Trump Administration
Follow the latest Trump Administration news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
December 7, 2024 at 10:21 AM

Early appointments offer Vance chance to throw weight around as Trump's heir apparent

Donald Trump has been the ultimate GOP mover and shaker since 2015. Now, Vice President-elect JD Vance has some early opportunities to make his own mark.
December 7, 2024 at 10:21 AM
Vice President-elect Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) arrives for the Senate Republican leadership elections at the U.S. Capitol, on Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
December 7, 2024 at 2:14 AM

Vance ‘fully supports’ Hegseth to lead Department of Defense

Vice President-elect JD Vance discussed Pete Hegseth, who was nominated last month by President-elect Donald Trump.
December 7, 2024 at 2:14 AM
Vice President-elect JD Vance discussed Pete Hegseth, who was nominated last month by President-elect Donald Trump.
December 6, 2024 at 9:17 PM

Hegseth's attorney threatens to sue sex assault accuser if she repeats 'false' claims

Pete Hegseth's attorney threatened legal action against the woman who accused his client of sexual assault should he lose the nomination.
December 6, 2024 at 9:17 PM
President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrives for a meeting with U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst at the U.S. Capitol, December 4, 2024, in Washington.
December 6, 2024 at 3:07 PM

Trump speaks out on Pete Hegseth as embattled Pentagon pick fights for confirmation

Donald Trump on Friday made his first public comments supporting Pete Hegseth since he began making rounds on Capitol Hill to shore up support amid various allegations.
December 6, 2024 at 3:07 PM
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, responds to reporters during a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Dec. 5, 2024.
December 6, 2024 at 11:48 AM

As Hegseth's fight to head Pentagon lags, Trump not trying to save him: Sources

ABC News was told Trump has expressed to those close to him that Hegseth should have been more honest and forthcoming about challenges he could face given his history.
December 6, 2024 at 11:48 AM
Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth meets with Senator-elect Jim Banks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Dec. 5, 2024.
December 5, 2024 at 9:42 PM

Musk eyeing federal remote work policies to help slash $2T from budget

Work from home policies came under fire from Elon Musk as he and Vivek Ramaswamy took their plans to reduce government waste to the floors of Congress Thursday.
December 5, 2024 at 9:42 PM
Tesla CEO Elon Musk walks with his son on his shoulders with Speaker Mike Johnson and Vivek Ramaswamy at the U.S. Capitol, Dec. 5, 2024, in Washington.
December 5, 2024 at 5:49 PM

Fallout as Pete Hegseth tries to keep candidacy for defense secretary alive

President-elect Donald Trump’s embattled pick to run the Pentagon says he will keep fighting, even as sources tell ABC News that Trump is considering other options.
December 5, 2024 at 5:49 PM
VIDEO: Fallout as Pete Hegseth tries to keep candidacy for defense secretary alive
December 5, 2024 at 5:39 PM

Key GOP senator says she's not ready to support Hegseth for defense secretary

Sen. Joni Ernst said she's not ready to support Pete Hegseth for defense secretary as Hegseth faces allegations of sexual impropriety and other misconduct.
December 5, 2024 at 5:39 PM
Sen. Joni Ernst speaks to reporters as she walks to a Senate luncheons at the U.S. Capitol, on Nov. 19, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
December 5, 2024 at 2:52 PM

Who is Tulsi Gabbard? Meet Trump's pick for director of national intelligence

Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s controversial choice for Director of National Intelligence, could face one of the most bruising Senate confirmation battles.
December 5, 2024 at 2:52 PM
Former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard attends a campaign rally of Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump at PPG Paints Arena, Nov. 4, 2024, in Pittsburgh.
December 5, 2024 at 2:51 PM

Does Linda McMahon need to be an educator to lead the Department of Education?

President-elect Donald Trump's education secretary nominee, Linda McMahon, is under a microscope for her lack of experience in schools.
December 5, 2024 at 2:51 PM
Linda McMahon, former administrator of the US Small Business Administration, speaks during the America First Policy Institute's America First Agenda summit in Washington, D.C., on July 25, 2022.
December 5, 2024 at 1:04 AM

Hegseth promises to stop drinking if confirmed, GOP senator says

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, remains defiant after new misconduct allegations are causing growing concern among Republican lawmakers.
December 5, 2024 at 1:04 AM
President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, accompanied by Sen. Bill Hagerty arrives for a meeting with Senate Minority Whip John Thune at the Capitol, Dec. 4, 2024.
December 4, 2024 at 7:16 PM

