thanking him in their post-fight speeches. Jon Jones even placed his championship belt on Trump, and NFL players celebrated big plays with Trump's iconic YMCA dance.
Why are legacy media outlets like CNN and MSNBC facing significant challenges?
Legacy media outlets are losing viewership and trust due to perceived bias and competition from social media and podcasts. CNN and MSNBC have seen substantial drops in ratings, leading to layoffs and potential sales.
What is the Department of Defense's latest audit failure revealing?
The DOD failed its seventh consecutive audit, unable to fully account for its $824 billion budget. Despite this, the Undersecretary of Defense claims progress and aims for a clean audit by 2028.
What is the Audit the Pentagon Act of 2023 proposing?
The Act proposes that any DOD component failing to complete a clean audit should return 1% of its budget to the Treasury. It aims to address waste and inefficiency in the department.
How is the incoming Trump administration planning to address government waste?
The Trump administration is launching a government efficiency task force called Doge, led by Vivek Ramaswamy. This task force aims to restore accountability and self-governance in government agencies.
- Trump made 12 cabinet appointments in the first 12 days after winning.
- The Republican Party is now united behind Trump, unlike in 2016.
- Trump's administration aims to achieve energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign sources.
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