What Trump's decision to wade into spending fight tells us about the next 4 years

WASHINGTON (AP) — After days of threats and demands, Donald Trump had little to show for it once lawmakers passed a budget deal in the early hours of Saturday, narrowly averting a pre-Christmas government shutdown. The president-elect successfully pushed House Republicans to...

Trump offers a public show of support for Hegseth and says he believes he can be confirmed

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Friday offered a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled 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...

Hegseth faces senators' concerns not only about his behavior but also his views on women in combat

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth has spent the week on Capitol Hill trying to reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Defense in the wake of high-profile allegations about excessive drinking and sexual assault. But senators...

Hegseth fights to save Pentagon nomination as sources say Trump considers DeSantis

WASHINGTON (AP) — A defiant Pete Hegseth fought to save his nomination to be Donald Trump's defense secretary Wednesday as the president-elect considered possible replacements in the face of growing questions about the former Fox News host's personal conduct and ability to win Senate...

Republicans on House Ethics reject for now releasing report on Matt Gaetz

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Ethics Committee Republicans voted Wednesday against releasing the panel’s long-running investigation into President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, the top Democrat on the panel said. The outcome, however, is...

Trump issues early challenge to GOP Senate with defiant nominations

WASHINGTON (AP) — Just hours after Republican Sen. John Thune was elected as the incoming Senate majority leader on Wednesday, President-elect Donald Trump presented him with one of his first tests — an announcement that he intends to nominate controversial Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general....

Republican Kevin Cramer wins 2nd term in US Senate representing North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota won a second term on Tuesday, turning back a challenge from a Democrat making her second attempt to gain a Senate seat. The veteran Republican politician beat Democrat Katrina Christiansen, an assistant professor of...

AP Race Call: Republican Kevin Cramer wins reelection to U.S. Senate from North Dakota

Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota won a second term on Tuesday. The former House member and public utilities regulator beat Democrat Katrina Christiansen in her second bid for the Senate. Cramer's 2018 Senate victory against Democrat Heidi Heitkamp was a closely watched, hotly contested race that...

Republican Kevin Cramer wins reelection to U.S. Senate from North Dakota

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in North Dakota on Election Day

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump will compete for North Dakota's three electoral votes in the Nov. 5 presidential election. Voters will also pick candidates for a full slate of federal and state offices. North...