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WESTERLY, R.I. , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: WASH ) (the "Corporation"), parent company of The Washington Trust Company, of Westerly (the "Bank"), today announced Bank balance sheet repositioning transactions to support continued organic growth and capital generation. "Like many banks, we have been carrying low-yielding assets on our balance sheet following rapid increases in interest rates over the past few years. These assets have been earning interest below current market rates, which has impacted our earnings and ability to reinvest and expand our business. We had the opportunity to raise approximately $70 million in capital to support the sale of these low-yielding assets and reinvestment of the proceeds into assets with higher rates," stated Edward "Ned" O. Handy III, Washington Trust Chairman and CEO. "This will allow us to focus on growth and investment which is good for shareholders, employees, customers and the communities we serve. This has also made us even stronger financially and will set us up for improved profitability in 2025 and beyond." Pursuant to the terms of the transactions, the Bank sold approximately $409 million of available for sale debt securities with a weighted average yield of 2.65% and has agreed to sell approximately $345 million in residential mortgage loans with a weighted average rate of 3.03%. The sale of the residential mortgage loans is expected to settle in the first quarter of 2025. The Bank has also reinvested approximately $378 million into available for sale debt securities with a weighted average yield of 5.30%. Additionally, the Bank expects to pay down approximately $352 million of wholesale funding balances with an estimated weighted average rate of 4.50% in the first quarter of 2025. The sale transactions are expected to result in a net after-tax loss of approximately $70 million that will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2024. While this will cause the Corporation to report a net loss for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2024, it has been entirely funded by the $70 million in capital raised through our previously disclosed equity offering. The Corporation will provide additional details on this balance sheet repositioning in a presentation that will be furnished as an exhibit to a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and will be accessible on the Corporation's website at https://ir.washtrust.com . ABOUT WASHINGTON TRUST BANCORP, INC. Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., NASDAQ: WASH , is the publicly-owned holding company of The Washington Trust Company ("Washington Trust", "the Bank"), with $7.1 billion in assets as of September 30, 2024 . Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is recognized as the oldest community bank in the nation, the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island and one of the Northeast's premier financial services companies. Washington Trust values its role as a community bank and is committed to helping the people, businesses, and organizations of New England improve their financial lives. The Bank offers a wide range of commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island , Connecticut and Massachusetts and a full suite of convenient digital tools. Washington Trust is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains statements that are "forward-looking statements." We may also make forward-looking statements in other documents we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in our annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by our officers, directors, or employees. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "assume," "outlook," "will," "should," and other expressions that predict or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. You should not rely on forward-looking statements, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that might cause these differences include the following: changes in general business and economic conditions on a national basis and in the local markets in which we operate; changes in customer behavior due to political, business, and economic conditions, including inflation and concerns about liquidity; interest rate changes or volatility, as well as changes in the balance and mix of loans and deposits; changes in loan demand and collectability; the possibility that future credit losses are higher than currently expected due to changes in economic assumptions or adverse economic developments; ongoing volatility in national and international financial markets; reductions in the market value or outflows of wealth management AUA; decreases in the value of securities and other assets; increases in defaults and charge-off rates; changes in the size and nature of our competition; changes in legislation or regulation and accounting principles, policies, and guidelines; operational risks including, but not limited to, changes in information technology, cybersecurity incidents, fraud , natural disasters, war, terrorism, civil unrest, and future pandemics; regulatory, litigation, and reputational risks; and changes in the assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements. In addition, the factors described under "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 , as updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings submitted to the SEC, may result in these differences. You should carefully review all of these factors, and you should be aware that there may be other factors that could cause these differences. These forward-looking statements were based on information, plans, and estimates at the date of this report, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events or other changes. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES This press release and related presentation may contain references to measures that are not defined in generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Management believes that the supplemental non-GAAP information, which consists of measurements and ratios based on tangible equity, is utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company's financial condition and therefore, such information is useful to investors. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures, which may be presented by other companies. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. SOURCE Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.The Irish Times view on social media regulation: Ireland caught in the middle
WillowWood Rebrand by DD.NYC Wins Gold Anthem Award for Product and Innovation in 2024 RebrandThe City of Boston says its X account will stay alive while it gains a presence on Bluesky , a social media platform that has attracted millions of users following President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in early November. “The City maintains a presence on multiple communications platforms to reach constituents,” a city spokesperson told the Herald on Saturday. “We are not deleting our presence on other platforms as we establish new accounts on Bluesky to meet the surge of activity and local interest there.” Critics accused the city of “running away” from Elon Musk’s “toxic” X platform after announcing it had created a Bluesky account last week. “Hey Boston, we’re here!” officials wrote in their first Bluesky post, the day before Thanksgiving. “City teams are building accounts and making moves to make Bluesky our home. Stay tuned.” The post included links to various departments that had already created Bluesky accounts including the Streets Cabinet , Parks and Recreation , and the Public Health Commission . Bluesky had gained 1 million new users in the week after Trump’s reelection, as some X users, mostly liberals, looked for an alternative platform to post their thoughts and engage with others online. Despite Bluesky’s growth, X reported that it had “dominated the global conversation on the U.S. election” and had set new records. The platform saw a 15.5% jump in new-user signups on Election Day, it said, with a record 942 million posts worldwide. Bluesky has referenced its competitive relationship to X through tongue-in-cheek comments, including an Election Day post on X referencing Musk watching voting results come in with President-elect Donald Trump. “I can guarantee that no Bluesky team members will be sitting with a presidential candidate tonight and giving them direct access to control what you see online,” Bluesky said. Bostonians Against Mayor Wu , an X account critical of how the city is being governed, posted about the Bluesky development around 5 p.m. on Friday. As of 4 p.m. Saturday, the post had gained nearly 900,000 views. “The city of Boston announces it is ditching @elonmusk’s X and moving all of their accounts over to X’s rival platform,” the post read. Thousands of critics responded to the post, slamming the city for adding Bluesky to its social media repertoire. Former Herald sports columnist and current podcaster Gerry Callahan chimed in: “Elon Musk: We will allow ANYONE to speak. No censoring. No shadow banning. No collusion with the government. Democrats: Sorry, not for us.” The post even caught the eye of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones , who has 3.4 million X followers. “This is what cults do when they are exposed and in total collapse,” Jones posted on X late Friday night. “They run and hide from reality. This is the last stage of a failed ideology’s death. As Jesus said ‘let the dead bury the dead.’” Mayor Michelle Wu has sparingly used her @wutrain X account since Musk took over the platform. She posted a link to her Bluesky last Sunday, days before the city announced its account. In an interview with Commonwealth Beacon in January 2023, Wu said she’d stop using X as often as she did during her mayoral campaign as the platform became “an increasingly difficult place to share information and have civil dialogue over important issues.” “I’ve experienced this platform becoming more and more toxic over the last year,” Wu said, “and it’s a direction that makes it a less productive use of my personal time to reach constituents about local issues.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Trump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to be ambassador to FranceTrump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to be ambassador to FranceIn this week’s biggest fashion headlines, athletic and lifestyle brands flex healthy growth and monumental partnerships, Japanese brands expand horizons while looking back nostalgically, and innovation comes to the fore with new creative appointments and material applications. While Amer Sports , the owner of Salomon and Arc’teryx , reports impressive growth, Fear of God ESSENTIALS leans further into its sportswear roots with a multi-year NBA partnership. As BAPE celebrates 20 years of its iconic hoodie with an expansive re-issue, PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE places itself among cutting-edge fashion neighbors in NYC. Crocs is doubling down on creative evolution with the appointment of Steven Smith to an innovation-focussed role, and lastly, Stone Island unveils new applications of its thermosensitive technologies. Below, Hypebeast has rounded up the top fashion