Hegseth continues defiance in defense secretary fight

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, remains defiant as new misconduct allegations are causing growing concern among Republican lawmakers.
December 4, 2024 at 7:16 PM
VIDEO: Hegseth continues defiance in defense secretary fight
December 4, 2024 at 7:00 PM

'I pulled him out': Trump pushes back on DEA pick saying he withdrew

Florida sheriff Chad Chronister announced Tuesday he was withdrawing his name from consideration to run the Drug Enforcement Agency.
December 4, 2024 at 7:00 PM
In this Oct. 15, 2024, file photo, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister speaks during a press conference inside the Falkenburg Road Jail Assembly Room at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, in Tampa, Fla.
December 4, 2024 at 6:04 PM

Trump considering new options for Defense Secretary nomination

With President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to run the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, in jeopardy, sources tell ABC News Trump is considering other people for the job.
December 4, 2024 at 6:04 PM
VIDEO: Trump considering new options for Defense Secretary nomination
December 4, 2024 at 5:47 PM

Hegseth says he won't 'back down'

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, remains defiant after new misconduct allegations are causing growing concern among Republican lawmakers.
December 4, 2024 at 5:47 PM
VIDEO: Hegseth says he won't 'back down'
December 4, 2024 at 5:26 PM

Trump’s pick to run the DEA, Chad Chronister, withdraws from consideration

Donald Trump’s pick to run the Drug Enforcement Administration says he's withdrawing his name from consideration
December 4, 2024 at 5:26 PM
FILE - President-elect Donald Trump speaks at meeting of the House GOP conference, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
December 4, 2024 at 4:13 PM

Kash Patel, Trump's pick to lead FBI, hit with Iranian cyberattack, sources say

The FBI director nominee Kash Patel was hit with what is believed to be a cyberattack emanating from Iran, according to two sources familiar with the situation.
December 4, 2024 at 4:13 PM
Former Chief of Staff to the United States Secretary of Defense Kash Patel speaks during a campaign rally for former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct. 24, 2024.
December 4, 2024 at 12:42 AM

Republican senators torn over FBI background checks for Trump Cabinet picks

Republicans senators returned to Washington after Thanksgiving recess to a renewed peppering of questions about President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks.
December 4, 2024 at 12:42 AM
Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., speaks during a news conference following the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol, Nov. 19, 2024, in Washington.
December 3, 2024 at 11:14 PM

Republican senators express growing concerns over Pete Hegseth misconduct allegations

Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick for defense secretary, was back on Capitol Hill Tuesday looking to shore up support as he fends off allegations of misconduct.
December 3, 2024 at 11:14 PM
President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his wife Jennifer Rauchet walk through the Russell Senate Office building on Capitol Hill, Dec. 3, 2024, in Washington.
December 3, 2024 at 8:10 PM

Casten introduces new privileged resolution to force release of Gaetz report

Democrat Casten introduced an updated privileged resolution to try to force the bipartisan Ethics Committee to release its report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz.
December 3, 2024 at 8:10 PM
Representative Sean Casten attends a news conference on the US Securities and Exchange Commission climate rule in Washington, Mar. 6, 2024.
December 3, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Black Republicans feel left out of Trump’s 2nd-term picks

As President-elect Donald Trump fills out his Cabinet and closest advisers, African American Republicans ask why more Black people haven’t been selected.
December 3, 2024 at 7:32 PM
In this Oct. 29, 2024 file photo, President-elect Donald Trump attends a campaign event, in Allentown, Pa.
December 3, 2024 at 3:57 PM

Tuberville praises defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth amid misconduct allegations

Following his meeting Monday with Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, Sen. Tommy Tuberville told reporters Hegseth would be "great" for the position.
December 3, 2024 at 3:57 PM
President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth leaves a meeting with Sen. Tommy Tuberville on Capitol Hill, Dec. 2, 2024, in Washington.
December 3, 2024 at 3:54 PM

What a 'deep state' investigation could look like if Kash Patel becomes FBI director

Here's how Kash Patel, President-elect Trump's choice to lead the FBI, might try to make good on his pledge to rid the government of the so-called "deep state."
December 3, 2024 at 3:54 PM
Kash Patel, former chief of staff to the defense secretary, speaks on the day Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump holds a campaign rally, in Prescott Valley, Arizona, Oct. 13, 2024.
December 3, 2024 at 1:38 PM

Trump’s top Cabinet picks meet with lawmakers

Some of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks, including Pam Bondi, have been meeting with senators ahead of what could be a series of bruising confirmation fights.
December 3, 2024 at 1:38 PM
VIDEO: Trump’s top Cabinet picks meet with lawmakers
December 3, 2024 at 12:44 PM

Who is Kash Patel?

