Earlier Tuesday, the president-elect also tapped Wall Street executive and campaign adviser Howard Lutnick to lead the Commerce Department.
Nation & World
National and world news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
New York prosecutors say they are open to delaying Trump’s hush money sentencing until after his second term
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office says Trump’s forthcoming presidency isn’t grounds for dropping a case that was already tried, but ‘consideration must be given’ to potentially freezing the case until after he’s out of office.
Georgia appeals court cancels hearing in election interference case against Trump
A Fulton County grand jury in August 2023 indicted Trump and 18 others, accusing them of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally try to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.
Putin lowers threshold for using nuclear arsenal after U.S. arms decision for Ukraine
The new doctrine allows for a potential nuclear response by Moscow even to a conventional attack on Russia by any nation that is supported by a nuclear power.
Trump confirms deportation strategy will involve military
Deportations would also target immigrants who entered the country long before President Biden took office.
The Associated Press to cut 8% of its workforce, accelerate digital-first news
The AP said less than half of the anticipated cuts would involve its news employees, with the bulk happening within the United States.
Trump chooses former Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy to be transportation secretary
Duffy is a former reality TV star who was one of Trump’s most visible defenders on cable – a prime concern for the media-focused president-elect.
U.S. nearly doubles number of temporary work visas, giving hope to Maine hospitality industry
Maine’s hotels and restaurants are always looking for available employees and will welcome the additional workers with H-2B visas, an industry spokeswoman said.
Moscow warns U.S. over allowing Ukraine to hit Russian soil with long-range weapons
President Biden authorized use of a powerful American weapon for limited strikes inside Russia in response to North Korea’s deployment of thousands of troops to aid Moscow.
Donald Trump Jr. says pushback against Cabinet picks proves they’re the disrupters voters wanted
The president-elect’s eldest son says there’s ‘backup plans’ for some nominees if Senate confirmation becomes problematic.