Trump's Defense Secretary Pick Hegseth Facing Longshot Confirmation

Newsletter Dec 5, 2024

Quick Six

Trump's defense secretary pick facing longshot confirmation
President-elect Donald Trump's controversial nomination of TV host Pete Hegseth to run the Defense Department was teetering Wednesday as Republican senators raised questions over his fitness for the role. Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer and Fox News weekend presenter, is under intense pressure over a series of misconduct allegations, including accusations of alcohol abuse and a sexual assault claim from 2017, over which no charges were filed. Hegseth denies any wrongdoing but the controversy has left Trump's transition officials scrambling.
REPORTS SAY TRUMP IS PREPARING BACKUP SELECTIONS

Powell 'not concerned' about Fed losing power under Trump
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that he was "not concerned" the US central bank would lose its power of independence under President-elect Donald Trump, despite him saying he would have input into interest rate decisions. Trump has said he would like "at least" a say over setting rates, which would run against the bank's mandate to act independently of Congress and the White House in tackling inflation and unemployment.
WHAT'S TRUMP TREASURY NOMINEE BESSENT'S OPINION?

Generation 'success' gap: Gen Z eyes jaw-dropping salaries
Gen Z's definition of a successful salary differs significantly from other generations. A recent survey revealed that Gen Z's target salary is actually 600% higher than what Baby Boomers are likely to accept. A new study revealed the figures how much Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and Boomers feel they need to make to be successful, requiring an average salary of around $270,000 each year, but Gen Z expects to be paid more than twice as much.
SEE HOW MUCH EACH GENERATION DEFINES AS SUCCESS

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* As of market close

NYC manhunt under way for CEO's shooter

The CEO of US health insurance giant UnitedHealthcare was shot and killed outside a New York hotel early Wednesday in an apparent targeted hit. Brian Thompson was shot and killed by a suspect that fled on an electric bicycle and was still on the loose as of late Wednesday. The manhunt was under way as detectives cordoned off streets and conducted a massive search around the downtown Hilton, retrieving key pieces of evidence. There were reports Thompson had received threats, and police were tracking leads to learn the suspect's identity.

SEE HOW UNITEDHEALTHCARE STOCK REACTED TO TRAGEDY

No-confidence vote tops French government

French lawmakers on Wednesday voted to oust the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier after just three months in office, a historic move which plunged the country further into political chaos. For the first time in over sixty years, the National Assembly lower house toppled the incumbent government, approving a no-confidence motion that had been proposed by the hard left but which crucially was backed by the far-right headed by Marine Le Pen. Barnier's rapid ejection from office comes after snap parliamentary elections this summer that backfired.

SEE MACRON'S LIKELY NEXT MOVE TO NAME A REPLACEMENT

Texas' next governor? 'None of the above'

A Texas Republican lawmaker introduced a bill proposing that voters be allowed to select "none of the above" on election ballots. Frustration with limited choices of quality candidates in elections has long been a topic of discussion among voters, with some expressing their discontent by abstaining or leaving sections of the ballot blank. However, the bill would provide an alternative to voters who dissatisfied with listed candidates, which typically garners around 1–2% of votes.

FIND OUT THE POLITICAL FATE OF 'LITERALLY ANYBODY ELSE'

Extra point

What is the only US state that has a "None of the above" election law?

Wednesday's answer: George Washington (1793) gave the shortest inaugural address of 135 words in 1793, while William Henry Harrison in 1841 delivered the longest at 8,455 words, lasting almost two hours.

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