In a post-9/11 world, the person at the helm of the Department of Homeland Security has a great deal of influence, for better or worse, within any presidential administration. When he returns to the White House for a second term, President Donald Trump reportedly already knows which candidate he believes is best suited to fill that role. According to Fox News: President-elect Donald Trump is expected to select South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to fill the role of Homeland Security secretary, a source confirms to Fox News Digital. Noem, who was thought to be a potential running mate on the Trump ticket earlier in the year, has served as governor of the Mount Rushmore State since 2019. The Department of Homeland Security oversees U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Social media users quickly reacted to the news: Kristi Noem for DHS Secretary is a decent pick assuming this is true. It’s more than just being in charge of border security, it also includes Secret Service, which I think she can clean up. — Noah Benson (Stellar Memes) (@StellarianNoah) November 12, 2024 BREAKING: TRUMP PICKS KRISTI NOEM AS HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY President-elect Trump has chosen South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security. Known for her loyalty to Trump, Noem will lead an agency key to his immigration agenda,… pic.twitter.com/Xx24oagyW3 — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 12, 2024 Didn’t see that coming. She is tough! — Suzanne Williams (@suzyqw63) November 12, 2024 For such a “sexist”, he sure is appointing a lot of women to high positions already! — Ankush sharma (@Aku_700) November 12, 2024 Noem’s name wasn’t the only one mentioned in reports about possible cabinet positions, as BBC reported: Two Florida lawmakers known for their tough stances towards China are in the running for senior foreign relations jobs in the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, US media reports say. Senator Marco Rubio is expected to be his future secretary of state, sources told the BBC’s US partner, CBS News. But the pick is not yet confirmed. Military veteran Michael Waltz is the favourite for Trump’s national security adviser, CBS adds. Here’s some additional coverage of Trump’s cabinet selection process:

Alex Jones has just announced that his media website, Infowars, will potentially shut down this Wednesday. After a long battle with the court system, Infowars is set to be auctioned off as part of a $1.5 billion settlement against Alex Jones in a lawsuit from Sandy Hook families. Mario Nawfal explained: BREAKING: INFOWARS TO END WEDNESDAY AS JONES FACES AUCTION Alex Jones says Infowars will shut down Wednesday, as court-ordered auctions aim to sell off the show’s assets — from its name and video archives to studio gear — to pay the $1.5 billion judgment to Sandy Hook… pic.twitter.com/M1deX63wav — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 12, 2024 Now, many Alex Jones supporters are hoping to win the auction. So, if one of these buyers, like Roger Stone, wins, they could keep the site up and running. Here’s what Alex Jones himself has to say about it: BREAKING: Infowars To Close Its Doors Wednesday— Alex Jones Responds Watch/Share the LIVE SHOW here:https://t.co/yZgJmwRqe8 pic.twitter.com/jcr6l6c5YQ — Alex Jones (@RealAlexJones) November 12, 2024 Raw Story reports: Far-right conspiracy theorist webcaster Alex Jones told his audience Monday that auctioneers are coming to his studio to itemize his equipment and assets, with everything being liquidated — and his Infowars show shutting down Wednesday. “On Wednesday afternoon, Infowars, the equipment, Infowars.com, InfowarsStore.com, and a whole bunch of other stuff, is at a federal bankruptcy auction,” said Jones, appearing visibly emotional. “From the fake judgments and the rigged trials, where I was found guilty beforehand and they had literal show trials out of the Soviet Union or Nazi Germany.” “Right when I walked in here during the break, after getting a glass of water, saw the auctioneers inside the building, going around, surveying from the last time they were here, to make sure all the stuff’s here,” he added… It remains unclear who could end up with Infowars’ assets after the auction. A number of progressive media groups opposed to Jones have expressed interest in the assets, but so have some of his kindred allies on the right, including longtime Trump associate Roger Stone.

