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WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors moved Monday to dismiss the criminal charges against President-elect Donald Trump that accused him of plotting to overturn the 2020 election and to abandon the classified documents case against him, citing longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. The decision by special counsel Jack Smith, who had fiercely sought to hold Trump criminally accountable for his efforts to subvert the 2020 election, represented the end of the federal effort against the former president following his election victory this month despite the election-related cases and multiple other unrelated criminal charges against him and is headed back to the White House. FILE - Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to the media about an indictment of former President Donald Trump, Aug. 1, 2023, at an office of the Department of Justice in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) The decision, revealed in court filings, also amounts to a predictable but nonetheless stunning conclusion to criminal cases that had been seen as the most perilous of the multiple legal threats Trump has faced. It reflects the practical consequences of Trump’s victory, ensuring he enters office free from scrutiny over his hoarding of top secret documents and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Smith’s team emphasized that the move to abandon the prosecutions, in federal courts in Washington and Florida, was not a reflection of their view on the merits of the cases but rather a reflection of their commitment to longstanding department policy. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” the prosecutors wrote in Monday’s court filing in the election interference case. The decision was expected after Smith's team began assessing how to wind down both the 2020 election interference case and the separate classified documents case in the wake of Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. The Justice Department believes Trump can no longer be tried in accordance with longstanding policy that says sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted. Trump has cast both cases as politically motivated, and had vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. The 2020 election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing the Republican as he vied to reclaim the White House. But it quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump’s sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year’s election. Smith’s team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence they planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of using “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden. ___ 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. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. 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.” 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.” 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.” 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.” 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.” Associated Press writer Colleen Long contributed to this story. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.I Use These Stickers to Block Bothersome LED Lights, and They're 20% Off Right Now
NoneThe Delhi government's Women and Child Development (WCD) department has issued a clarification regarding the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana' announced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The department stated that no such scheme has been officially notified. In a public notice, the Women and Child Development Department confirmed that any private individual or political party involved in collecting information from citizens through forms and registration processes in the name of the 'Mahila Samman Yojana' is "committing fraud." "It is clarified that no such scheme has been notified by the Delhi Government," the Women and Child Development Department said in the notice published in national newspapers on Wednesday. "It is emphasised that since no such Scheme is in existence, the question of acceptance of the form/application for registration under this non-existent Scheme does not arise. Any private person/political party who is collecting forms/applications or collecting information from applicants in the name of this scheme is committing fraud and has no authority," the notice added. The government department also cautioned citizens about the risks of sharing personal details, such as bank account information, voter ID cards, and phone numbers, which could result in privacy breaches and data leaks. The notice further read,"The general citizens of Delhi are advised not to fall for the false promises of this non-existent scheme as these are misleading and don't have any authority. The general public is also requested to exercise caution in providing personal details to any unauthorised person to avoid any fraud or data breach in future." The clarification follows a statement by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday, in which he claimed that registration for the 'Mahila Samman Scheme,' which promises Rs 2,100 per month for women in Delhi, would begin on December 23. "You don't have to form a queue anywhere. We will come to you (for the registration process). We have formed teams across Delhi. We will help the women register for the scheme and provide them with cards," Kejriwal said in a press conference. (ANI) (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Top officials from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security on Thursday drew bipartisan fire for declining to testify in public at a Senate hearing on "worldwide threats" and instead offering to testify in a classified setting. Both Democrats and Republicans on the Senate Homeland Security Committee expressed anger at what they called Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray's "refusal" to testify in public. "In a shocking departure from the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's longstanding tradition of transparency and oversight of the threats facing our nation, for the first time in more than 15 years, the Homeland Security and FBI Director have refused to appear before the Committee to provide public testimony at our annual hearing on Threats to the Homeland," Chairman Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, said in a statement. Peters said it was "their choice" to not provide public testimony for the American people. "Americans deserve transparency, public answers about the threats we face," Peters said. