President Trump is doing a bang-up job appointing his new administration, with badass picks like Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff and Tom Homan as Border Czar. Mark my words, this administration is going to go down in history. Now, President Trump has reportedly decided on his Secretary of State — and it’s Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. Check it out: #BREAKING: President Trump is set to name Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State WHAT A CABINET SO FAR! pic.twitter.com/D8cvIjFul0 — Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 12, 2024 President Trump just made another great choice: Senator Marco Rubio for Secretary of State. His family escaped communism and now he will be U.S. Secretary of State! Marco and I both have lived the American Dream and he understands the importance of securing that Dream for… pic.twitter.com/cS5KJRJvkA — John James (@JohnJamesMI) November 12, 2024 Marco Rubio was also reportedly in the running for President Trump’s VP pick, but ultimately that honor went to JD Vance. The New York Times originally reported: President-elect Donald J. Trump is expected to name Senator Marco Rubio of Florida as his secretary of state, three people familiar with his thinking said on Monday, as Mr. Trump moves rapidly to fill out his foreign policy and national security team. Mr. Trump could still change his mind at the last minute, the people said, but appeared to have settled on Mr. Rubio, whom he also considered when choosing his running mate this year. The New York Post noted: President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly set to pick Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) as his secretary of state – a decision that would make the Cuban American senator the first Latino to serve as the nation’s top diplomat. Rubio’s expected appointment was first-reported in the New York Times on Monday. Trump, 78, could still change his mind on his pick to lead the State Department, the outlet noted, but “appeared to have settled” on Rubio. “Nothing has been confirmed,” a source familiar told The Post. Rubio – the son of Cuban exiles – has represented Florida in the US Senate since 2011. He serves as the vice chairman on the Senate Intelligence Committee and is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was reportedly among the finalists to be Trump’s running mate before the president-elect tapped Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) at the start of the Republican National Convention in July. Many patriots on social media are happy about Marco Rubio becoming Secretary of State, with several speculating that this could have been the moment that made President Trump decide to appoint him to the role: FLASHBACK: Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of State. It never gets old watching Marco Rubio absolutely obliterate these Hamas supporters. pic.twitter.com/tGRKwcto03 — Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) November 12, 2024 Yet, some people aren’t so happy. Reportedly, RFK Jr. is pushing back on the choice, calling Marco Rubio too “neocon” for MAGA. NEW: It’s reported that Robert Kennedy Jr. does NOT want Marco Rubio to be Donald Trump’s Secretary of State. He wants someone “less neocon” instead. I 100% agree with this… how about you? pic.twitter.com/sL1ZPHEkc8 — Gain of Fauci (@DschlopesIsBack) November 7, 2024 From EconoTimes: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly making waves in Washington as he advocates against the potential nomination of Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State in Donald Trump’s upcoming administration. According to sources close to the discussions, Kennedy, a figure known for his outspoken views, has voiced his preference for a more moderate and less hawkish candidate to head U.S. foreign policy. The rumored opposition adds a new layer of intrigue to the evolving cabinet selection process and reflects growing debates within Trump’s camp about the future direction of American diplomacy. Kennedy’s reservations stem from what he reportedly views as Rubio’s “neoconservative” tendencies, which he believes may clash with Trump’s America First agenda. Rubio, a Republican senator from Florida, has long been associated with a hardline stance on foreign policy, advocating for aggressive measures in regions like the Middle East and a strong approach to countering China’s global influence. Known for his hawkish perspectives, Rubio’s potential nomination has garnered both support and criticism, with supporters viewing him as an experienced candidate and detractors, like Kennedy, concerned about his alignment with what some consider outdated interventionist policies. An insider close to Kennedy revealed that he believes “Rubio’s approach to foreign affairs is rooted in neoconservative ideology,” which Kennedy views as overly aggressive and out of sync with Trump’s vision. “We need fresh eyes and a perspective that’s more cautious about foreign entanglements,” Kennedy is reported to have argued in private discussions. According to these sources, Kennedy has expressed a desire for a Secretary of State who would be less inclined toward military solutions and more focused on diplomacy and economic agreements. What do you think? Are you happy about Marco Rubio (most likely) being appointed as Trump’s Secretary of State? Or do you agree with RFK Jr. that we need someone that aligns more with Trump’s America First agenda? Let us know your thoughts in the comments…

According to Decision Desk HQ, Republicans have officially retained the House of Representatives. In its updated results, the outlet has the GOP leading 219-210. 218 is needed to secure the House majority. * Image from Decision Desk HQ * By securing the House, Republicans have completed the trifecta. The GOP controls the House, Senate, and Presidency. #BREAKING: Republicans will OFFICIALLY keep control of the House of Representatives, per Decision Desk TRIFECTA! We control the House, Senate, and Presidency. SO MUCH WINNING! pic.twitter.com/JW6fi6uRBD — Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 12, 2024 From The Hill: The result is a major win for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who skyrocketed up from obscurity to lead the House GOP not only legislatively, but also in a large role in its campaign infrastructure. Republicans saved some of their most vulnerable incumbents, including Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and David Valadao (R-Calif.), while defeating several vulnerable Democratic incumbents. Pennsylvania state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R) unseated Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), while businessman Rob Bresnahan defeated Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.). Those results made up for some GOP losses. Three first-term New York Republicans — Reps. Anthony D’Esposito, Marc Molinaro and Brandon Williams — lost their reelection bids, as did Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.). BREAKING: Republicans officially retain control of the U.S. House, giving the GOP a Trifecta; Control of both chambers of Congress and the Presidency. pic.twitter.com/EL1BSODs1u — America (@america) November 12, 2024 “Decision Desk officially makes the call that Republicans have won at least 218 seats and will control the House of Representatives. The Trump Trifecta is official,” Charlie Kirk wrote. “Republican candidates are currently tracking to win 222 seats in the House,” he added. Republican candidates are currently tracking to win 222 seats in the House. pic.twitter.com/RukEvC3E2i — Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 12, 2024 NewsNation reports: Going into the election, the GOP had a narrow majority in the House with 220 seats over the Democrats, who held 212, and three seats being vacant prior to Tuesday’s election. In taking the House, Republicans have solidified total control of Congress and the White House, which will create a smoother path for the GOP to lay down its platform. Republicans took back the House by a slim margin during the 2022 midterm elections, flipping key seats in Washington, New York and California. In 15 House races in 2022, winners came out on top by fewer than 2 percentage points over their opponents, and this year, seven of those races were rematches between incumbents and the same challengers.

