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online games educational AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:30 p.m. ESTBritain's economy contracted unexpectedly in October, according to data from the U.K.'s Office for National Statistics. GDP fell by 0.1%, the latest print showed, marking the second consecutive monthly downturn. The British pound was trading lower against the dollar Friday morning. The U.K. economy contracted unexpectedly in October, according to data from Britain's Office for National Statistics (ONS). > 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are Gross Domestic Product fell by an estimated 0.1% on a monthly basis, the ONS said Friday, with officials attributing the downturn to a decline in production output. Economists polled by news agency Reuters had projected a 0.1% rise in GDP in October. It marked the country's second consecutive economic downturn, following a 0.1% GDP decline in September . Real GDP is estimated to have grown 0.1% in the three months to October, the ONS said, compared to the previous three months ending in July. Sterling declined on the back of the disappointing print, trading 0.3% lower against the U.S. dollar at $1.2627 by 7:45 a.m. London time. In a statement on Friday, U.K. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves conceded that the October figures were "disappointing," but defended the government's divisive economic strategies . Money Report CNBC Daily Open: Inflation's still high — but so is the stock market China signals readiness to mend ties with U.S. ahead of Trump inauguration This is a breaking news story. Please refresh for updates. Also on CNBC Wholesale prices rose 0.4% in November, more than expected If Trump wants to kill inflation, this is the first thing he needs to do Budget deficit swells in November, pushing fiscal 2025 shortfall 64% higher

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump offered a public show of support Friday for Pete Hegseth, his choice to lead the Defense Department, whose confirmation by the Senate is in doubt as he faces questions over allegations of excessive drinking, sexual assault and his views on women in combat roles. Hegseth, a former Fox News host, Army National Guard major and combat veteran, spent much of the week on Capitol Hill trying to salvage his Cabinet nomination and privately reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead Trump's Pentagon. "Pete Hegseth is doing very well," Trump posted on his social media site. "He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense." The president added that "Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!" The nomination battle is emerging not only as a debate about the best person to lead the Pentagon, but an inflection point for a MAGA movement that appears to be relishing a public fight over its hard-line push for a more masculine military and an end to the "woke-ism" of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, responds to reporters during a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) J. Scott Applewhite Military leaders are rattled by a list of “woke” senior officers that a conservative group urged Hegseth to dismiss for promoting diversity in the ranks if he is confirmed to lead the Pentagon. The list compiled by the American Accountability Foundation includes 20 general officers or senior admirals and a disproportionate number of female officers. It has had a chilling effect on the Pentagon’s often frank discussions as leaders try to figure out how to address the potential firings and diversity issues under Trump. Those on the list in many cases seem to be targeted for public comments they made either in interviews or at events on diversity, and in some cases for retweeting posts that promote diversity. Tom Jones, a former aide to Republican senators who leads the foundation, said Friday those on the list are “pretty egregious” advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, policies, which he called problematic. “The nominee has been pretty clear that that has no place in the military,” Jones said of Hegseth. Hegseth embraced Trump’s effort to end programs that promote diversity in the ranks and fire those who reflect those values. Other Trump picks, like Kash Patel for FBI director, have suggested targeting those in government who are not aligned with Trump. Trump's allies forcefully rallied around Hegseth — the Heritage Foundation's political arm promised to spend $1 million to shore up his nomination — as he vows to stay in the fight, as long as the president-elect wants him to. Vice President-elect JD Vance offers a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, the embattled choice to lead the Defense Department. "We're not abandoning this nomination," Vance told reporters during a tour of western North Carolina. US NETWORK POOL, ASSOCIATED PRESS "We're not abandoning this nomination," Vice-President-elect JD Vance said as he toured post-hurricane North Carolina. He said he spoke with GOP senators and believes Hegseth will be confirmed. The effort became a test of Trump's clout and of how far loyalty for the president-elect goes with Republican senators who have concerns about his nominees. Two of Trump's other choices stepped aside as they faced intense scrutiny: former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., his first choice for attorney general, and Chad Chronister, a Florida sheriff who was Trump's first choice to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration. Thanking the president-elect for the support, Hegseth posted on social media, "Like you, we will never back down." Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Hegseth faces resistance from senators as reports emerged about his past, including the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. He promised not to drink on the job and told lawmakers he never engaged in sexual misconduct, even as his professional views on female troops came under intensifying scrutiny. He said as recently as last month that women "straight up" should not serve in combat. He picked up one important endorsement from Republican Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, whose support was seen as a potentially powerful counterweight to the cooler reception Hegseth received from Sen. Joni Ernst, a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel. Ernst, who is also a sexual assault survivor, stopped short of an endorsement after meeting with Hegseth this week. On Friday, Ernst posted on X that she would meet with him again next week. “At a minimum, we agree that he deserves the opportunity to lay out his vision for our warfighters at a fair hearing,” she wrote. On Friday, Trump put out the statement in response to coverage saying he lost faith in Hegseth, according to a person familiar with his thinking who was not authorized to discuss it publicly. The president-elect and his team were pleased to see Hegseth putting up a fight and his performance this week reiterates why he was chosen, the person said. They believe he can still be confirmed. Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, left, joined by his wife Jennifer Rauchet, attends a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) J. Scott Applewhite If Hegseth goes down, Trump's team believes the defeat would empower others to spread what they cast as "vicious lies" against every candidate Trump chooses. Still, Trump's transition team is looking at potential replacements, including former presidential rival Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis plans to attend the Dec. 14 Army-Navy football game with Trump, according to a person familiar with the Florida governor's plans who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. DeSantis and Trump spoke about the defense secretary post Tuesday at a memorial service for sheriff deputies in West Palm Beach, Fla., according to people familiar with the matter who said Trump was interested in DeSantis for the post, and the governor was receptive. DeSantis is poised to select a replacement for the expected Senate vacancy to be created by Marco Rubio becoming secretary of state, and Trump's daughter-in-law Lara Trump is seen as the preferred choice by those in Trump's orbit. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Wilfredo Lee, Associated Press Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. George Walker IV, Associated Press Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Derik Hamilton Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. Matt Rourke, Associated Press The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. AP Photo/Alex Brandon Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Matt Kelley, Associated Press Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Andrew Harnik, Associated Press Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. Andy Cross, The Denver Post via AP President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Evan Vucci Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. AP Photo/Evan Vucci Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. John Bazemore, Associated Press Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Ted Shaffrey, Associated Press Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press Kash Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe. Patel called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who sought additional resources for the bureau. Though the Justice Department in 2021 halted the practice of secretly seizing reporters’ phone records during leak investigations, Patel said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters. José Luis Villegas, Associated Press Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Matt Rourke, Associated Press Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Jonathan Newton - pool, ASSOCIATED PRESS Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. “He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Gensler, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, announced last month that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated — Jan. 20, 2025. Atkins began his career as a lawyer and has a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice. In the 1990s, he worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File) Jared Isaacman, 41, is a tech billionaire who bought a series of spaceflights from Elon Musk’s SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk . He is the founder and CEO of a