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, went a step further and said he "looked forward to Director Wray's resignation." "This is Mayorkas & Wray giving the middle finger to the American people," he tweeted. While it wasn't immediately clear specifically why they declined to testify in public, a Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement that Mayorkas has appeared before Congress more than 30 times. "DHS and the FBI have offered to the Committee a classified briefing to discuss the threats to the Homeland in detail, providing the Committee with the information it needs to conduct its work in the months ahead," a the spokesperson said in a statement. "DHS and the FBI already have shared with the Committee and other Committees, and with the American public, extensive unclassified information about the current threat environment, including the recently published Homeland Threat Assessment." The FBI said in a statement they've "repeatedly" showed their commitment to being transparent with the American people. "We remain committed to sharing information about the continuously evolving threat environment facing our nation and the extraordinary work the men and women of the FBI are doing -- here at home and around the world -- to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States ," according to an FBI statement. "FBI leaders have testified extensively in public settings about the current threat environment and believe the Committee would benefit most from further substantive discussions and additional information that can only be provided in a classified setting."
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Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz on Monday shared a note that he purportedly received from President-elect Donald Trump , posting a photo of the message online after the House Ethics Committee said it found evidence that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illegal drug use while in Congress. The image — shared on X, formerly Twitter — showed a printout of a November article about allegations at the center of the report, which was made public this week. Published by conservative outlet The Federalist , the article had questioned the credibility of people speaking out against Gaetz. At the top of the printout, a handwritten message addressed to Gaetz reads, “Very Unfair!” “I got a great note from President Trump!” the former Florida representative wrote beside the image. It was not clear when the photo was taken. This comes after the House report , released earlier Monday, accused Gaetz of breaking state and federal laws, saying it had found “substantial evidence” against him. It alleged that he’d paid tens of thousands of dollars to women “likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use,” claiming that he had used or possessed illegal substances like cocaine and ecstasy. It further alleged that he had paid a 17-year-old girl for sex in 2017. The House Ethics Committee suggested that Gaetz “violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” according to the report. However, the report said it didn’t find that Gaetz had violated federal sex trafficking laws. The Department of Justice had previously launched a sex trafficking probe targeting Gaetz, but it dropped its investigation last year with no charges being filed . The House Ethics Committee wrote that it heard from “over half a dozen witnesses who attended parties, events, and trips with Representative Gaetz from 2017-2020,” including an associate named Joel Greenberg. Greenberg is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to multiple federal crimes, including sex trafficking, as a part of a deal with prosecutors in 2021. Greenberg was among the witnesses suggested to be “unreliable” by the Federalist article seen in Monday’s photo from Gaetz, as the DOJ had reportedly worried that he would lack credibility to a jury. Gaetz, who has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, similarly questioned the credibility of those who spoke to officials about his conduct. In a post on X, he wrote that “the very ‘witnesses’ DOJ deemed not-credible were assembled by House Ethics to repeat their claims absent any cross-examination or challenge from me or my attorneys. I’ve had no chance to ever confront any accusers. I’ve never been charged. I’ve never been sued.” He said that he “often sent funds to women” he’d dated but added that he “NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18.” “My 30’s were an era of working very hard - and playing hard too,” he wrote. “It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now.” Gaetz resigned from Congress in November after being named by Trump to be the next attorney general, but ultimately withdrew his bid for the post amid concerns around the House investigation into him. The House Ethics Committee at the time declined to release its findings, but reversed that decision earlier this month, making way for the report to become public. Matt Gaetz Paid Thousands For Drugs And Sex, House Ethics Report Shows House Panel Reportedly Voted In Secret To Release Matt Gaetz Ethics Report Social Media Has Strong Reactions To Matt Gaetz Ethics ReportKBC Group NV raised its position in MP Materials Corp. ( NYSE:MP – Free Report ) by 35.7% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 4,733 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 1,246 shares during the quarter. KBC Group NV’s holdings in MP Materials were worth $84,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MP. