President-elect Donald Trump is in the process of selecting nominees for his upcoming second term and has made some unexpected choices.

This Wednesday, Trump announced his selection of Matt Gaetz, a controversial figure known for his strong criticism of the Justice Department, to be the attorney general.

Additionally, he nominated former congresswoman and Army veteran Tulsi Gabbard for the director of national intelligence position, a key cabinet role. Gabbard, once a Democrat, has now become one of Trump’s most ardent supporters.

However, there are still significant roles left to be filled as Trump gets ready for his second term. Notably, the Republican Party regained control of Congress in 2025 after winning enough seats to keep the House.

Stay tuned for live updates from YSL News Network.

Trump’s Lawyer Alina Habba Declines White House Press Secretary Position

Alina Habba, Donald Trump’s attorney, has confirmed that she will not be taking on the role of White House press secretary.

Speculation about her potential appointment ended on Thursday when Habba stated she was not interested in the position for the upcoming administration.

“I appreciate the support and the talk around this position, but I’m not considering the Press Secretary role,” she posted on X. “I enjoy speaking at the podium, but my skills are better suited for different responsibilities.”

Habba has been involved in several high-profile legal matters for Trump, including the defamation lawsuit brought by author E. Jean Carroll, which resulted in an $83.3 million verdict against him.

– Michael Collins

Elon Musk Defends Matt Gaetz Amid Criticism

Musk addressed John Bolton’s criticism of Gaetz, a former congressman from Florida, who was labeled as the “worst” Cabinet nomination in history by Bolton, a former national security adviser under Trump.

“John Bolton, who is an incredibly misguided warmonger, opposing someone is actually a good sign!” Musk responded via a post on X. “Gaetz will excel in this role.”

Musk himself has landed a role in Trump’s forthcoming administration, being appointed alongside former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to head a new Department of Government Efficiency, aimed at reducing federal spending, waste, and regulations.

– Michael Collins

Nikki Haley Critiques Donald Trump

Nikki Haley is publicly responding to her former boss.

The ex-governor of South Carolina and former U.N. ambassador under Trump reacted critically after he stated she would not be part of his new administration.

“I will not be inviting former Ambassador Nikki Haley, or former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to join the Trump Administration, which is currently in formation,” Trump posted last week on Truth Social. “I appreciated working with them and thank them for their service.”

Haley, who previously expressed harsh criticism of Trump during her own unsuccessful campaign for the GOP nomination earlier this year, remarked on her SiriusXM radio show that she had already communicated her lack of interest in any role in the new administration.

“I understand the games he was playing,” she shared. “I don’t intend to participate in those games.” She later remarked, “At times, he can be quite superficial, which he displayed.”

– Michael Collins

Matt Gaetz Resigns from Congress Post-Nomination

Matt Gaetz resigned from his congressional position shortly after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate him for attorney general.

The Florida representative, who has served since 2017, submitted his resignation effective immediately on Wednesday following the news of his nomination as the nation’s chief law enforcement officer.

His resignation came just days before the House Ethics Committee was set to decide on releasing a report regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and substance abuse that had been investigated. His departure effectively ends that inquiry.

In addition, Gaetz was previously under investigation by the Justice Department due to suspicions of engaging in sexual activities with a 17-year-old and allegedly paying for her travel. This investigation wrapped up last year without any charges being filed against him.

– Michael Collins

Criticism Arises Over Gaetz’s Attorney General Nomination

Trump’s nomination of Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general highlights a similar mindset regarding the reform of the Justice Department, given their past investigations.

Yet, this decision has also led to some early criticism of Trump’s cabinet selections as senators expressed doubts about Gaetz’s suitability as the nation’s top law enforcement figure.

After Gaetz’s nomination was made public, he swiftly resigned, prompting a special election in his western Florida district.

Check out the five key points from YSL News’ coverage of this unexpected announcement.

– Bart Jansen

Trump selects Tulsi Gabbard to head national intelligence

On Wednesday, Trump announced that he has nominated former congresswoman and military veteran Tulsi Gabbard for the role of director of national intelligence, a key cabinet position.

“I am confident Tulsi will bring her bold and courageous spirit, which has highlighted her distinguished career, to our intelligence community, protecting our constitutional rights and fostering peace through strength,” Trump remarked in a statement.

Gabbard was a member of the Democratic Party during her tenure as a congresswoman for Hawaii from 2013 to 2021. She sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, later left the party in 2022, and this year registered as a Republican.

− Tom Vanden Brook and Erin Mansfield

Marco Rubio nominated for Secretary of State

Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he has chosen Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., to be his Secretary of State in the forthcoming administration.

Rubio has extensive experience in foreign policy and has transitioned from opposing Trump to becoming a close ally, even being considered as a potential vice presidential pick.

Presently, he is the leading Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee and also serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As a Cuban American, Rubio would be the first Latino to hold the position of Secretary of State.

Rubio has shown support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia but voted against additional aid to the country last year. He recently stated that the conflict in Ukraine would conclude with “a negotiated settlement,” a view also supported by Trump. He has also called for a firm stance against adversaries such as China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela.

Although Trump and Rubio, 53, competed against each other during the contentious 2016 Republican primary, they reconciled and collaborated on shared objectives in foreign policy during Trump’s first term. Their bond strengthened during the 2024 campaign, where Rubio was a leading candidate to be Trump’s running mate, tirelessly campaigning on his behalf.

− Riley Beggin and Zac Anderson