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NEW YORK — Several of President-elect Donald Trump 's Cabinet picks and appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and "swatting attacks," Trump's transition said Wednesday. "Last night and this morning, several of President Trump's Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them," Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. She said the attacks "ranged from bomb threats to 'swatting.' In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action." President-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak at a meeting of the House GOP conference, followed by Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Swatting entails generating an emergency law enforcement response against a target victim under false pretenses. The FBI said in a statement that it is "aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees, and we are working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement." Among those targeted was New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's pick to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is seated before President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a meeting of the House GOP conference, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Her office said that, Wednesday morning, she, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence in Saratoga County. "New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism," her office said in a statement. "We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7." In Florida, meanwhile, the Okaloosa County sheriff's office said in an advisory posted on Facebook that it "received notification of a bomb threat referencing former Congressman Matt Gaetz's supposed mailbox at a home in the Niceville area around 9 a.m. this morning." While a family member resides at the address, they said "former Congressman Gaetz is NOT a resident. "The mailbox however was cleared and no devices were located. The immediate area was also searched with negative results." Gaetz was Trump's initial pick to serve as attorney general, but he withdrew from consideration amid allegations that he paid women for sex and slept with underage women. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and said last year that a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him. The threats follow a political campaign marked by unusual violence. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the then-candidate in the ear with a bullet and killing one of his supporters. The U.S. Secret Service later thwarted a subsequent assassination attempt at Trump's West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course when an agent spotted the barrel of a gun poking through a perimeter fence while Trump was golfing. 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 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) 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. 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. Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer and Eric Tucker contributed to this report from Washington. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Security researchers have uncovered a concerning trend on Spotify: Playlists and podcasts promoting malware and pirated software. According to a report in 404 Media, people are using Spotify playlist and podcast descriptions to distribute spam, malware, pirated software and cheat codes for video games . One example, highlighted by security researcher Karol Paciorek, involved a playlist titled "Sony Vegas Pro13 Crack Free Download 2024 mysoftwarefree.com." This playlist blatantly advertised a website (mysoftwarefree.com) known to host malicious software. See the posts here Security issues are spread deep inside While Spotify reportedly removed the specific playlist in question, Paciorek warns that the problem is widespread. He claimed that users can easily find links to "Vbucks generators" (used to cheat in Fortnite) and "license key cracks" (used to activate pirated software) hidden within playlists and podcast descriptions. "The playlist title in question has been removed," a spokesperson for Spotify told 404 Media in a statement. "Spotify's Platform Rules prohibit posting, sharing, or providing instructions on implementing malware or related malicious practices that seek to harm or gain unauthorized access to computers, networks, systems, or other technologies." The report claims that these listings often exploit Spotify's search engine optimization. Even if Spotify blocks certain keywords within the platform, searching for those keywords on Google still surfaces the malicious links hosted on Spotify. Spammers further manipulate the system by using irrelevant audio content and misleading titles related to popular topics, like TikTok or adult entertainment, to increase search visibility. One example