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its holdings in shares of MP Materials by 136.0% in the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,230 shares of the company’s stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 1,285 shares during the period. Signaturefd LLC grew its position in MP Materials by 817.5% in the 3rd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 3,661 shares of the company’s stock valued at $65,000 after acquiring an additional 3,262 shares in the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in MP Materials by 3,803.8% during the second quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,060 shares of the company’s stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 3,956 shares during the period. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of MP Materials during the second quarter worth about $72,000. Finally, Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of MP Materials in the second quarter valued at approximately $100,000. 52.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Robert W. Baird upped their target price on shares of MP Materials from $20.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Friday, September 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on MP Materials from $15.00 to $18.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Monday, October 21st. DA Davidson boosted their target price on MP Materials from $20.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 1st. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on MP Materials from $13.50 to $16.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Thursday, September 19th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group decreased their price objective on MP Materials from $20.00 to $19.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, August 27th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $21.40. MP Materials Trading Up 5.0 % MP opened at $19.66 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 6.13 and a current ratio of 6.93. MP Materials Corp. has a one year low of $10.02 and a one year high of $20.85. The company has a market cap of $3.21 billion, a P/E ratio of -36.41 and a beta of 2.23. The business’s 50-day simple moving average is $17.74 and its 200-day simple moving average is $15.39. MP Materials announced that its board has approved a stock repurchase plan on Tuesday, September 3rd that allows the company to repurchase $300.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the company to reacquire up to 13.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally an indication that the company’s board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. Insider Activity at MP Materials In other news, CFO Ryan Corbett sold 15,195 shares of MP Materials stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.30, for a total transaction of $278,068.50. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 295,021 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,398,884.30. The trade was a 4.90 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . Also, CEO James H. Litinsky sold 300,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $18.45, for a total value of $5,535,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 18,221,776 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $336,191,767.20. This trade represents a 1.62 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 12.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About MP Materials ( Free Report ) MP Materials Corp., together with its subsidiaries, produces rare earth materials. The company owns and operates the Mountain Pass Rare Earth mine and processing facility in North America. It holds the mineral rights to the Mountain Pass mine and surrounding areas, as well as intellectual property rights related to the processing and development of rare earth minerals. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MP Materials Corp. ( NYSE:MP – Free Report ). 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NVIDIA: A Success Story in Tech Investment Over the past 15 years, NVIDIA has shown extraordinary performance in the stock market, beating market averages and showcasing the power of compounded returns. For those who trusted NVIDIA’s potential early on, the financial rewards have been significant. A 15-Year Financial Transformation If you had invested $1000 in NVIDIA stock 15 years ago, your investment would have grown tremendously. With the stock price currently standing at $139.78, that initial investment would now be valued at an impressive $311,254.16. This remarkable growth highlights NVIDIA’s average annual return of 46.28%, outperforming the market by an annualized 34.46%. Market Reach and Influence Today, NVIDIA boasts a substantial market capitalization of $3.42 trillion, underlining its impressive growth and influence in the tech industry. This market cap reflects the company’s enduring success and its pivotal role in technology innovation. The Lesson of Compounded Returns The story of NVIDIA over the past 15 years underscores an essential investment lesson: the profound impact of compounded returns over time. While past performance does not guarantee future results, NVIDIA’s trajectory illustrates how a well-chosen investment can yield significant financial gains. Investors are reminded of the potential rewards of long-term investing, as demonstrated by NVIDIA’s exceptional journey from a pioneering tech company to a market leader. The Astonishing Rise of NVIDIA: Insights and Innovations NVIDIA’s Revolutionary Innovations: Shaping the Tech Landscape In the ever-evolving tech industry, NVIDIA has not only outperformed market expectations but has also set new benchmarks in innovation and technological advancement. From graphics processing units (GPUs) to artificial intelligence (AI) applications, NVIDIA’s innovations continue to redefine the boundaries of technology. Key Innovations: Driving the