President-elect Donald Trump is set to meet with President Joe Biden and key lawmakers on Capitol Hill this Wednesday, coinciding with the scheduled votes for significant leadership positions within Congress.

Key elections to monitor: The contest to succeed long-standing Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is highly competitive, featuring three main candidates: Senators John Thune, R-S.D., John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Rick Scott, R-Fla. Notably, several of Trump’s prominent associates, including tech mogul Elon Musk, are backing Scott ahead of elections taking place at 9:30 a.m.

In the House, it’s anticipated that Republicans will support House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in retaining his role, as the GOP is likely to maintain its majority in the lower house.

Trump has already approached two current House members—Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla.—to join his administration. Stefanik is due to be nominated as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, while Waltz is expected to serve as the National Security Advisor.

Stay updated with live reports from the YSL News Network.

Special Counsel Jack Smith to Resign, Reports Indicate

Reports from the New York Times suggest that special counsel Jack Smith, who initiated two criminal cases against Trump, intends to resign before the new president takes office. Smith and his team are expected to finalize their work and depart prior to Trump fulfilling his promise to dismiss Smith as soon as he is sworn in. CNN has also covered this development, referencing a Justice Department insider.

Smith’s case regarding classified documents that Trump retained post-presidency was dismissed in Florida, although Smith’s team has filed an appeal. In a separate case in Washington where Trump is accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, Smith has requested and been granted a month-long delay on filing deadlines. The Justice Department is currently evaluating how to move forward with both cases, while their policy generally opposes prosecuting sitting presidents.

Some Republicans Unfazed by Slim House Majority

Representatives Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Michael Lawler, R-N.Y., expressed to YSL News that they do not feel anxious about the slim GOP majority in the House, particularly as Trump selects party members for cabinet positions. Lawler recognized that the current margin would be “very tight” until replacements for those moving into administration roles are found. “If we maintain our focus on addressing key issues, I trust there will also be bipartisan support for legislation,” Lawler remarked, assuring that Trump is choosing “very capable individuals who will excel in their roles.”

Among Trump’s appointees are Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., as U.N. Ambassador and Rep. Mike Walz, R-Fla., for National Security Advisor. Reports suggest that Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., might be appointed Secretary of State. Special elections will be necessary to fill the vacant House seats left by Stefanik and Walz, while the Senate seat vacated by Rubio will be appointed by Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis. Roy shared his confidence regarding the situation and expressed optimism about the House special elections, reiterating that the Senate vacancy can be swiftly filled with a suitable appointment from DeSantis.

Trump to Confer with Speaker Johnson and Top GOP Leaders

Donald Trump will make his first visit to Capitol Hill on Wednesday following his election victory, with plans to meet GOP congressional leaders who will play crucial roles in advancing his administration’s agenda in 2025, as per Johnson’s statement. Johnson informed reporters that he anticipated the meeting to occur on Wednesday morning before Trump’s 11 a.m. meeting with Joe Biden at the White House.

“It will be an excellent meeting and an important moment for all involved,” Johnson remarked to reporters outside the U.S. Capitol. “There’s widespread excitement and energy here. We are very thankful for President Trump’s immense effort to secure this victory.”

Fox TV Personality Chosen to Head the Pentagon

Trump has selected Fox News host and military veteran Pete Hegseth to serve as the next Secretary of Defense, marking a surprising choice that elevates a non-traditional candidate to a critical government position. Senate confirmation is required for this role, which should not pose an issue with the GOP holding a majority.

“Having Pete at the helm sends a strong message to America’s adversaries – Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down,” Trump stated in a Tuesday night announcement.

− Zac Anderson

Musk and Ramaswamy to Lead New ‘Efficiency’ Department

President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he has appointed Elon Musk, the world’s richest individual, alongside former Republican presidential challenger Vivek Ramaswamy, to head a newly established “Department of Government Efficiency” aimed at cutting federal government spending, waste, and bureaucracy. Trump stated that this division will “offer advice and support from outside traditional government frameworks,” collaborating with the White House and Office of Management and Budget “to implement large-scale structural changes” across federal operations. He stated that the team’s efforts will conclude no later than July 4, 2026.

“Together, these two outstanding Americans will lead my administration’s initiative to streamline government processes, eliminate unnecessary regulations, reduce wasteful spending, and reform

“Federal agencies are a crucial part of the ‘Save America’ initiative,” Trump stated.

− Joey Garrison, Josh Meyer, Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy and David Jackson

Who is vying to succeed Mitch McConnell?

Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, will resign from his leadership position in January. An election to find his successor will be held behind closed doors on Wednesday.

The two primary candidates are: Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., who holds the position of Republican whip, and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a former whip who has led the Senate GOP’s campaign efforts. Both candidates have had long-standing relationships with McConnell. However, some of Trump’s prominent supporters, including Elon Musk, are advocating for Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., to take McConnell’s place.