is a podcast named "forlinks" with numerous short episodes that only contain descriptions linking to Turkish gambling sites. Podcast episode titles for such spam accounts often contain popular keywords about TikTok personalities or porn, boosting their search engine reach.Nuclear power is a hot topic at the moment and if you want some exposure to the industry then you could look at the ASX 200 stock. Especially after analysts at Bell Potter labelled this uranium producer as 'incredibly cheap'. Which ASX 200 uranium stock? The stock in question is ( ). It is focused on the re-start of the Honeymoon Uranium Project in South Australia. Management notes that Honeymoon represents one of the few uranium projects globally that is ready to come on-stream in the early stages of the emerging uranium bull market. Bell Potter highlights that have been taking aim at the company. However, rather than being scared by this, the broker thinks that there's potential for a short squeeze to occur. Particularly given how short interest is the equivalent of 12.9 days' worth of trading volume and its cheap valuation. It explains: BOE is currently the second most shorted stock on the ASX with short interest accounting for ~14.4% of shares outstanding, with a days-to-cover ratio of 12.9. With the stock down 22% over the last month alone, (uranium price is down 1.8%), investors continuing to hold short positions at this level run the risk of being squeezed in our opinion. At the current price of $2.51/sh, BOE implies a US$70/lb uranium price to perpetuity at an average LOM C1 cost of A$43/lb and AISC A$57/lb (US$30/lb and $40/lb respectively). Under a scenario where uranium prices hold US$70/lb BOE's AISC margin of US$30/lb (43%) implies a rough EV/EBITDA multiple of 6.7x on a blended forward basis in FY26, which still screens incredibly cheap against North American peers (CCO/CCJ 12.9x, EU 9.6x, EFR 13.1x). In summary, short positions at this level need to be absolutely certain that BOE will disappoint on costs (BPe FY25 A$63/lb) or production (BPe FY25 850klbs) at its Jan-25 update. We see the potential for a pairs trade at this level given the recent outperformance of North American peers, with a likely unwinding in BOE shorts post the Jan-25 cost update. Time to buy According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating with a reduced price target of $4.70 (from $5.70). Based on its current share price of $2.51, this implies potential upside of 87% for investors over the next 12 months. To put that into context, a $5,000 investment in this ASX 200 uranium stock would turn into approximately $9,350 if Bell Potter is on the money with its recommendation. It concludes: We have applied a very conservative approach to our cost estimate, which sees a reduction in EPS of 68% in FY25, 14% in FY26 and 11% in FY27 and a reduction in our TP to $4.70 (previously $5.70). The purpose of this was to highlight the attractiveness of BOE at current prices under a scorched earth scenario. We see our earnings as having upside risk and maintain our Buy recommendation.
LINCOLN — Coming off Saturday’s home finale win over Wisconsin, Nebraska football looks to end its regular season with a rivalry win at Iowa City against the Hawkeyes. Here is everything to know about Iowa for Friday’s battle for The Heroes Trophy. What : Nebraska at Iowa When: Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m. Where : Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City TV : NBC Series History : Nebraska holds an all-time record of 30-21-3 record against Iowa, but have lost eight of their past nine meetings. Last season, Nebraska lost, 13-10 to the Hawkeyes in Lincoln. Coaches : Nebraska — Matt Rhule is in his ninth season as a college football head coach and second with Nebraska. He holds an all-time coaching record of 58-55 and 11-12 with the Huskers. Iowa — Kirk Ferentz is in his 29th season as a college football head coach and 26th with Iowa. He holds an all-time coaching record of 215-144 and 203-123 with the Hawkeyes. Nebraska update : For the first time in eight seasons, Nebraska is headed to a bowl game after Saturday’s 44-25 home final win over Wisconsin at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers put up nearly 500 yards of offense in the win, with quarterback Dylan Raiola threw for 293 yards, while Emmett Johnson became Nebraska’s first 100-yard rusher of the season, finishing with 113. Dante Dowdell also scored three touchdowns. Iowa update : Iowa enters Friday’s season final winners of three of their past four games, including last Saturday’s 29-13 road win at Maryland. The Hawkeyes did so with a walk-on quarterback in Jackson Stratton, who finished with 76 passing yards. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa’s all-world rusher, was magnificent against, finishing with 164 yards and one touchdown. The Hawkeyes are one of the best rushing teams in the country, averaging 213 yards per game, and have a stout defense, allowing less than 18 points per game. Players to watch Nebraska — QB Dylan Raiola, RB Emmett Johnson, WR Jacory Barney Jr, DB Isaac Gifford, DL Ty Robinson, DB Malcolm Hartzog Jr. Iowa — QB Jackson Stratton, RB Kaleb Johnson, WR Jacob Gill, LB Jay Higgins, DL Aaron Graves, DB Quinn Schulte Prediction: Iowa 22, Nebraska 19Gov't allocates JD31.7m for digital economy, aims to reach full e-government by end of 2025Tom Homan explains how he plans to implement mass deportations for illegal migrants on ‘Hannity.’ EXCLUSIVE: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will introduce a budget proposal banning "sanctuary cities" in his state, along with ensuring tax money will not go to counties or independent cities that aren’t complying with ICE. The proposal will require local police and corrections officers to fulfill Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests for criminal illegal immigrants and notify the federal government within two days of releasing any such person who matriculates through the justice system. Additionally, any municipality that identifies as a sanctuary city or enacts similar policies will have state funding typically allocated toward supporting their police departments withheld by Richmond. The Department of Criminal Justice Services, currently led by Youngkin appointee and former Prince William County Officer Jackson Miller, will be advised to withhold what is called "599 Funding" in that regard. YOUNGKIN ‘PERSONALLY INVITES’ NEW TRUMP ADMIN TO RELOCATE TO VIRGINIA OVER DC Youngkin speaks at a Salem, Virginia, Trump rally. (AP/Steve Helber) "Criminals who are in the United States illegally will be turned over to ICE," Youngkin told Fox News Digital on Thursday. "We must stop the cycle of violence and crime that is being enabled by some local governments. Virginia is not a sanctuary state, and we must be clear that we will not allow localities to become ‘sanctuary cities.'" The Republican governor, who is term-limited next year under Virginia’s one-and-done policy, said that if local governments "pander to pro-illegal immigrant groups" they’ll see the state-taxpayer assistance spigot turned off. The news comes amid recent violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants in Virginia, most recently the sexual assault of a jogger on a popular Herndon rail-trail. Shortly before Thanksgiving, Honduran national Denis Humberto Navarette-Romero was charged with intent to defile and rape a woman on the Old Dominion Trail. The Washington, D.C., suburb’s police chief said it was the first stranger-rape case in her 12 years on the job. YOUNGKIN: EDUCATION IS THE ‘BEDROCK OF THE AMERICAN DREAM’ Glenn Youngkin holds a campaign event in Amherst, Virginia, Oct. 28, 2021. (Charles Creitz/Fox News) Critics pointed to Fairfax County’s sanctuary-type policies as Navarette-Romero had been previously arrested for auto theft and indecent exposure. In 2018, Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid notified ICE her office will no longer hold inmates past release dates unless an administrative request to hold the suspects is accompanied by a legal criminal detainer. Kincaid told WJLA earlier this year her department requires such a warrant, after ICE officials criticized a lack of cooperation with Virginia’s largest county by-population. Only three of 725 "undocumented individuals" in Fairfax custody between July 2023 and July 2024 were transferred to ICE, the outlet reported. Also in November, Arlington County’s board voted 4-1 in favor of a policy stipulating police may only notify ICE in cases involving gang members and very serious crimes, according to ArlNow. The vote came as activists chanted "ICE Out Of Arlington!" CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Alexandria, an independent city, initiated a policy in 2007 stating it would not inquire about citizenship "beyond what is required by state and federal law." In 2017, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney responded to President Trump’s immigration policies by ordering the city's police department not to consent to participate in ICE collaboration agreements and not to inquire about citizenship status "in the interest of public safety." Virginia officials have said the state Department of Corrections has always and continues to recognize ICE detainers during Youngkin’s tenure. Incoming Trump "Border Czar" Thomas Homan has repeatedly pledged a "mass deportation" initiative and similarly warned sanctuary cities he will use the might of the federal government to enforce compliance with the law. Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital. He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant. Charles covers media , politics and culture for Fox News Digital. Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. Story tips can be sent to charles.creitz@fox.com.