ABC News’ Pierre Thomas examines Kash Patel’s career history after he became President-elect Trump’s nominee for FBI Director.
December 3, 2024 at 12:44 PM
Who is Kash Patel?
December 2, 2024 at 2:58 PM

Trump nominates loyalist Kash Patel for FBI director

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Kash Patel, who has vowed in the past to shut down the FBI headquarters, to lead the agency.
December 2, 2024 at 2:58 PM
VIDEO: Trump nominates loyalist Kash Patel for FBI director
December 1, 2024 at 8:11 PM

GOP senator praises current FBI Director Christopher Wray, calls Putin a 'tyrant'

Republican Sen. Mike Rounds emphasized his support for current FBI Director Christopher Wray, whom Trump intends to fire and replace with controversial Kash Patel.
December 1, 2024 at 8:11 PM
Sen. Mike Rounds appears on "This Week," Dec. 1, 2024.
December 1, 2024 at 8:04 PM

Trump picks daughter Tiffany's father-in-law Massad Boulos as senior Mideast adviser

Trump announces he's adding another family member to his administration, choosing daughter Tiffany Trump's father-in-law as senior Middle East adviser.
December 1, 2024 at 8:04 PM
MANHATTAN, NY - SEP 4 : Dr. Massad Boulos, Tiffany Trump's father-in-law, sits for a portrait at the Wall Street Hotel  in New York on Sep 4, 2024. (Photo by Jeenah Moon for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
December 1, 2024 at 3:20 PM

Trump nominates Kash Patel to lead FBI

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will fire FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with longtime ally Kash Patel.
December 1, 2024 at 3:20 PM
VIDEO: Trump nominates Kash Patel to lead FBI
December 1, 2024 at 3:19 PM

Could Trump’s pick of Kash Patel to head the FBI lead to a confirmation battle?

ABC News’ Chief Washington Correspondent Jon Karl takes a closer look at President-elect Donald Trump’s latest nomination and Elon Musk’s growing influence in the new administration.
December 1, 2024 at 3:19 PM
VIDEO: Could Trump’s pick of Kash Patel to head the FBI lead to a confirmation battle?
December 1, 2024 at 1:57 AM

Trump picks Florida sheriff Chad Chronister for DEA administrator

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister for administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency.
December 1, 2024 at 1:57 AM
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister
November 29, 2024 at 5:34 PM

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to meet with House Republicans on DOGE plans

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will head to Capitol Hill next week to meet with Republicans on their plan to slash regulations and other parts of the federal government.
November 29, 2024 at 5:34 PM
Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk.
November 27, 2024 at 11:58 PM

Trump Cabinet picks targets of bomb threats and swatting, spokesperson says

Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees were the targets of "violent" threats, said Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
November 27, 2024 at 11:58 PM
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a press conference to deliver "Trump Will Fix It" remarks, at Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Florida, Oct. 29, 2024.
November 27, 2024 at 9:13 PM

Trump names COVID lockdown critic Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as pick for NIH director

President-elect Donald Trump is nominating a close ally of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as the head of the National Institutes of Health.
November 27, 2024 at 9:13 PM
UNITED STATES - Dr. Jay Bhattacharya speaks during a roundtable discussion with members of the House Freedom Caucus on the COVID-19 pandemic at The Heritage Foundation on Thursday, November 10, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
November 27, 2024 at 4:32 PM

What policies could RFK Jr. actually change at HHS?

Named to lead the nation’s sprawling Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has big ideas for busting public health policy norms.
November 27, 2024 at 4:32 PM
Former Republican presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gestures as he speaks ahead of former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Nov. 1, 2024.
November 27, 2024 at 2:52 PM

Musk's DOGE wants to slash regulations. Workers and patients may suffer, experts say.