card-processing company and has collaborated closely with Musk ever since buying his first chartered SpaceX flight. He took contest winners on that 2021 trip and followed it in September with a mission where he briefly popped out the hatch to test SpaceX’s new spacewalking suits. John Raoux, Associated Press Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. Jose Luis Magana, Associated Press President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. Andrew Harnik, Associated Press President-elect Donald Trump tapped former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia to be ambassador to China, saying in a social media post that the former CEO “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China.” Perdue lost his Senate seat to Democrat Jon Ossoff four years ago and ran unsuccessfully in a primary against Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Perdue pushed Trump's debunked lies about electoral fraud during his failed bid for governor. Brynn Anderson, Associated Press/Pool A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Paul Sancya, Associated Press Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Oded Balilty, Associated Press Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Ted Shaffrey, Associated Press Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. John Bazemore, Associated Press Customs and Border Protection, with its roughly 60,000 employees, falls under the Department of Homeland Security. It includes the Border Patrol, which Rodney Scott led during Trump's first term, and is essentially responsible for protecting the country's borders while facilitating trade and travel. Scott comes to the job firmly from the Border Patrol side of the house. He became an agent in 1992 and spent much of his career in San Diego. When he was appointed head of the border agency in January 2020, he enthusiastically embraced Trump's policies. After being forced out under the Biden administration, Scott has been a vocal supporter of Trump's hard-line immigration agenda. He appeared frequently on Fox News and testified in Congress. He's also a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Mariam Zuhaib, Associated Press Former Rep. Billy Long represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023. Since leaving Congress, Trump said, Long “has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.” AP file Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was appointed in January 2020 by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and then lost a runoff election a year later. She started a conservative voter registration organization and dived into GOP fundraising, becoming one of the top individual donors and bundlers to Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign. Even before nominating her for agriculture secretary, the president-elect already had tapped Loeffler as co-chair of his inaugural committee. Branden Camp Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Matt Rourke, Associated Press Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Evan Vucci, Associated Press photos Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Marty Makary, Food and Drug Administration Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Surgeon General Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor to Fox News. Dr. Dave Weldon, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed Weldon’s opponent. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nation’s most heated debates of the 1990s over quality of life and a right-to-die and whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Jose Luis Magana, Associated Press

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Walking back remarks is one thing. Getting obliterated by the Los Angeles Chargers at home, and having fans chant “Fire Mayo” is another. The long-held belief has been that Jerod Mayo, who was hired to replace Bill Belichick, would be retained even after a rocky rookie season at the helm. Given Mayo was put in a bad spot his first year, inheriting one of the worst rosters in the NFL, and needed help filling out his staff given his lack of coaching contacts, it’s been both assumed and reported he would return for 2025. He would be afforded another chance, and more time -- with added help -- to right the ship. After what transpired during Saturday’s 40-7 Week 17 loss to the Chargers, however, the Krafts need to think long and hard about running it back with Mayo. He was reportedly safe barring what the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport described as “some type of calamity.” Or as Rapoport put it the previous week: “If things go off the rails.” Well, that box just got checked off. Inside Gillette Stadium, the product on the field could be lumped into the calamitous category. Off the rails is another way of putting it. It was an embarrassing display. Instead of building off last week’s performance against Buffalo, the Patriots reversed course. With one game still to play, they hit rock bottom. Along with the “Fire Mayo” chants, the fans booed the team off the field. “Look. you hear those things,” Mayo said. “But at the same time, they pay to sit in those seats and we’ve got to play better. If we play better, we don’t have to hear that