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Access Bank Plc, the flagship subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, has completed the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank subsidiaries The subsidiaries are located in Angola S.A. and Sierra Leone, with plans for additional acquisitions in Cameroon, The Gambia, and Tanzania Access Bank’s CEO, Roosevelt Ogbonna, has highlighted the importance of the acquisitions in a message shared with investors CHECK OUT: Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with LEGIT. Enroll Now! Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of business journalism experience with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy , stocks, and general market trends. Access Holdings Plc has revealed that it has successfully completed the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank Angola S.A. and Standard Chartered Bank (Sierra Leone) Limited. The deal was achieved through its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc. Access Bank disclosed in a statement shared on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) signed by Sunday Ekwochi, the company secretary. PAY ATTENTION : Standing out in social media world? Easy! "Mastering Storytelling for Social Media" workshop by Legit.ng. Join Us Live! The statement read. "Further to our July 14, 2023 announcement regarding the above subject, Access Holdings Plc (‘Access Holdings’ or ‘the Company’) is pleased to announce that its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc (‘Access Bank’ or ‘the Bank’) has completed the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank Angola S.A and Standard Chartered Bank (Sierra Leone] Limited (‘the Acquisitions’)." Read also CBN governor gives update on financial health of Zenith, Access, GTB, other Nigerian banks In addition to these completed acquisitions, the company disclosed ongoing efforts to finalise deals with Standard Chartered Banks in more countries. It added: "The parties are working on the completion of transactions that would see Access Bank acquire Standard Chartered Bank’s subsidiaries in Cameroon, the Gambia and its Consumer, Private and Business Banking business in Tanzania." Access Bank CEO shares excitement Commenting on the achievement, Roosevelt Ogbonna, MD/CEO of Access Bank Plc and CEO of the Banking Group, said: “We are pleased to have successfully concluded two important acquisitions in Angola and Sierra Leone. "These transactions provide synergies that strengthen the quality of our earnings from both countries by significantly increasing our share of the Corporate and SME banking markets. "This achievement represents another significant step towards our broader vision of becoming the world’s most respected African bank." Access Bank secures deal to take over another bank Read also Expert reacts to CBN decision to increase interest rate again Legit.ng reported that Access Holdings Plc, through its banking subsidiary, Access Bank UK Limited, had secured a deal to acquire a majority stake in Afrasia Bank Limited, Mauritius' fourth- largest bank by assets. The deal was disclosed in a statement on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) signed by Sunday Ekwochi, Access Holdings’ secretary. After recent Kenya and Tanzania acquisitions, the Afrasia Bank deal represents a strategic leap in Access Bank’s regional ambitions. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ngNone
Millionaire investor and "Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary told CNN that Vice President Kamala Harris was a 'faulted' candidate who 'never could articulate anything' during her time in politics. Millionaire investor and "Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary delivered an unsparing critique of Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday, suggesting the failed presidential candidate's November loss resulted from long-running political inadequacies. During a roundtable on "CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip," O'Leary said the glaring mistake by Democrats came early on when they positioned Harris as the nominee without holding a primary. "They made an excuse of $317 million in the kitty. They kept the same campaign manager and said we will anoint this faulted, broken candidate who was inconsequential in her vice presidency," he said. "Lost in 2019. As you detailed, complete loser in 2020. Never could articulate anything. Had no compassion for people and her own advocates." O'Leary also pointed to Harris' appearance on "The View" as a turning point in the campaign. He suggested that the women on the show wanted Harris to win and threw her "softball" questions to bolster her public image; in that interview, Harris couldn't say what she would have done differently from Biden in the previous four years, linking her even more strongly to the unpopular incumbent. X USERS LEFT STUNNED BY 'TERRIBLE' VIDEO OF HARRIS SPEAKING TO SUPPORTERS: 'WHO THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA?' Kevin O'Leary delivered a scathing critique of Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting her loss was the result of long-running personality faults. (CNN/Screenshot) "She was so weak as a candidate, she couldn't even answer that she would do something different. It ricocheted around the world. She was finished. They will never do that again," he added. O'Leary has been an outspoken critic of Harris and the Democrats leading up to the 2024 presidential election. He said on "CNN NewsNight" in October that after watching her town hall the night before, Democrats should have concerns about how she ended up being the nominee. HARRIS CAMPAIGN CHAIR FUMES ABOUT NARRATIVE SHE WAS AFRAID TO DO INTERVIEWS: 'COMPLETELY BULLS---' Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a concession speech after the 2024 presidential election, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. (AP/Jacquelyn Martin) He said he was struck by how "only 90 days ago, [Nancy] Pelosi went to Biden and said, 'You need to step aside' and convinced him to do so. He made the decision, and he did actually ask her, and we've now learned this, 'Is she the right person to drive this home?' He questioned that. He could have said, 'We need to run a process in order for me to make this move,' but they decided not to. I don't know who 'they' is. Was it Obama? Was it Pelosi? I don't care who it was." After using an analogy about stock picking, O'Leary asserted that Harris' ascendancy to the nomination "is the second time the Democratic Party has circumvented democracy." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Fox News' Alexander Hall contributed to this report. Nikolas Lanum is an associate editor for Fox News Digital.