Future of Computing NVIDIA has been a trailblazer in several cutting-edge technologies. Their GPUs have revolutionized computer graphics, making them a staple in gaming, professional visualization, and data centers. Additionally, NVIDIA’s AI-powered platforms, such as the NVIDIA DRIVE for autonomous vehicles and NVIDIA Clara for healthcare, showcase their commitment to transforming industries through innovation. Market Analysis: Trends and Predictions NVIDIA’s ability to anticipate and capitalize on emerging trends has been instrumental in its success. The global demand for AI and machine learning technologies is surging, with NVIDIA positioned at the forefront of this growth. The company’s focus on developing AI infrastructure indicates a promising future, with analysts predicting continued expansion in sectors such as autonomous driving, robotics, and cloud computing. Compatibility and Ecosystem: Enhancing User Experience Another aspect contributing to NVIDIA’s success is its robust compatibility within a diverse tech ecosystem. The company’s products seamlessly integrate with various hardware and software platforms, resulting in a comprehensive suite of solutions. This compatibility enhances user experience, making NVIDIA a preferred choice across multiple sectors. Security Aspects: Ensuring Robust Protection With technology becoming integral to infrastructure and security, NVIDIA places a strong emphasis on safeguards within its products. The company invests heavily in security protocols, ensuring that its products meet the highest standards of data protection and cybersecurity. This focus on security enhances trust and reliability among NVIDIA’s vast customer base. Sustainability: Committed to a Greener Future In line with global sustainability trends, NVIDIA is actively pursuing eco-friendly initiatives. The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and has implemented greener practices across its operations to promote sustainability in the tech industry. This dedication not only benefits the environment but also aligns NVIDIA’s goals with global environmental standards. The Bottom Line: A Promising Road Ahead Looking forward, NVIDIA’s strategy indicates a commitment to harnessing technology for societal benefit, continuing its legacy of innovation and unparalleled growth. For investors and tech enthusiasts, NVIDIA stands as a beacon of ingenuity, adaptability, and sustainable progress in a rapidly changing world. For more insights into NVIDIA’s journey and innovations, visit their official website .COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67 on Sunday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67 on Sunday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67 on Sunday. Mark Mitchell scored 17 points in Missouri’s first win over Kansas since a 74-71 victory on Feb. 4, 2012. Anthony Robinson II had 11 points and five steals for the Tigers (8-1), and Josh Gray grabbed a team-leading 10 rebounds. Dickinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. The Jayhawks (7-2) have lost two straight on the road after falling 76-63 against Creighton on Wednesday night. Missouri opened a 57-33 lead with 14:15 remaining on a jump shot from Tony Perkins. But the Jayhawks outscored the Tigers 30-8 over the next 11:55. Bates scored 18 to help Missouri to a 39-25 lead at the break. The Tigers then opened the second half with a 16-6 run. NO. 2 AUBURN 98, RICHMOND 54 AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Miles Kelly and Tahaad Pettiford each scored 15 points as No. 2 Auburn beats Richmond. Bouncing back nicely after a loss at Duke, Auburn (8-1) had six players score in double figures. Chad Baker-Mazara had 13 points, six rebounds and five assists. Denver Jones made three 3-pointers and finished with 11 points. Johni Broome had 11 points, six assists and two blocks for the Tigers. Jahki Howard scored a career-high 13 points. Richmond (4-5) was led by Mikkel Tyne’s 16 points. Dusan Neskovic scored 12, and DeLonnie Hunt added 10 points. NO. 8 PURDUE 83, MARYLAND 78 WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Braden Smith had 24 points and 10 assists, and No. 8 Purdue held off Maryland for a win. Trey Kaufman-Renn scored 21 points for the Boilermakers (8-2, 1-1 Big Ten), who bounced back after a loss to Penn State on Thursday. Camden Heide added 15 points and Fletcher Loyer finished with 12. Derik Queen led the Terrapins (8-2, 1-1) with 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting and grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds. Ja’Kobi Gillespie scored 18 points and Selton Miguel and Rodney Rice each had 13. Julian Reese fouled out with five points and seven rebounds. Purdue used an 8-0 run to take a 77-67 lead with 2:00 left. Smith sparked the run with a 3-pointer. Heide made three late foul shots to help close it out. The Terrapins led 36-31 at halftime. Both teams made 13 of 35 shots in the first half, but the Terrapins had three more 3-pointers NO. 14 CINCINNATI 84, HOWARD 67 CINCINNATI (AP) — Simas Lukosius scored 18 points, Aziz Bandaogo added 17 and Dillon Mitchell 14 to lead No. 14 Cincinnati to a victory over Howard. Cincinnati (7-1) led by four points after one half and came out firing in the second, hitting three straight baskets to extend its lead to 10 points. The Bearcats outscored Howard Bison (3-6) 48-35 in the second half to seal the win and rebound from Tuesday’s eight-point loss to Villanova. Blake Harper had 23 points and 10 rebounds and Marcus Dockery added 14 points for Howard. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. NO. 22 TEXAS A&M 72, TEXAS TECH 67 FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Wade Taylor IV scored 19 points, Zhuric Phelps hit a go-ahead 3-pointer during an 11-0 run and finished with 12 points, and 22nd-ranked Texas A&M beat Texas Tech in the first meeting of the former conference rivals since 2012. Phelps’ 3 with 7 1/2 minutes left made it 54-52 and put the Aggies (8-2) ahead to stay. His step-back jumper after hard contact with Tech’s Kevin Overton capped the game-turning spurt. Jace Carter scored 13 of his 16 points in the first half as Texas A&M won its fourth straight game. Chance McMillian had 23 points with five 3s for Tech (7-2). Overton scored 14 of his 17 points before halftime, when he hit four 3s. Advertisement AdvertisementGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur hopes the homework he did earlier this month will help his team deal with its compressed schedule over the next couple of weeks. The Packers’ 38-10 victory Sunday over the San Francisco 49ers began a 12-day stretch in which they play three games. They’re back at Lambeau Field on Thursday night to host the Miami Dolphins before visiting the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions the following Thursday. LaFleur prepared for this. When the Packers had a bye Nov. 10, LaFleur said he spent the extra time studying the Dolphins, knowing he’d have little time to prepare for them this week. “I watched pretty much every snap of Miami knowing this was coming, so made my notes, had kind of a preliminary plan for that,” LaFleur said. The Packers (8-3) showed they could thrive in these quick turnaround situations last year, when they won a Thanksgiving Day game at Detroit four days after beating the Los Angeles Chargers at Lambeau Field. The difference this time is that the Packers will play another Thursday game a week after their Thanksgiving matchup against the Dolphins. Playing three games in so short a time frame could take a long-term physical toll as they head into the stretch run of the regular season. They started this three-game set by producing their highest point total since winning 38-20 at Chicago in their 2023 season opener. “I think collectively as a whole, especially on offense, I feel we’re getting back into a rhythm,” quarterback Jordan Love said. The Packers understand the importance of this stretch, particularly with the NFC North-leading Lions looming next week. Although Green Bay has put itself in good position to earn a playoff berth, the Packers have little margin for error if they want to catch up to the Lions (10-1) or Minnesota Vikings (9-2) in the NFC North race. The Packers already lost to both those teams at home and are just 1-2 within the division. “We know going down this stretch every game is going to be important, every practice is going to be important, every meeting, whatever the case may be is going to be important,” safety Xavier McKinney said. “So we’re looking forward to this challenge.” What’s working The Packers shored up their red zone offense by scoring touchdowns on each of their five trips inside the 49ers 20-yard line. It was the first time since 2017 the Packers had posted a perfect red zone percentage in a game while getting inside the opponent’s 20 at least five times. Green Bay entered the game having converted just 48.7% of its red zone possessions into touchdowns to rank 27th in the NFL. ... The Packers had 169 yards rushing to increase their season total to 1,668. That’s their highest total through the first 11 games of a season since 2003. ... After allowing a season-high 179 yards rushing in a 20-19 victory at Chicago, the Packers limited the 49ers to 44 yards on 16 carries. What needs work Not much. The Packers squandered a scoring opportunity late in the second quarter and could have led by more than 17-7 at the beak considering how they had dominated play up to that point, but this otherwise was a pretty crisp performance. Stock up McKinney broke up a fourth down pass and had a 48-yard interception return that led to a touchdown. McKinney has seven interceptions this season to tie Detroit’s Kerby Joseph for the NFL lead. ... RB Josh Jacobs rushed for 106 yards and three touchdowns. Jacobs has seven touchdowns (six rushing, one receiving) over his past five games. ... DL Rashan Gary has 2 1/2 sacks over his past three games. Gary also forced a fumble Sunday. ... One week after blocking a field-goal attempt as time expired to preserve Green Bay’s victory at Chicago, DL Karl Brooks recovered a fumble to set up a touchdown. ... K Brandon McManus made a 51-yard field goal, converting Green Bay’s first attempt from 50-plus yards this season. Stock down WR Christian Watson had no catches and dropped a potential 49-yard touchdown pass. Watson’s struggles came just a week after he caught four passes for a career-high 150 yards against the Bears. Injuries WR Romeo Doubs left the game with a concussion. CB Jaire Alexander (knee) and LB Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) didn’t play. Key numbers 800/6: Jacobs has rushed for 944 yards and seven touchdowns this season which means he has run for at least 800 yards and six touchdowns in each of his first six NFL seasons. The only other players since 2000 to rush for at least 800 yards and six touchdowns in each of their first six seasons are Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson, Ezekiel Elliott and Adrian Peterson. Next steps The Packers could get a strong test from the Dolphins (5-6), who are playing better than their record indicates. Miami has won three straight games by a combined score of 91-49. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Steve Megargee, The Associated Press
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Donald Trump’s return to the White House is beginning to resemble the chaotic rollercoaster ride of his first term, despite the professionalism of his election campaign and the amount of time he has had to prepare. The whiplash nomination and withdrawal of Matt Gaetz is more than just a setback that forces Trump to search for another attorney-general. It is a sign that Trump has not changed his impulsive governing style despite the best efforts of Susie Wiles, the Florida political consultant who ran his campaign with a rod of iron and who will be the new White House chief of staff. • Matt Gaetz withdraws as Trump’s nominee for attorney-general Wiles was with Trump, Gaetz and other advisers last week when the president-elect rejected the shortlist of vetted candidates presented to him for attorney-general.