When it comes to Senate bloviating, Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse is among the worst of a bad company. A political party that has lost its hold on the White House and its Senate majority has been reduced to what amounts to catcalling from the sidelines as the second Trump administration forms,

Latest news and live updates as the Trump administration prepares for office next week. Follow live as Senate confirmation hearings continue for attorney general pick Pam Bondi.

Trump's picks to lead four federal agencies testified without the flashes of anger that marked Pete Hegseth and Pam Bondi's earlier showdowns.

On Thursday, attorney general nominee Pam Bondi returns for her second day before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Treasury secretary pick Scott Bessent and interior secretary nominee Doug Burgum head into their own hearings Thursday morning. Here's a look at today's schedule:

Senate hearings are scheduled this week for several of Trump’s picks for the Cabinet. Thursday's hearings include Doug Burgum, Scott Turner, Lee Zeldin, Pam Bondi and Scott Bessent. Watch live.

Committees will hear from nominees hoping to lead the Treasury, Interior Housing and Urban Development departments and the Environmental Protection Agency.

So has John Ratcliffe, Mr. Trump’s pick for C.I.A. director. Mr. Ratcliffe said at his confirmation hearing on Wednesday that the United States was witnessing an “invasion through our digital borders from half a world away, in a few seconds and a few keystrokes.” He argued that America’s ability to deter such attacks had faltered.

As Donald Trump returns to the White House on January 20, Republicans will have a majority in the Senate. This means that his Cabinet nominees will likely face an easier path to confirmation, even for those who may have surrounded themselves with controversies.

US President-elect Donald Trump has filled key posts in his upcoming administration, leaning on allies and strong loyalists from his 2024 campaign as he shapes a team that reflects his commitment to an ‘America First’ agenda.

Some of Donald Trump's picks for his cabinet are expected to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate this week after the chamber held more than a dozen confirmation hearings last week. More hearings for other nominees are scheduled for this week.

John Wakefield, left, listens to his wife Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Justice Department as attorney general, as she appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee for her confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)