stories of the week so you can stay up to date on trends in the industry. Salomon and Arc’teryx Owner Amer Sports Reports Major Boost in Q3 Report Salomon Amer Sports , the parent company of Salomon , Arc’teryx and Wilson , has released a redemptive Q3 report, rebounding strongly from a lackluster February IPO with major growth across its portfolio. Amer Sports’ latest report showed revenue increasing by 17% year-over-year totaling $1.4 billion–on track with the raised guidance issued in the second quarter. Additionally, the report showed that the company’s net income grew to 257% over the prior year to $56 million, leading toward full-year sales growth between 16-17%. The company saw outstanding growth in China, where its largest individual shareholder Anta Sports is based. As competitors in the apparel space continue to post varying results towards the year’s close, market trends signals a shift toward hobbyist and activity-based spending rather than luxury for luxury’s sake. Fear of God ESSENTIALS Announces Multi-Year NBA and WNBA Partnership Fear Of God Essentials Fear of God , headed by Jeremy Lorenzo has announced a multi-year partnership with the NBA and WNBA under its ESSENTIALS label. In addition to marking a major milestone for the streetwear purveyor, it establishes a new level of collaboration between sports culture and streetwear brands. On the partnership, Lorenzo said “Sport shapes and informs the emotion, point of view, and the very fabric of what we do and who we are as a brand. Our nuanced understanding of this space and its parallels to fashion are embedded in our DNA. It is truly an honor to embark on a multi-year partnership with the league, collaborating with franchises across the NBA and WNBA.” The first installment of the partnership will celebrate the brand’s connection with basketball with an apparel capsule repping the league’s many teams including, the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Chicago Sky, Los Angeles Sparks and New York Liberty. Fear of God motifs will appear across the collection, which includes signature silhouettes printed with each team’s monikers. The forthcoming Fear of God ESSENTIALS x NBA collection will launch on Fear of God starting on November 20 and NBA on November 27. Steven Smith Hired as Head of Creative Innovation at Crocs Brad Barket/Fast Company/Getty Images With names like New Balance , adidas , Reebok , FILA , and Nike on Steven Smith ‘s roster of collaborators over his almost 40-year career, it’s no wonder Crocs is tapping him for Head of Creative Innovation. Following his termination by Ye during the adidas YEEZY conflict, Smith will now focus attention on pushing the legendary foam clog brand into the future. In his new role, Smith will be responsible for designing for both the Crocs brand and sub-label HEYDUDE . According to the official announcement from Crocs, the company hopes Smith’s creative vision will conceive novel silhouettes and evolve its brands’ distinct design aesthetics. “I have a penchant for taking design to new places and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring my knowledge and expertise to these storied brands,” Smith shared in a statement. “There is incredible potential to explore new forms and functionalities across the company’s iconic product portfolio and continue pushing boundaries through innovation,” he continued. BAPE Is Bringing Back the Original Shark Hoodie Bape To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the coveted streetwear staple, A Bathing Ape will reissue the Shark Full-Zip Hoodie. The first and second editions of the iconic design will be made available in an array of archival colorways and with all the original design details including the face-covering zip hood and the original sharp-toothed mascot. In a statement, the brand said “This hoodie has always represented the freedom to stand out, brought to life through creativity and Japanese craftsmanship.” “The Shark Full-Zip Hoodie is not just a garment; it is a bold reinterpretation of everyday wear and an innovative take on the silhouettes of elevated streetwear,” they continued. The first-edition Word Gone Mad (WGM) design includes the old FrankenApe design details along with the original woodland camo print across a set of five colorways. Across the back of the hood, the second-edition hoodie features the Point Of No Return (PONR) graphic originating in 2005, and boasts a special thermal lining for the winter months. PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE To Open NYC Flagship Designed by MOMENT Pleats Please Issey Miyake Nestled in the Nolita shopping district of Manhattan, PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE has announced the opening of a brand new boutique design by architecture and design firm MOMENT. The store will take up 2,224 square feet on the ground floor of architect Tadao Ando’s first New York City build. While photos of the finished space aren’t available at this time, the space will include steel-plated lighting rails tracking the ceiling and molded resin walls shaped in the style of the Japanese label’s signature pleating process. The retail layout will house glistening white tabletops and clothing railing structures to elegantly showcase merchandise. To celebrate the new boutique, an exclusive collection of pleated tops, skirts and dresses titled “SOIL & LEAF” will be offered upon opening. The store will open its doors to the public on December 12 at the address below. PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE New York 14 Kenmare Street New York, NY 10012 Stone Island Unveils Thermosensitive “Earth Mapping Camo” Ice Jacket Stone Island Inspired by satellite images of the Earth, Stone Island has unveiled a collection of winter gear printed with a new “Earth Mapping Camo.” The 462E1 Camouflage Nylon Rep Ice Jacket, modeled by photographer Liam Macrae, boasts thermosensitive properties allowing the garment to change appearance depending on the conditions. The jacket is made with a lightweight nylon rep in two colorways: a beige “Dove Grey” and a blueish “Green Gray.” Once exposed to cool air, the Dove Gray reveals orange undertones, while the Green Gray shows a muted shade of indigo. The extensive range of additional styles includes cargo pants, half-zip fleeces, down vests, tees and sweatshirts. While the cotton canvas underlayers do not share the color-changing properties of the Ice Jacket, they continue the new camouflage patterns in varying silhouettes.