stuff.” There’s also been an expectation for him to coach better. It hasn’t happened. Perhaps the thinking is that Mayo won’t seem so overmatched next year with better players and better coaches around him. Can ownership count on that happening? Can the Krafts even count on fans paying good money to watch a Mayo-led Patriots team again? Those are the questions they have to be weighing. Robert and Jonathan Kraft surely heard the chants from their luxury box above the field. Granted, a team’s chief decision-makers shouldn’t make moves based on the frustrations of fans. This cuts deeper than that. Mayo has flunked both the eye test and the ear test. How can he announce he’s starting Antonio Gibson against the Chargers and benching fumble-prone Rhamondre Stevenson, and claim to be sending a message, then start Stevenson? And why would a coach continue to play Drake Maye, who returned after sustaining a head injury, with the game out of hand? Those are just the latest of many curious moves the first-year head coach has made throughout the season. Beyond that, save for the emergence of Maye, the product on the field has shown no signs of progress or improvement. Last week’s effort against the Bills was rendered moot. It’s now more plausible that the Bills took their foot off the gas pedal until it was time to win the game. The Chargers, meanwhile, just kept the foot on the gas throughout, and the Patriots did little to stop them. They just rolled over. “The Chargers probably wanted it more,” wide receiver Demario Douglas said. “I feel like my two years I’ve been losing, and I feel like it’s time to make a change. ... I’m just tired of losing for real.” Defensive end Keion White also talked about needing change, although he didn’t specify where that change needed to be made. “We’re losing, so obviously, we gotta change something,” White said following the team’s sixth straight loss. “If you keep doing the same thing, you keep losing.” For the most part, the players have openly supported Mayo. Following the blowout loss, several even chastised fans for the “Fire Mayo” chants. “With all respect to Patriot Nation, they’re a little spoiled. We don’t appreciate the boos. We don’t appreciate the outburst (against Mayo),” Patriots captain Deatrich Wise said. “If you’re a fan, be a fan with us through thick and thin.” Defensive lineman Davon Godchaux was another who found the chants out-of-line. “A lot of people can’t take (a rebuild). I know we don’t tank around here. We still want to win football games. But the ‘Fire Mayo’ chants is just ridiculous,” Godchaux said. “The guy (is in) his first year, his first season. It’s not going to be golden. We didn’t expect to go win a Super Bowl this year. I get it, nobody wants to get beat 40-7, but the ‘Fire Mayo’ chants is just ridiculous.” Will the Kraft’s feel the same way? Will they ignore the pleas of the crowd? That’s the million dollar question. Mayo has made a habit of stepping in too many minefields. He’s been transparent to a fault, and comes across as if he doesn’t know what he’s doing having to constantly retract comments. His in-game decision making has also been suspect. Then there’s the product on the field. His defense -- where his expertise lies -- has been a disaster. Last week’s effort against the Bills notwithstanding, the unit was supposed to be the rock. It was supposed to be the team’s strong suit. That hasn’t been the case. With a 40-7 win, the Chargers scored their season high. They weren’t alone. Houston and Miami also hit their highest point totals against the Patriots. Asked what gives him confidence that his defensive coaching staff is suited to be at the helm next season, Mayo didn’t flinch. “Look, I have nothing but confidence in the coaching staff, and we’ll get better,” Mayo said. “That’s part of what we have to do.” But that’s been a broken record response pretty much all season after inconsistent play. Saturday’s debacle merely hit the breaking point. With one game to play, the ball’s in the Kraft’s court. They have to decide whether or not Mayo survives the latest fiasco.The stock market faced some turbulence on Thursday, with small-cap stocks leading a retreat, but major indexes remain near their recent historic highs. Broadcom ‘s recent earnings exceeded expectations, leading to a dramatic 10% surge in after-hours trading. This gain points to a potential breakout from its current price range, suggesting a pivotal moment for investors eyeing this leading AI chipmaker. Meanwhile, Nvidia , another giant in the AI chip industry, experienced a modest decline, closing slightly below several key price levels. Despite this dip, it remains a focal point for investors, especially those tracking the IBD Leaderboard list. Costco also released its earnings, slightly beating expectations. However, its stock showed minimal change in overnight trading, maintaining its position just shy of record highs. Investors are closely watching Costco as it continues to navigate near its peak values. The overall stock market rally saw a minor setback on Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.5%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both slipped 0.7%. A notable exception was Arm Holdings , which demonstrated a strong upward movement, suggesting