Today is January 16th, and we are 4 days away from Trump’s presidency. Today’s newsletter edition is written by DML, Denny, and Ryan.

The 47 Report

Bondi & Rubio’s Confirmation Hearing

Following the fireworks of Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Attorney General, was next in the batter’s box as she faced a contentious confirmation hearing.

While other nominees were also scheduled for hearings, Bondi had to contend with a flurry of biased questioning from Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee, particularly from Senators Adam Schiff, Alex Padilla, and Richard Blumenthal. Senator Padilla challenged Bondi on her views regarding birthright citizenship, leading to a heated exchange where Bondi classed Padilla with her response. Senator Blumenthal pressed Bondi on her loyalty to Trump, questioning whether she would uphold the rule of law over political allegiance. Bondi responded that she would speak the truth and not say anything in order to just get confirmed.

The hearing focused on concerns about the potential politicization of the Justice Department, with Bondi assuring the committee that partisanship and politics would not play a part in her decisions. Other topics discussed included her pro-stance on prosecuting gangs and drug crimes, and her commitment to maintaining law and order. Bondi also faced questions about her previous involvement with Trump's election fraud claims, where she had to discuss the aftermath of the 2020 election with antagonistic Democratic senators like Schiff.

Following the hearing, the next step for Bondi's confirmation involves the Judiciary Committee voting on whether to recommend her nomination to the full Senate. If the committee votes in her favor, the Senate will then hold a final confirmation vote, where her confirmation would depend on the support of both Republican senators and potentially some Democratic senators.

ALSO…

Marco Rubio's confirmation hearing for Secretary of State before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was notably less contentious than the others. During his hearing, Rubio emphasized an "America First" policy, focusing on the U.S.'s core national interests while acknowledging the need for global engagement. He addressed major foreign policy issues like the strategic competition with China, where he criticized their communistic methods to achieve superpower status, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Rubio received bipartisan praise, with both Republican and Democratic senators expressing confidence in his abilities due to his extensive experience on the same committee. There weren’t too many confrontational moments during the hearing, which proceeded with little opposition or interruption. The next step for Rubio's confirmation will involve a vote in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, followed by a full Senate vote.

Reactions

More On Trump

We will update President Trump's approval rating daily based on Rasmussen Polling. This index reflects the opinions of 1,500 likely voters regarding Trump's leadership as the 47th President.

Kamala’s Cut Out: In another move to swipe at Trump, Kamala Harris is facing criticism for a photo she posted from former President Jimmy Carter's funeral last Thursday. The service featured all living presidents and vice presidents seated in the front rows with their hands over their hearts to pay respect to the deceased former president. However, the image sparked social media backlash as the cropped photo appeared to intentionally exclude President-elect Trump and Melania Trump from the frame.

Commander-in-Chief’s Diet Coke: Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey gifted Trump a special bottle of Diet Coke ahead of his inauguration, reflecting Trump's well-known love for the drink. While the commemorative bottles won’t be sold to the public, a limited number will be distributed to the White House and used at inauguration events.

Carrie’s Booked!: Country singer Carrie Underwood will perform "America the Beautiful" at Trump’s inauguration alongside The Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club. While Underwood expressed her honor to perform before Trump’s oath on social media, the announcement drew backlash and negative feedback from leftist trolls.

Media Mania

The Secret Plot: O’Keefe Media Group’s James O’Keefe has released an undercover video exposing Jamie Mannina, a senior adviser at the Pentagon under the Biden-Harris administration who claims to be involved in a secret plot to “protect people from Trump.”

The notorious investigative journalist utilized an undercover female associate to expose Mannina, who was also a former FBI special agent and aide to Hillary Clinton when she was a senator and Secretary of State, during a recorded conversation in a restaurant. O’Keefe revealed that Mannina also works at Booz Allen Hamilton, a consulting firm based in Virginia.

“What’s your overall assessment of Trump?” asked the undercover woman who was having dinner with Mannina.

Mannina answered: “He’s a sociopathic narcissist who is only interested in advancing his name, his wealth, and his fame.”

But then, when asked if there’s anything he can do to protect people from Trump, Mannina claims: “I’ve been in conversation with a couple of retired generals to explore what we can do.”

Vance

VP’s Defense: Vice President-elect JD Vance defended Pam Bondi following her confirmation hearing, particularly during her exchanges with Senators Durbin and Hirono. The Democrat senators were probing Bondi about her stance on the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, especially considering her previous involvement in efforts to audit the election outcome. Bondi calls out Durbin for bringing up a phone call discussing the 2020 election results and trying to use it as an out-of-context “gotcha,” and slams Hirono for being the only senator to refuse to meet with her outside of the hearing:

Meanwhile, there's increasing speculation about who will replace Vance in the Senate. President-elect Trump has reportedly encouraged Vivek Ramaswamy to consider the seat, although the final decision rests with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Other options include Ohio's Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Ohio's Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, and Mehek Cooke. The clock is ticking with Inauguration Day around the corner…

Congress

The Flags Will Fly: House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered U.S. flags to be flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day to honor the swearing-in of the 47th President, Donald Trump, temporarily pausing President Biden's order to keep flags at half-staff for the late President Jimmy Carter. Johnson added that flags would return to half-staff the following day to resume the Carter mourning period.

Many Republican congressmen and conservatives are pleased with Johnson’s decision, believing it to be a fair compromise to honor Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president while also honoring Carter’s former service to the country.

Flag protocols in the United States are governed by the U.S. Flag Code, which establishes guidelines for displaying, handling, and respecting the American flag. On Inauguration Day, it is customary to fly the flag at full-staff to celebrate the peaceful transition of power and the swearing-in of the President. In contrast, when a former president passes away, the Flag Code mandates that flags be flown at half-staff for 30 days to honor the deceased leader.

Before You Go!

Don't forget to listen to our newest podcast episode: The Democratic Clown Show & The Truth on the Mystery Drones (1-15-25)

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Have a blessed day, and God Bless America!