Michael Jackson metal? It almost happened, according to Thriller guitarist Steve Lukather

The judge who presided over President-elect Donald Trump’s criminal trial, Juan Merchan, is expected to issue a ruling Tuesday that could either turn the case on its head or put Trump on a collision course with sentencing. The long-awaited ruling on whether evidence shown at trial should have been shielded from jurors due to presidential […] The post Merchan Issues an Immunity Ruling In Trump Lawfare Case Today appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

The AP is still refusing to concede the control of the US House of Representatives to Republicans. They clearly won, and they will win another seat. The GOP holds 219 seats and will win one more. Republicans were on track to win 221 seats, but Mike Garcia lost. This is where we stand now. It […] The post AP Refuses to Concede US House to Republicans: Election Map appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has invited Pennsylvania Republican Senator-elect Dave McCormick to the Senate orientation despite Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) holding out on a concession. On Thursday, the Associated Press projected that McCormick would win the race over Casey, but Democrats have refused to concede as ballots are still being processed. McCormick leads Casey by more than 35,000 votes, with 99% of the ballots counted. Schumer initially did not send invitations for Senate orientation to McCormick or Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego, but after pressure from colleagues, Schumer changed his mind, POLITICO reported. “Ruben Gallego and David McCormick have been invited to attend orientation,” a spokesman for Schumer said on Tuesday. Multiple outlets have yet to declare a winner in the Pennsylvania race, and Casey, a three-term senator, is still telling voters he is waiting for more ballots to be counted. “Our Commonwealth ran a free and fair election, and we are still waiting on the final results,” he wrote on Monday. “Our election officials will continue counting ballots and ensure that Pennsylvanians’ voices are heard.” Multiple senators, however, urged Schumer to extend the invitations to McCormick and Gallego. Outgoing Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) posted on X on Sunday, “In 2018 my race wasn’t called for 6 days. I jumped on a redeye to DC to make senate orientation-I learned so much & made lasting relationships that week. Dave McCormick & Ruben Gallego will be Senators for PA & AZ. They should be invited to orientation & start learning the job.” Some Republican senators said they would “personally escort McCormick into the building” if Schumer didn’t extend an invitation. “It’s an absolute outrage that Schumer is trying to exclude @DaveMcCormickPA from new-senator orientation,” Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) posted on X on Sunday. MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+ Schumer was also pushed by moderate Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski (AK) and Susan Collins (ME) to send an invitation to McCormick, The Hill reported. With McCormick’s win, Republicans will hold 53 seats in the new Senate, giving President-elect Donald Trump a comfortable Republican majority as he begins his second term on January 20. Republicans are also projected to keep their control of the House.

A judge will decide the future of President-elect Donald Trump’s New York criminal convictions on Tuesday as he considers throwing out the entire case. Trump’s legal team has argued that Judge Juan Merchan should dismiss the case and his 34 convictions on falsifying business records charges because of presidential immunity doctrine. The president-elect’s legal team has said that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg rushed the case for political reasons and did not consider presidential immunity when he brought the case to trial.  The case stems from Trump being accused of improperly masking reimbursements to repay his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence on an alleged extramarital affair by classifying them as legal expenses. A Manhattan jury convicted Trump in May on the charges. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and said that Bragg was engaging in politically motivated “election interference.” The appeal from Trump’s legal team to dismiss the case refers to the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Trump v. United States, which said presidents cannot be prosecuted for exercising core constitutional powers and are entitled to at least presumptive immunity from prosecution for official acts.  Todd Blanche, one of Trump’s lawyers, said that Bragg used testimony and evidence that should have been inadmissible during the trial. He said that Bragg “violated the Presidential immunity doctrine by using similar official-acts evidence in the grand jury proceedings that gave rise to the politically motivated charges in this case.”  MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+ “The Presidential immunity doctrine recognized in Trump pertains to all ‘criminal proceedings,’ including grand jury proceedings when a prosecutor ‘seeks to charge’ a former President using evidence of official acts,” Blanche wrote in a filing earlier this year. If Merchan does not throw out the case or set a new trial, Trump is expected to be sentenced on November 26. The judge said in September that he moved sentencing until after the election to “dispel any suggestion that the Court will have issued any decision or imposed sentence either to give an advantage to, or to create a disadvantage for, any political party and or any candidate for any office.” Trump has also attempted to move the case away from Merchan to a federal court but has so far been rebuffed. In a statement to USA Today on the case, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said that Trump had been given “an overwhelming mandate to Make America Great Again.” “It is now abundantly clear that Americans want an immediate end to the weaponization of our justice system, so we can, as President Trump said in his historic victory speech, unify our country and work together for the betterment of our nation,” Cheung said.