Washington Today

President Trump speaks to the World Economic Forum about tariffs and trade, war in Ukraine and U.S.-China relations; Senate confirms John Ratcliffe for CIA Director and advances Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary; Senate confirmation hearing for Agriculture Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins; interview with The Hill's Zach Schonfeld on a federal judge putting a hold on President Trump's Executive Order to restrict birthright citizenship. (41)

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House passes Laken Riley Act requiring detention of undocumented immigrants for theft-related crimes, sending it to President Trump; Senate does not advance a bill requiring doctors to provide medical care to an infant that survives an abortion; Speaker Johnson says he does not "second guess" President Trump's decision to pardon more than 1,500 January 6thrioters, including those who assaulted police; new allegations of abusive behavior by Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth; Senate Transportation committee unanimously approves Sean Duffy to be Transportation Secretary; White House Budget Director nominee Russell Vought testifies before the Senate Budget Committee; Iran's Vice President says at the World Economic Forum, "I hope that this time around, a 'Trump 2' will be more serious, more focused, more realistic."

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President Trump announces up to $500 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure investment and talks about his first day Executive Orders, including pardoning January 6 attack rioters; Senate hearings for UN Ambassador nominee Elise Stefanik and Veterans Affairs Secretary nominee Doug Collins; Senate committee approves Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent; Secretary of State Marco Rubio talks about America First foreign policy agenda; Episcopal Bishop pleads with President Trump at National Prayer Service at to have mercy on transgender children and undocumented immigrants.

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For the first time since 1985, a presidential inauguration was held inside the Capitol Rotunda due to frigid temperatures and biting wind chills in Washington, D.C. Despite the scaled-back setting; the event maintained the pomp and circumstance expected of such a momentous occasion.

Today's edition of Washington Today highlights President Trump's inauguration, President Joe Biden's final acts, including last-minute pardons, and Martin Luther King III's reflections on his father’s enduring legacy.

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In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, a discussion about the incoming Trump Administration's trade and tariff policies with Republican Congressman Adrian Smith of the Ways & Means Committee. Then, we discuss House legislation passed earlier this week – that bans transgender athletes in women’s sports with former college athlete and Massachusetts representative Lori Trahan (D-MA). Finally, Quincy Institute's Ben Freeman joins us to discuss his organization's new report on "think tank" funding. 

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President-elect Trump moves indoors due to cold weather, Supreme Court upholds ban on TikTok if parent company does not sell, DHS Secretary nominee Kristi Noem asked about border security at her Senate confirmation hearing, Senate advances Laken Riley Act immigration bill, President Biden says Equal Rights Amendment is part of the Constitution, Gov. DeWine (R-OH) appoints Lt. Gov. Husted (R-OH) to vacant U.S. Senate seat, latest on Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release agreement.

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More Trump Cabinet confirmation hearings: Scott Bessent (Treasury), Doug Burgum (Interior), Lee Zeldin (EPA); Gov. DeSantis says he will appoint FL Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill Senate seat that will be vacant when Sen. Rubio is confirmed as Secretary of State; last-minute maneuvering to try to prevent TikTok ban in U.S. starting Sunday; Secretary of State Blinken's final news conference interrupted by journalists upset at policy towards Israel; President Biden honored at Defense Department Commander in Chief farewell ceremony.

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President Biden & President-elect Trump both claim credit for Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release agreement; Senate confirmation hearings for Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, CIA Director nominee John Ratcliffe; Vice President Harris on L.A. wildfire misinformation; Supreme Court case challenges pornography website age verification law in Texas.

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Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, debate over adding conditions to federal disaster aid for California wildfires, House passes bill banning transgender girls and women in K-12 and college sports, reaction to special counsel Jack Smith's report on charges against Donald Trump for trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election, Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release deal said to be close.

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In his final foreign policy speech today, President Biden said the US is winning the worldwide competition…Speaking at the State Department, the president reflected on his administration’s accomplishments around the world…He talked about the Afghanistan withdrawal…Russia's invasion of Ukraine…and said his administration is working urgently to reach a cease-fire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas terrorists…We'll hear from the president's speech coming up…

 The Pentagon said today US military aircraft dropped more than 16,000 gallons of fire suppressant on the Los Angeles wildfires over the weekend…They've also more than doubled the number of National Guard troops to assist in the fire response…

 Meanwhile, Firefighters say the return of dangerous wind and weather conditions predicted for this week could hamper their efforts…

 Already, at least 24 people have died as a result of the fires… with dozens still missing…

The first confirmation hearings for the Trump cabinet kick off this week. Thirteen of the president-elect's nominees are scheduled to appear before Senators…

 Two are scheduled for tomorrow—Georgia Rep. Doug Collins as Veterans Affairs Secretary …and former Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary…

 Allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking, and poor organizational management have followed Pete Hegseth since Donald Trump nominated him… Punchbowl News senior Congressional reporter Andrew Desidiero will tell us what to watch for this week.

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