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If anyone was still wondering whether Arsenal are truly back to their best, this win at West Ham will surely banish any lingering doubts. For the second time in a week, the Gunners put five goals past their opponents and this time they did it all in the first half. It made for a scintillating opening 45 minutes, which also saw West Ham score twice. Not since 2012 has a Premier League match had seven first-half goals, with only three previous examples in total. The second half was the opposite of the first. Not a single goal was scored and instead this game meandered to a quiet finish. Not that Mikel Arteta will have minded, with Arsenal hosting Manchester United on Wednesday night. This trip to West Ham was all about Arsenal securing the win that closed the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points. The Gunners can now sit back and watch Sunday’s showdown between the Reds and Manchester City in comfort. The Arsenal fans took great glee in chanting it to their West Ham counterparts at half-time: “Who put the ball in the West Ham net? Half the f*****g team did.” Colourful language, but the point stands. During their first-half blitz, Arsenal had five different scorers. It was the same in Lisbon on Tuesday night, when Arteta’s side dispatched Sporting CP 5-1. After months of looking turgid and flat in attack, the Gunners have found their spark again and everyone is contributing. The common factor is Martin Odegaard, and since his return to the team Arsenal have scored 14 goals in four games. The Norwegian was majestic against West Ham, running the show and helping to create Leandro Trossard’s goal with a great dinked pass to Bukayo Saka. Arsenal’s corner routines almost feel like NFL plays at times and, if that’s the case, then Gabriel is the quarterback. Before Saka swung the ball in for the defender to head home Arsenal’s opener, Gabriel called him over for a quick huddle. Saka was, presumably, left in no doubt where Gabriel wanted it and, after a run to the near post, he flicked the ball past Lukasz Fabianski. It was another well-worked routine by Arsenal, which had set-piece coach Nicolas Jover jumping for joy on the touchline. Jurrien Timber blocked Lucas Paqueta at the near post and, after Gabriel had lost Michail Antonio, the space was there for him take full advantage. The Brazilian reacted by replicating the celebration he performed after scoring against Sporting on Tuesday. There are some suggestions that Gabriel is pretending to be Batman, in response to Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres imitating Bane. Either way, the Arsenal defender is heroic from corners. After a poor run of form earlier this season, this week must feel like a turning point for Trossard. The Belgian had previously not scored for Arsenal since September, but found the net against West Ham to add to his goal in Lisbon on Tuesday. With Saka on the other wing, Trossard is unlikely to get many plaudits. However, it should not be forgotten what a valuable asset he can be. During the back end of last season, the former Brighton star was arguably Arsenal’s best player in the final 10 games of the title race. His goal here, like the one at Sporting, was a tap-in, but it was followed by a great assist to set up Kai Havertz. Trossard played a lovely ball over the top for the German, who finished well to score Arsenal’s fourth of a frantic first half. With talk of a new contract for Trossard circulating, this was a timely reminder of what he can bring.
