Politics & Government

Politics & Government

Leahy Has Concerns About Trump's Pick For Attorney General, Jeff Sessions

8:10am January 10, 2017

Sen. Sessions' confirmation hearing begins on Tuesday. Steve Inskeep talks to Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, who served on the panel with Sessions.

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Politics & Government

Sen. Sessions Has The Experience To Be Attorney General, Gonzales Says

7:29am January 10, 2017

Sen. Jeff Sessions, Trump's pick for attorney general, testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday. Steve Inskeep talks to former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, who supports Sessions.

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Politics & Government

Former Presidential Adviser Previews Obama's Farewell Address

7:29am January 10, 2017

President Obama delivers his valedictory speech from Chicago Tuesday night. Steve Inskeep talks to former Obama senior adviser Austan Goolsbee for an idea of what he expects from the speech.

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Politics & Government

Trump Names Son-In-Law As A Senior Adviser Raising More Ethics Issues

6:58am January 10, 2017

by Jackie Northam

President-elect Donald Trump has named Jared Kushner, daughter Ivanka Trump's husband, as a senior adviser to the president — raising questions about both nepotism and conflicts of interest.

President Obama applauds Tom Perez in 2013, whom he nominated as labor secretary. Now, as the Obama presidency winds down, Perez is running for head of the Democratic National Committee.

Tom Perez: 'We've Gotten Away From The Basics As A Party'

7:57pm January 09, 2017

by NPR Staff

The candidate for chairman of the Democratic National Committee — and Obama's labor secretary — was critical of Democrats' organizational efforts in an interview with NPR.

Sen. Jeff Sessions is expected to face a tough confirmation hearing to be Donald Trump's attorney general.

Who's The Real Jeff Sessions? Two Hearings In 1986 Show A Conflicting Picture

7:36pm January 09, 2017

by Nina Totenberg

Thirty years ago, Trump's attorney general nominee was turned down for a federal judgeship. And he said strikingly different things at two hearings within a month of each other back then.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says all Cabinet nominees will be properly vetted, despite concerns voiced by Democrats and the Office of Government Ethics.

Senate Democrats Question Vetting Of Cabinet Picks With Slew Of Hearings

7:12pm January 09, 2017

by Brian Naylor

Nine confirmation hearings are scheduled this week, but not all of Donald Trump's nominees have filed paperwork. It's a complicated process with varying rules and potential conflicts of interest.

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Melania Trump wore a white, one-shouldered Ralph Lauren jumpsuit to her husband's election night rally.

Clothes Don't Make A First Lady, But They Can Make A Statement

6:19pm January 09, 2017

by Elizabeth Blair

Michelle Obama is known for wearing affordable clothing, while Melania Trump is often seen in luxury brands. One critic describes Trump's look as polished and glamorous, but not very personal.

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Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, and wife Ivanka walk though the lobby of Trump Tower in New York on Nov.18, 2016.

Trump Names Son-In-Law Jared Kushner As White House Senior Adviser

6:18pm January 09, 2017

by Danielle Kurtzleben

The appointment of the president-elect's son-in-law to a senior role could run into legal and ethics issues related to nepotism. Kushner plans to largely divest from his sizable business interests.

Jeff Sessions Previously Denied Federal Judgeship Amid Racism Controversy

4:38pm January 09, 2017

by Nina Totenberg

Nearly 31 years ago, Sessions was up for nomination to a federal judgeship. He was rejected amid charges of racism. On Tuesday, he's back before the same committee. This time for attorney general.

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