Trump appointed Elon Musk as co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency.
November 27, 2024 at 2:52 PM
President-elect Donald Trump greets Elon Musk as he arrives to attend a viewing of the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket, Nov. 19, 2024, in Brownsville, Texas.
November 26, 2024 at 9:20 PM

Tom Homan says he will jail mayor for challenging Trump's deportation efforts

Homan’s comments come after Mayor Mike Johnston said he was willing to go to jail to stop possible mass deportation efforts under the incoming Trump administration.
November 26, 2024 at 9:20 PM
Tom Homan, a FOX News contributor and former Trump Administration Head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), delivers the keynote speech at the Columbiana County Lincoln Day Dinner, March 15, 2024, in Salem, Ohio.
November 25, 2024 at 5:01 PM

Republicans lash out at Democrats' claims Trump intel pick Gabbard is 'compromised'

Republican lawmakers are pushing back against criticism from some Democrats that President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead U.S. intelligence services is “compromised” by her comments supportive of Russia and a meeting with an ally of that country
November 25, 2024 at 5:01 PM
FILE - Tulsi Gabbard speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
November 25, 2024 at 12:40 PM

Tracking Trump's picks to serve in his Cabinet, administration

President-elect Donald Trump is rolling out names for top jobs in his administration.
November 25, 2024 at 12:40 PM
Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump greets Senator Marco Rubio during a campaign rally at the J.S. Dorton Arena in Raleigh, N.C., on Nov. 4, 2024.
November 25, 2024 at 1:11 AM

Sen. Klobuchar says she needs background checks to judge Trump's Cabinet

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar emphasized Sunday the importance of FBI background checks for Trump’s Cabinet nominees, which she said is necessary for their confirmation.
November 25, 2024 at 1:11 AM
Sen. Amy Klobuchar on ABC's This Week.
November 25, 2024 at 1:06 AM

Trump team skips FBI background checks on cabinet choices

The Trump transition team hasn’t signed the required paperwork for cabinet choices to get FBI background checks the Senate has traditionally required.
November 25, 2024 at 1:06 AM
VIDEO: Trump team skips FBI background checks on cabinet choices
November 25, 2024 at 12:09 AM

Lawmakers express concern about lack of background checks for Trump's Cabinet

ABC News' Molly Nagle assesses President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks and their paths forward.
November 25, 2024 at 12:09 AM
VIDEO: Lawmakers express concern about lack of background checks for Trump's Cabinet
November 24, 2024 at 7:54 PM

Possible confirmation battles as Trump builds his Cabinet

ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jon Karl takes a closer look at the flurry of new administration appointments by President-elect Donald Trump.
November 24, 2024 at 7:54 PM
VIDEO: Possible confirmation battles as Trump builds his Cabinet
November 24, 2024 at 7:22 PM

Hagerty: The public doesn't care who does Hegseth's background check

Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., a prominent ally of Donald Trump, said the president-elect would fire members of his Cabinet who don't follow the policy he sets out.
November 24, 2024 at 7:22 PM
Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty on ABC News' This Week.
November 23, 2024 at 3:23 PM

Trump’s transition team kicks into high gear

Trump's picks face renewed scrutiny after announcing a flurry of appointments Friday night.
November 23, 2024 at 3:23 PM
VIDEO: Trump’s transition team kicks into high gear
November 23, 2024 at 2:18 PM

What Pam Bondi, Trump's new AG pick, has said about investigating DOJ prosecutors

Donald Trump's new attorney general pick Pam Bondi appears easily positioned to pick up the mantle on his goal of overhauling DOJ and his pledge for retribution.
November 23, 2024 at 2:18 PM
Florida's Former Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference meeting, Feb. 23, 2024, in National Harbor, Maryland.
November 23, 2024 at 2:17 AM

Who is Trump's treasury secretary pick, Scott Bessent?

Scott Bessent, a billionaire hedge fund manager who has helped fundraise for Donald Trump, is the president-elect's choice to lead the Treasury Department.
November 23, 2024 at 2:17 AM
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, listens as investor Scott Bessent speaks on the economy in Asheville, N.C., Aug. 14, 2024.
November 22, 2024 at 7:55 PM

Haley skewers Trump picks Gabbard, RFK Jr.

"She has defended Russia, she has defended Syria, she has defended Iran, and she has defended China," Haley said of Gabbard.
November 22, 2024 at 7:55 PM
Former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard attends a campaign rally of Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump at PPG Paints Arena, Nov. 4, 2024, in Pittsburgh.
November 22, 2024 at 4:12 PM

Tulsi Gabbard draws scrutiny over Russia comments

ABC News’ Shannon Kingston and former CIA Field Operative Darrell Blocker discuss President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the director of national intelligence.
November 22, 2024 at 4:12 PM
VIDEO: Tulsi Gabbard draws scrutiny over Russia comments
November 22, 2024 at 3:10 PM

Trump's Cabinet picks boast thin resumes. That's the point: ANALYSIS

Donald Trump's picks to fill his Cabinet have résumés that are thin on the subject matter the agencies they would lead oversee. But that doesn't mean they're unqualified.
November 22, 2024 at 3:10 PM
Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth departs following a meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, Nov. 21, 2024.