President-elect Donald Trump vowed to “drain the swamp” in Washington, D.C. and restore sanity to the government.
Now, as his cabniet begins to form, Trump is requiring his team to take a largely unprecedented step — lobbyists are banned completely from his administration team, and anyone who leaves the administration will be required to wait five years before they can become lobbyists.
“It goes back to Trump’s goal to make sure people aren’t using government to enrich themselves,” transition spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters. “The key thing for this administration is going to be that people going out of government won’t be able to use that service to enrich themselves for a five-year period.”
Meanwhile, Trump is moving ahead with filling key posts in his administration, picking Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions for the job of attorney general and Rep. Mike Pompeo as head of the CIA.
The announcements came on the heels of Trump’s decision to tap former military intelligence chief Michael Flynn as national security adviser. A Trump official did not say whether Sessions or Flynn had accepted the job, leaving open the possibility that those two arrangements were not finalized.
Sessions and Pompeo would both require Senate confirmation before assuming their designated roles; Flynn would not.
Sessions was the first senator to back Trump during the campaign and is an architect of Trump’s immigration, counterterrorism and trade policies. His name has been floated for attorney general and secretary of defense. The Trump transition team released a statement Thursday saying the president-elect is “unbelievably impressed” with Sessions, citing his work as a U.S. attorney and state attorney general in Alabama.
But confirmation for the four-term lawmaker, even in a Republican-controlled chamber, is not guaranteed
When Sessions was nominated to be a federal judge in 1986, he was dogged by racist comments he was accused of making while serving as U.S. attorney in Alabama.
“Mr. Sessions is a throwback to a shameful era, which I know both black and white Americans thought was in our past,” the late Massachusetts Democrat, Sen. Edward Kennedy, said during the 1986 confirmation hearing. “It is inconceivable to me that a person of this attitude is qualified to be a U.S. attorney, let alone a U.S. federal judge.”
During the hearing, a former assistant U.S. attorney, Thomas Figures, who is black, said Sessions referred to him as “boy,” and told him to be careful what he said to “white folks.” Sessions said he never called Figures “boy,” but Kennedy produced a letter from an organization of black lawyers that said Figures made the allegation about Sessions to the organization’s investigators at least twice.
Sessions told the committee that he told Figures to be careful what he said to “folks.”
Sessions later withdrew from consideration, though he went on to become state attorney general and won election to the Senate in 1996.
Pompeo is a conservative Republican and a fierce critic of President Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran.
Flynn was a fierce critic of President Barack Obama’s military and foreign policy long before he began advising Trump on national security issues during the presidential campaign. While the position of national security adviser doesn’t require Senate confirmation, Flynn would work in the West Wing and have frequent access to the president.
Flynn, who turns 58 next month, had built a reputation as an astute intelligence professional and straight talker when he became the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2012. After retiring two years later, he made clear he took issue with the Obama administration’s approach to global affairs and fighting Islamic State militants.
Flynn has called for Washington to work more closely with Moscow, echoing similar statements from Trump. But his warmth toward Russia has worried some national security experts.
Flynn traveled last year to Moscow, where he joined Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials in a celebration of RT, a television channel funded by the Russian government. He later explained that he had been paid for taking part in the event, but brushed aside concerns that he was aiding a Russian propaganda effort.
Trump is a foreign policy novice and his early moves on national security are being closely watched both in the U.S. and overseas. He’s said to be considering a range of officials with varying degrees of experience to lead the State Department and Pentagon.
Trump has also consulted with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and sat down with South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a potential contender to lead the State Department.
Trump’s actions Thursday aimed to show that he could soften his rhetoric, offer pragmatism in the White House and reaffirm longstanding American alliances. Since his stunning victory over Hillary Clinton last week, Trump has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister Theresa May and nearly three dozen other world leaders by telephone.
Ron Dermer, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, also visited the Trump Tower and called the billionaire businessman “a true friend of Israel.” He specifically cited as another “friend” Trump campaign CEO Steve Bannon, whose selection as a top White House adviser has created a backlash among Democrats
“We look forward to working with the Trump administration, with all the members of the Trump administration, including Steve Bannon, in making the U.S.-Israel alliance stronger than ever,” Dermer said.
The Associated Press contributed to this article
I am VERY Happy that Mr. Trump won. As a Democrat, I voted for him. I do think that he treated N.J. Governor Christie poorly. He supposedly didn’t get along with Trump’s son in law. Last night on the news, it was reported that when Christie was U.S. Attorney for N.J., he put Trump’s son in law’s father in jail for violating many Federal laws. Christie isn’t perfect. However, he is governor a large state and was loyal to Trump. Was he removed from the Trump team because he did his job as U.S. Attorney a decade ago?