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Well, Week 14 is already off to a very interesting start. As is tradition with rivalry week, anything can happen—and we're certainly seeing that unfold. After a massive brawl broke out following the Michigan-Ohio State game, another incident took place during the Notre Dame - USC game. In a fiery moment following USC's first touchdown of the game, Notre Dame's Rylie Mills was caught on camera punching USC left guard Emmanuel Pregnon directly in the face mask. This altercation occurred after Pregnon appeared to tug on Mills' leg following the touchdown run. Surprisingly, no penalty was called on the play, despite the clear altercation between the two players. The lack of a flag raised eyebrows, as tensions continued to rise between the two teams. It’s been a weekend of intense rivalry clashes, and this incident only added fuel to the fire. Check it out: Notre Dame’s Rylie Mills punches #USC LG Emmanuel Pregnon as he’s on the ground here tugging on Mills’ leg on Jayden Maiava’s TD keeper. 🎥 @Rivals_Jeff pic.twitter.com/nKRoqTwOCC Definitely an intriguing play that none of the refs seemed to catch, but the cameras were quick to pick it up. The incident has garnered plenty of attention across the college football world, as fans and analysts alike are questioning how such a clear altercation went unnoticed by the officials. The No. 5 ranked Fighting Irish are playing for their College Football Playoff lives, and a loss would be a devastating blow to their hopes. With a second defeat, Notre Dame's playoff chances would be hanging by a thread, especially given the lack of a truly impressive résumé in terms of quality wins. © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images However, a win in this game, coupled with Ohio State's loss, could shift the tides in Notre Dame's favor. If the Irish can pull off the victory, they would likely earn a home playoff game in the first round—an enormous advantage for them heading into postseason play. The stakes couldn't be higher, and all eyes will be on how Notre Dame handles the pressure as they battle for a spot in the playoff. Related: Huge Brawl Breaks Out After Michigan-Ohio State GameWayne Rooney has encouraged I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! viewers to vote for his wife to do a Bushtucker Trial as he feels she would want to “put herself to the test”. The former England footballer, 39, said he was “proud” of how Coleen was doing in the Australian jungle in a post on social media on Saturday. Advertisement The couple, who first met at school and began dating aged 16, share four sons – Kai Wayne, Klay Anthony, Kit Joseph and Cass Mac. Proud of @ColeenRoo on @imacelebrity she’s doing great ❤️ Me and the boys would love to see her doing a trial and we know she’d want to put herself to the test. If you can download the #ImACeleb app and let’s get voting! 🗳️🕷️🐍 pic.twitter.com/f1VEihHVzy — Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) November 23, 2024 Advertisement “Proud of @ColeenRoo on @imacelebrity she’s doing great”, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, alongside a collage of photos of her on the show. “Me and the boys would love to see her doing a trial and we know she’d want to put herself to the test. Advertisement “If you can download the #ImACeleb and let’s get voting!” During the first task of the series, BBC Radio 1 presenter Dean McCullough chose to partner up with TV personality Coleen as he hailed her as “Wagatha Christie”. Rooney, 38, was given the nickname when she accused Rebekah Vardy, who is married to Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, of leaking her private information to The Sun in a viral post on social media. In July 2022, a judge at the High Court found the post was “substantially true”. Advertisement During Vardy’s stint on I’m A Celebrity, she became the third celebrity to leave, saying the series helped her become more tolerant. Earlier this week, Liverpool-born Coleen told her fellow campmate that going to court over her feud with Vardy was her “worst nightmare” as she felt she was “putting on a show for the whole world”. However, she said she was not scared about making the viral post which kicked off the dispute, saying: “I just didn’t think it would have the impact it did, because I was just that sick and tired of it, it was draining.” Later in the episode, Rooney became emotional over the loss of her sister Rosie, after boxing star Barry McGuigan spoke about the death of his daughter. Advertisement I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues on ITV1 and ITVX.Bjork is 'absolutely' confident that Day will return next year at Ohio State