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he wants real estate developer Charles Kushner , father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker." Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Jared Kushner is a former White House senior adviser to Trump who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. The elder Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Charles Kushner arrives July 20, 2022, for the funeral of Ivana Trump in New York. John Minchillo, Associated Press Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Prosecutors alleged that after Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was cooperating with federal authorities in an investigation, he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to Kushner's own sister, the man’s wife, prosecutors said. Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison — the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, sought. Christie blamed Jared Kushner for his firing from Trump’s transition team in 2016, and called Charles Kushner’s offenses “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. attorney.” Trump and the elder Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Wilfredo Lee, Associated Press Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. George Walker IV, Associated Press Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Derik Hamilton Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. Matt Rourke, Associated Press The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. AP Photo/Alex Brandon Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Matt Kelley, Associated Press Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Andrew Harnik, Associated Press Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. Andy Cross, The Denver Post via AP President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Evan Vucci Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. AP Photo/Evan Vucci Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. John Bazemore, Associated Press Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Ted Shaffrey, Associated Press Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Matt Rourke, Associated Press Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Jonathan Newton - pool, ASSOCIATED PRESS Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. Jose Luis Magana, Associated Press President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. Andrew Harnik, Associated Press A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Paul Sancya, Associated Press Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Oded Balilty, Associated Press Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Ted Shaffrey, Associated Press Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. John Bazemore, Associated Press Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Matt Rourke, Associated Press Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Evan Vucci, Associated Press photos Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. William McGinley, White House counsel McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Jose Luis Magana, Associated PressWith OpenAI ’s ChatGPT search now available for free to everyone, getting real-time answers has never been easier – especially on mobile. From quick sports updates and shopping deals to understanding a topic while you’re out and about, simply hit the globe icon to activate this type of search for personalized queries. Now, instead of sifting through endless search results, I get clear, conversational, and up-to-date responses. Whether I’m texting or choose Advanced Voice with Vision, I get the answers exactly as I want them, tailored to me. Even at this early stage, ChatGPT is so good I don't see the need to use Google as my primary search engine. The following are 7 prompts to try with ChatGPT search on mobile that will save you time, boost productivity and maybe even impress your friends while you’re at it. 1. Discover the latest news Prompt: What’s the latest news happening right now? Staying updated on breaking news or specific topics is as easy as sending a text. For this prompt example, I kept it broad, but you can ask ChatGPT search about any current event because it pulls in real-time headlines and summaries from reliable sources. Whether you’re tracking tech advancements, politics or even entertainment gossip, this prompt keeps you informed without digging through multiple news apps. This is especially handy if you’re on the go and need quick updates on a topic for work, school, or general curiosity. Personally, I like to use it if I see news on social media and want to learn more about what is going on in the world around me. 2. Get the best deals Prompt: Find me the best-reviewed [product] under [price]. Shopping smarter is one of the best uses for ChatGPT Search on mobile. For example: Find me the best-reviewed Bluetooth earbuds under $50.” ChatGPT can quickly summarize top product recommendations from trusted sources, giving you a snapshot of the most affordable and well-rated options. No more hopping between Amazon , Walmart and Reddit reviews to decide the right product for you. I use this feature all the time whether I'm out at the store and searching for deals at home on the couch. Using ChatGPT search on mobile is perfect for budget-conscious shoppers who want quick insights into the best deals available. 