President Trump is doing a bang-up job appointing his new administration, with badass picks like Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff and Tom Homan as Border Czar. Mark my words, this administration is going to go down in history. Now, President Trump has reportedly decided on his Secretary of State — and it’s Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. Check it out: #BREAKING: President Trump is set to name Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State WHAT A CABINET SO FAR! pic.twitter.com/D8cvIjFul0 — Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 12, 2024 President Trump just made another great choice: Senator Marco Rubio for Secretary of State. His family escaped communism and now he will be U.S. Secretary of State! Marco and I both have lived the American Dream and he understands the importance of securing that Dream for… pic.twitter.com/cS5KJRJvkA — John James (@JohnJamesMI) November 12, 2024 Marco Rubio was also reportedly in the running for President Trump’s VP pick, but ultimately that honor went to JD Vance. The New York Times originally reported: President-elect Donald J. Trump is expected to name Senator Marco Rubio of Florida as his secretary of state, three people familiar with his thinking said on Monday, as Mr. Trump moves rapidly to fill out his foreign policy and national security team. Mr. Trump could still change his mind at the last minute, the people said, but appeared to have settled on Mr. Rubio, whom he also considered when choosing his running mate this year. The New York Post noted: President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly set to pick Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) as his secretary of state – a decision that would make the Cuban American senator the first Latino to serve as the nation’s top diplomat. Rubio’s expected appointment was first-reported in the New York Times on Monday. Trump, 78, could still change his mind on his pick to lead the State Department, the outlet noted, but “appeared to have settled” on Rubio. “Nothing has been confirmed,” a source familiar told The Post. Rubio – the son of Cuban exiles – has represented Florida in the US Senate since 2011. He serves as the vice chairman on the Senate Intelligence Committee and is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was reportedly among the finalists to be Trump’s running mate before the president-elect tapped Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) at the start of the Republican National Convention in July. Many patriots on social media are happy about Marco Rubio becoming Secretary of State, with several speculating that this could have been the moment that made President Trump decide to appoint him to the role: FLASHBACK: Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of State. It never gets old watching Marco Rubio absolutely obliterate these Hamas supporters. pic.twitter.com/tGRKwcto03 — Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) November 12, 2024 Yet, some people aren’t so happy. Reportedly, RFK Jr. is pushing back on the choice, calling Marco Rubio too “neocon” for MAGA. NEW: It’s reported that Robert Kennedy Jr. does NOT want Marco Rubio to be Donald Trump’s Secretary of State. He wants someone “less neocon” instead. I 100% agree with this… how about you? pic.twitter.com/sL1ZPHEkc8 — Gain of Fauci (@DschlopesIsBack) November 7, 2024 From EconoTimes: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly making waves in Washington as he advocates against the potential nomination of Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State in Donald Trump’s upcoming administration. According to sources close to the discussions, Kennedy, a figure known for his outspoken views, has voiced his preference for a more moderate and less hawkish candidate to head U.S. foreign policy. The rumored opposition adds a new layer of intrigue to the evolving cabinet selection process and reflects growing debates within Trump’s camp about the future direction of American diplomacy. Kennedy’s reservations stem from what he reportedly views as Rubio’s “neoconservative” tendencies, which he believes may clash with Trump’s America First agenda. Rubio, a Republican senator from Florida, has long been associated with a hardline stance on foreign policy, advocating for aggressive measures in regions like the Middle East and a strong approach to countering China’s global influence. Known for his hawkish perspectives, Rubio’s potential nomination has garnered both support and criticism, with supporters viewing him as an experienced candidate and detractors, like Kennedy, concerned about his alignment with what some consider outdated interventionist policies. An insider close to Kennedy revealed that he believes “Rubio’s approach to foreign affairs is rooted in neoconservative ideology,” which Kennedy views as overly aggressive and out of sync with Trump’s vision. “We need fresh eyes and a perspective that’s more cautious about foreign entanglements,” Kennedy is reported to have argued in private discussions. According to these sources, Kennedy has expressed a desire for a Secretary of State who would be less inclined toward military solutions and more focused on diplomacy and economic agreements. What do you think? Are you happy about Marco Rubio (most likely) being appointed as Trump’s Secretary of State? Or do you agree with RFK Jr. that we need someone that aligns more with Trump’s America First agenda? Let us know your thoughts in the comments…

According to Decision Desk HQ, Republicans have officially retained the House of Representatives. In its updated results, the outlet has the GOP leading 219-210. 218 is needed to secure the House majority. * Image from Decision Desk HQ * By securing the House, Republicans have completed the trifecta. The GOP controls the House, Senate, and Presidency. #BREAKING: Republicans will OFFICIALLY keep control of the House of Representatives, per Decision Desk TRIFECTA! We control the House, Senate, and Presidency. SO MUCH WINNING! pic.twitter.com/JW6fi6uRBD — Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 12, 2024 From The Hill: The result is a major win for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who skyrocketed up from obscurity to lead the House GOP not only legislatively, but also in a large role in its campaign infrastructure. Republicans saved some of their most vulnerable incumbents, including Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and David Valadao (R-Calif.), while defeating several vulnerable Democratic incumbents. Pennsylvania state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R) unseated Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), while businessman Rob Bresnahan defeated Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.). Those results made up for some GOP losses. Three first-term New York Republicans — Reps. Anthony D’Esposito, Marc Molinaro and Brandon Williams — lost their reelection bids, as did Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.). BREAKING: Republicans officially retain control of the U.S. House, giving the GOP a Trifecta; Control of both chambers of Congress and the Presidency. pic.twitter.com/EL1BSODs1u — America (@america) November 12, 2024 “Decision Desk officially makes the call that Republicans have won at least 218 seats and will control the House of Representatives. The Trump Trifecta is official,” Charlie Kirk wrote. “Republican candidates are currently tracking to win 222 seats in the House,” he added. Republican candidates are currently tracking to win 222 seats in the House. pic.twitter.com/RukEvC3E2i — Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 12, 2024 NewsNation reports: Going into the election, the GOP had a narrow majority in the House with 220 seats over the Democrats, who held 212, and three seats being vacant prior to Tuesday’s election. In taking the House, Republicans have solidified total control of Congress and the White House, which will create a smoother path for the GOP to lay down its platform. Republicans took back the House by a slim margin during the 2022 midterm elections, flipping key seats in Washington, New York and California. In 15 House races in 2022, winners came out on top by fewer than 2 percentage points over their opponents, and this year, seven of those races were rematches between incumbents and the same challengers.

Michael Jackson metal? It almost happened, according to Thriller guitarist Steve Lukather

The judge who presided over President-elect Donald Trump’s criminal trial, Juan Merchan, is expected to issue a ruling Tuesday that could either turn the case on its head or put Trump on a collision course with sentencing. The long-awaited ruling on whether evidence shown at trial should have been shielded from jurors due to presidential […] The post Merchan Issues an Immunity Ruling In Trump Lawfare Case Today appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

The AP is still refusing to concede the control of the US House of Representatives to Republicans. They clearly won, and they will win another seat. The GOP holds 219 seats and will win one more. Republicans were on track to win 221 seats, but Mike Garcia lost. This is where we stand now. It […] The post AP Refuses to Concede US House to Republicans: Election Map appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.