7. President-elect Donald Trump is appointing former Florida U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general, undoubtedly the most shocking choice of his new administration, so far. Gaetz, a vocal ally of Trump, has been known for his staunch conservative views and support of Trump’s policies. This potential appointment signals Trump’s intent to place loyalists in high government positions to drive his agenda, just like other presidency.
6. Following President-elect Donald Trump’s 2024 election win, some Democratic voters, termed “BlueAnon” believers, are promoting conspiracy theories that accuse Trump and his allies of election interference. These claims mirror QAnon-style narratives, alleging a mix of sinister plots involving Trump, Elon Musk, and Starlink satellites to sway election results. Among the theories, some speculate Musk used Starlink to tamper with vote counts, while others assert the recent assassination attempts on Trump were staged to boost his support by portraying him as resilient.
5. Alabama’s new $1 billion Elmore County prison, currently under construction, will be named the Gov. Kay Ivey Correctional Complex. Approved unanimously by the Alabama Corrections Institution Finance Authority, this 4,000-bed facility aims to address prison overcrowding and substandard conditions highlighted by a Department of Justice lawsuit. The project’s budget has significantly increased, posing financial challenges as lawmakers also plan for a second prison in Escambia County.
4. During their White House meeting, President-elect Donald Trump thanked President Joe Biden for facilitating a smooth transition and pledged to work closely with the outgoing administration. The meeting, which discussed national security and domestic policies, was a return to tradition, contrasting with Trump’s previous refusal to meet Biden in 2020. Biden’s invitation marked a significant gesture, seen as reinforcing the norm of orderly power transitions, after four years of strained relations between the two leaders.
3. U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) won the Republican Senate leadership election, defeating Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) after two rounds of voting. Thune, who had garnered 29 votes, will succeed Mitch McConnell in January. The race saw intense campaigning, with Thune securing public support from several senators, while Scott and Cornyn were backed by prominent figures as well. Thune emphasized unity and the GOP’s commitment to advancing President Donald Trump’s agenda in his victory speech.
2. Sen. Katie Britt’s office has labeled as “misinformation” recent social media claims that she lied about voting for Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) as Senate majority leader, as did U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn). Right-wing activist Laura Loomer alleged on X (formerly Twitter) that an insider claimed Britt misrepresented her vote, suggesting she only publicly supported Scott for political reasons. Britt’s spokesperson clarified that she did vote for Scott in the first round, though she ultimately supports the elected leader, Sen. John Thune.
1. Republicans have secured control of the U.S. House of Representatives, solidifying their power in Congress ahead of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in January 2025. With at least 218 seats, Republicans will control both the White House and the legislative branches, leaving little room for Democratic opposition BUT Trump’s appointments can potential shrink that minority.
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Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and from 10-11 a.m. on Talk 99.5 and News Radio 1440, with a rebroadcast Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.