3. Summarize articles and emails on-the-go Prompt: Summarize the key takeaways from this article. I don't always have time to read the news, but I want to stay informed about what's going on. I also have an overwhelming amount of emails from my kids' many teachers. Rather than find myself in a TL;DR situation, ChatGPT simplifies the text for me so I don't miss out on anything I need to know. It's easy to get a summary; just drop in the email or link to an article and in seconds ChatGPT search will extract the most important points into a short, digestible summary. This prompt can be used for news articles, research studies or even opinion pieces to get a quick overview without missing the critical details. 4. Know the weather Prompt: What’s the weather like in [city] this weekend? Checking the weather doesn’t have to mean switching apps or typing into a search bar. Now you can get the daily or weekly forecast for your city or any city you wish. This can help as you travel or want to stay informed about the weather in the city of a loved one. I have a cousin in South Korea and often notice the difference in weather from where I live in New Jersey. For fun, I’ll ask ChatGPT what the weather is like so I get a better idea of her life overseas. ChatGPT search pulls up accurate forecasts for your destination, including temperatures and precipitation details. Whether you’re planning a quick trip or just deciding what to wear, it’s a hassle-free way to stay prepared. 5. Discover new things to do Prompt : What are the must-see attractions in [city or destination]? Taking a vacation? Need something to do with friends visiting from out of town this weekend? ChatGPT search can act as your virtual tour guide and come to the rescue right from your phone. With the kids out of school for the holiday break, I asked for local activities to help keep them busy. ChatGPT pulled together lists of top landmarks, museums and hidden gems based on real-time recommendations. It can even highlight trending activities or lesser-known spots that other tourists are enjoying. This prompt works equally well for weekend getaways, family vacations, or spontaneous trips, saving you time on research and helping you make the most of your travels. 6. Understand a difficult topic Prompt: Explain [complex topic] in simple terms. If you’ve ever been caught off guard by a topic of conversation you aren’t familiar with, ChatGPT search can come to the rescue. When you need to understand something quickly, ChatGPT can simplify it for you. For example: “Explain blockchain technology in simple terms.” The AI will break down the concept into clear, conversational language without overwhelming jargon. It’s like having a personal tutor who can explain anything, from quantum physics to financial markets, in plain English. In fact you can even add, “like I’m five years old" to the end of your search to really have the topic broken down for you. This is a great trick to grasp a topic fast without spending hours on research. This is especially helpful for students, professionals, or anyone looking to quickly grasp a topic without spending hours on research. 7. Compare products Prompt: Compare [product A] vs. [product B]. When making purchasing decisions, particularly big ones, you can lean on ChatGPT search to help compare products side-by-side. For example, I asked, “What are the differences between the iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S24?” With this prompt, I got a breakdown of the key features, pros and cons, and relevant reviews for both products. The ability to ask questions like this makes it easier to see which option is better suited to your needs, whether you’re buying tech gadgets, appliances, or cars. For shoppers trying to avoid decision fatigue, this prompt is a lifesaver. Final thoughts The real power of ChatGPT search on mobile lies in its ability to blend conversational AI with real-time, reliable information at a speed much faster than Google. Because the answer to each query is an actual response rather than several links to further search through, users get the answers they want faster. These prompts let you quickly access news, simplify your shopping, get travel advice, and even understand tough concepts — all within a single chat interface. Overall, I think it is far better than any other search engine available, but it does have a major flaw that all users should consider. Because chats are saved to help the conversational aspect of ChatGPT robust, it does pose an issue with privacy and security. I would never put in personal or classified information because ChatGPT uses text based on input and it stores prompts indefinitely. I suggest keeping that in mind as you do your searches to ensure you are staying safe and confidential information remains private. Using ChatGPT as my search tool has transformed my mobile browsing experience into something smarter, quicker, and far more intuitive. I encourage you to give it try, but remain diligent about not entering any sensitive information into your prompts. More from Tom's Guide
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