an aggressive potential entry point for investors. As larger market influences like rebounding Treasury yields loom, stocks that have proven resilient remain closely monitored. With platforms like IBD Live offering expert insights, traders are encouraged to stay agile, refine their strategies, and remain informed on market developments. Traders are advised to maintain vigilance and adjust their portfolios in response to ongoing market shifts, keeping an eye on key stocks and sectors for new opportunities. Stock Market Insights: What You Need to Know Now The stock market landscape is constantly evolving, punctuated by shifts that investors must navigate strategically. As small-cap stocks led a retreat amidst Thursday’s activities, the focus now shifts to strategic plays in technological advancements and market dynamics. Broadcom: A Pivotal Moment for Investors Broadcom’s impressive earnings performance has captured the attention of investors, propelling its stock up by 10% in after-hours trading. This surge could herald a breakout from its current price range, suggesting significant potential for investors interested in the AI chip industry. As a leading player, Broadcom’s movement is indicative of the tech-driven market trends. Nvidia: Eyes on the IBD Leaderboard Even as Nvidia’s shares saw a modest decline, the company remains a powerhouse in the AI sector. Investors are closely monitoring Nvidia’s situation, as it hovers around critical pricing levels that could influence future investments. Nvidia continues to be a staple on watchlists, especially for those utilizing resources such as the IBD Leaderboard for strategic insights. Costco’s Consistent Steadiness Costco, known for its resilience in various market conditions, slightly surpassed earnings expectations. Despite minimal stock variation post-announcement, it holds steady near record highs. Investors are keenly observing how Costco maneuvers through this market phase, with its stability serving as a potential anchor in volatile times. Emerging Player: Arm Holdings Arm Holdings made significant waves with a strong upward stock movement, signaling potential for new entrants looking to capitalize on momentum-driven opportunities. This performance positions Arm as a notable player for investors seeking aggressive entry points in tech stocks. Market Dynamics: Impact of Treasury Yields and Growth Potential An overarching influence affecting the stock market is the fluctuation in Treasury yields, which rebounded amid recent trades. This element, together with the overall market’s slight setback, underscores the need for strategic vigilance. Traders are advised to stay informed through platforms like IBD Live , providing expert insights and aiding in refining investment strategies. Trends and Innovations: Staying Agile In light of these developments, the stock market continues to reflect broader economic trends and tech innovations. Investors are encouraged to remain agile, adapting their portfolios in response to shifts and spotting new prospects. By keeping a close eye on key stocks and sectors, traders can effectively navigate the ever-changing market conditions. Tailoring strategies to align with these insights can help investors maintain an edge, ensuring they are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate the complexities of the stock market with confidence.

NASA Accelerates Space Exploration, Earth Science for All in 2024Washington, Dec 27 (IANS): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has held his last round of meetings with his counterpart in the outgoing Joe Biden-led administration, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. "Delighted to meet @SecBlinken yesterday evening in Washington D.C," EAM Jaishankhar wrote on X on Friday. "Reviewed the advancement of (India-US) partnership over the last four years. Agreed that our cooperation has strengthened in many domains, just as our comfort levels have grown correspondingly. Confident that the India-US relationship will serve our mutual interests as well as global good," he added. There was no readout of their meeting from the US side. S. Jaishankar also met Sullivan earlier in the day. "Good to meet US NSA @JakeSullivan46 in Washington D.C. this morning. A wide-ranging discussion on the progress of (India-US) strategic partnership. Also exchanged views on current regional and global developments." The External Affairs Minister had developed a close relationship with both these American officials and Blinken had, in fact, hosted him at his home for dinner at least once. S. Jaishankar’s counterpart in the Trump administration, which takes office on January 20, 2025, will be Marco Rubio if his nomination is confirmed by the Senate. The incoming NSA is Mike Waltz, who needs no confirmation to start work. Both of them are bullish about ties with India and Rubio had introduced a bill earlier this year to make it a policy for the US government to adopt a policy “to support the Republic of India in its response to growing threats to its internationally recognized land and maritime borders; to provide necessary security assistance to the Republic of India to deter actions by foreign actors that violate the Republic of India’s land and maritime borders, as recognized by the United States Government; and to cooperate with the Republic of India with respect to defense, civil space, technology, medicine, and economic investments". Waltz, who is a former member of the House of Representatives, had headed the House India Caucus with Ro Khanna, an Indian-descent lawmaker.Interrogating the Controversy Over Tax Reform Bills

