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Russia Criticizes Lack of U.S. Progress on Disarmament Talks 
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Saudi Arabia Rejects Netanyahu’s Remarks on Palestinian Displacement 
Canada Strengthens Trade Ties with EU Amid U.S. Tariff Threats 
Kim Jong Un Condemns U.S.-South Korea-Japan Military Ties, Vows Nuclear Expansion 
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The U.S. Senate has confirmed about half of President Donald Trump’s cabinet picks, shaping his administration’s key policies.
Pete Hegseth, a military veteran and former Fox News commentator, was confirmed as Defense Secretary with Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote. He has criticized Pentagon leadership and reversed his stance on women in combat. Pam Bondi, former Florida Attorney General, secured confirmation as Attorney General, emphasizing law enforcement while dodging questions about prosecuting Trump’s adversaries.
Marco Rubio, now Secretary of State, was unanimously confirmed, balancing Trump’s non-interventionist stance with his hawkish foreign policy approach. John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence, now leads the CIA, having previously been criticized for politicizing intelligence.
Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary, oversees infrastructure and transportation policies, while Chris Wright, Energy Secretary, champions fossil fuel expansion. Russ Vought, a key figure in Trump’s government overhaul plan, awaits confirmation as Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Doug Burgum was confirmed as Interior Secretary and National Energy Council chair, prioritizing energy production on public lands. Lee Zeldin, confirmed as EPA Administrator, pledges regulatory rollbacks to boost oil and gas production.
Other confirmed cabinet members include Doug Collins (Veterans Affairs), Kristi Noem (Homeland Security), and Scott Bessent (Treasury). Awaiting confirmation are Tulsi Gabbard (DNI), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Labor), and Kash Patel (FBI Director), among others.
Elon Musk, appointed to lead a new government efficiency initiative, will advise on reducing bureaucracy, though without formal authority. Tom Homan, serving as “border czar,” is ramping up immigration enforcement. Susie Wiles, Trump’s campaign strategist, now serves as Chief of Staff, aiming to bring stability to the administration.
With key confirmations in place, Trump’s cabinet is set to drive his second-term agenda.