PRIMARK fans are in a frenzy over the fast-fashion store's stunning new Christmas party range. Now that December is in full swing, many of us will be letting our hair down, as we celebrate the end of the year with friends and family. 4 Shoppers are racing to snap up Primark's new party range Credit: Instagram 4 This sequin dress is bound to turn heads Credit: Instagram 4 The range also comes with loads of adorable accessories Credit: Instagram And whether you're most excited about the work Christmas do, or spending quality time with friends and family, you'll want to make sure you look your best throughout the festive period. Many shoppers are heading to Primark to pick up their festive outfits, and with prices starting at just £4, it's no wonder! Some of the stunning pieces on offer include a black sparkly blazer with matching mini shorts. The blazer is priced at £32, whilst the shorts are £16. Read more Primark stories PRIMANIA Shoppers go wild for Primark's brand new stocking fillers at as little as £1 Primark said: "Stand out in sparkles this party season with this black glitter single-breasted blazer. "Featuring peak lapels and a single-breasted button fastening, this style is all about striking a balance between smart dressing and a dash of glamour. "Pair with the matching glitter shorts for a standout co-ord, or throw it over a dress to dazzle effortlessly." If you're looking to stand out among the crowd, the £20 sequin wrap dress is bound to turn heads. Most read in Fabulous POUT OF CONTROL I spent £39k on surgery & now men pay me to get lip filler twice a month MERRY & BRIGHT I turned my home into a Christmas paradise but trolls think it's 'tacky' BEDDER BELIEVE I’ve made £2 million and want to be the first to bed 1,000 men in a day FAMILY AFFAIR I have sex with my brother & send him nudes - yes it’s weird but I won’t stop The silver gown is long-sleeved, meaning you can stay nice and cosy, and would look gorgeous paired with strappy heels and hoop earrings. And you are bound to be the best dressed at the Christmas party in the Paula Echevarría Sequin Mini Dress. First look inside Glasgow's exciting new Primark store This dress will set you back £25 and comes in a wide range of sizes, from XS to XL. Primark said: "Serve great party style in this Paula Echevarría sequin mini dress. "Made with the party season in mind, this dress is here to help you dazzle your friends and family with your stunning party style! "This design is cut to a mini length, which allows you to flaunt a fabulous pair of footwear, and features a round neck with short sleeves." The collection also comes with a range of stunning bows and headbands, which are priced at around £4 or £5 and are bound to make any outfit look chic. Christmas Fashion Tips from an Expert CLEMMIE Fieldsend, Fashion Editor at Fabulous, has shared her top tips for looking fabulous this Christmas. AVOID: Christmas jumpers No longer a novelty gag, they’re now gone back to being naff and have no place at a festive party. By all means, go all in for Christmas Jumper Day for Save The Children, but never wear it before or after that day. WEAR: Burgundy You can’t escape burgundy at this time of year and it's a luxury, deep and rich colour that is a welcome break from Santa-red at Christmas. Opt for silky textures or velvet for extra style points. AVOID: PJs The trend of feather trimmed co-ords has had its day and is so dated. Don’t pull out your hair plucked pair this year, and don’t get a new set, instead still go for the satin two-piece but just steer clear of the plumes. WEAR: Sequin Dress Try to switch up sequins slightly by wearing them with a different texture or colour, eg a sequin skirt with a sleek knit. But when you’re really stuck on what to wear reach for the sequins, it is Christmas after all. AVOID: Sequin blazer Nothing worse than showing up to a festive do looking like the hired entertainment. Leave the sequin blazer to magicians and Strictly judges, instead always reach for a classic tux style or velvet. WEAR: Bling trousers Last party season embellished jeans with diamante bling had a moment, and this year they’re going to be as much of a hit. If you don’t want gemstones pinging off wherever you go then try metallic, PU trousers. Some of the highlights from the range were showcased by the @welovethehighstreet Instagram account, and Primark fans raced to the comments section to share their thoughts. One person said: "So gorgeous." Read more on the Scottish Sun FERRY WINDY Ferry stranded amid Storm Darragh as passengers stuck on ship for 12 hours HORROR BLAZE Huge fire erupts at Scots industrial estate as emergency crews race to scene A second added: "Stunning." Tagging a friend, as third said: "Let's go to Primark next week." 4 Primark is the place to go for Christmas bargains Credit: GettyDucks forward Trevor Zegras has surgery on torn knee meniscus, will be out for 6 weeks