I think Trump’s issues with Christie have more to do with his Bridgegate problems than anything personal. If that were the case he would never have been on the Trump team in the first place. Chrisite has big legal problems on the horizon, and Trump is wisely avoiding his administration from getting embroiled in Christie’s trouble.
Actually he wasn’t loyal to him at first. I believe he just became loyal to him once he figured out he might win. But Mr. Trump found out that Christie was partly responsible, if not completely responsible for the closing of the Washington bridge. Mr. Trump gave him long enough to at least come clean about it but I am not for sure that would have even helped. Lol.
Don”t write Christie off as of yet.. There are plenty of openings coming up and i am sure Trump will find something for him…..
Trump needs to stay away from people whom are in trouble!!!
I agree, Julie. There are enough people who are still leery of Mr. Trump, as it is. Having someone on the Trump team who is facing legal problems is not in the best interest of his agenda. He knows that care must be taken to pick those who will be loyal and have the integrity to do what’s right for our country. IF Mr. Christie is cleared of wrongdoing after investigation, then he may be considered for a position, but I would be wary of his loyalty. Something just doesn’t feel right with Gov. Christie to me.
And, yes, I believe his stance on banning lobbying for five years after leaving office is a great thing. One of the problems would be that some would be setting themselves up for future personal wealth building instead of doing their jobs to accomplish what is best for America and her citizens.
I just know that I’m thrilled that the Trump Team prevailed and won the election even though massive underhanded tactics and voter fraud tried to derail them. They are now in the process of gathering together those who will work to propel America to the kind of country she should be. Mr. Trump has proven that he has excellent instincts of what will work best to accomplish the goal. He is surrounding himself with experts and reaching out to more to learn what needs to be done now and when he is officially President Trump. America First sure does sound good, doesn’t it? It’s way past time for that!
Christie is a ticking time bomb! He will never be a loyal team player, unless he’s the absolute head of the team. He will always be part of the corrupt old school, just like the Bushes.
My opinion is that the democrats were making it hard for him to hire Christie, they made it a conflict of interest
.
i am liking our new president more and more everyday! Drain the swamp! i live in Alabama and we are going to miss Jeff Sessions he runs unopposed here because he is so well liked and has the highest of integrity. Do not believe the liberal spin machines already on this….. that he is a racist he is NO such thing. The Hilda beast must be getting nervous though with him as AG LOCK HER UP!
I know jeff, I grew up with his father. they are both great people, honest and trust worthy. Donald made a good pick!!! I hope to God he doesn’t pick Romeny as SOS another one he needs to rid himself is Nicky Haley
Donald Trump as President makes my day, Jeff Sessions as Attorney General makes my day even better!!!!!!
Can’t wait to see who is Head of Homeland Security, someone who understand that he is the Boss but that does not mean h/she can pick and choose which laws h/she has to enforce?
This is kinda fun to watch the White-wash House CHARADES! That Trump Os LOCK STOCK AND BARREL OWNED BY THE EXACT SAME ELITISTS WHO OWN HITLLARY CLUB ‘EM TO DEATH, is one of the things that make me cringe in fear of all you dufus American SHEEP when The Donald is told by his owners to LOCK YOU UP FOR OPPOSING THEM!
Nice thing about Trump, Claude is he is rich enough he can’t be bought like the rest of them were.
He also loves America and that is a first since Kennedy and Reagan.
Also, it is Obama who has built all the prison’s in every state which are stocked, guarded and empty awaiting
American dissidents which won’t happen with Trump. It is also Obama, the radical, terrorist supporting Islamist
who has brought in all the UN troops and is thinking about declaring Martial Law as ordered by George Soros.
Joan, Just where are all these UN troops quartered?— Seems every time someone comes up with an alleged site someone that lives there says it’s BS.
One other thing, There is no friggin way that the UN could EVER successfully invade this country. Besides the military that would never obey an unlawful order by his royal exalted boma which violated the Posse Comitatus act, there are MILLIONS of armed patriotic citizens that would get really pissed off if he,,,or the UN tried to take over this country.
If this “community organizer” was EVER going to try to launch attack on America he would have done it already. Nobody in their right mind would try an invasion in the winter time. Just ask Hitler and Neapolitan. General Mud and General cold are powerful enemies.
As a patriot and Christian and I hope I am a better judge of character than a lot of people, according to who they follow
And I have thought about it a lot. I really don’t think any of the people in the millatery that I know would not follow an order
Of marshal lay to control this country just to keep dem. In power especially knowing how they have destroyed our military
Capability. I’ve really wondered if a ileagel president would have enough backing to try such a thing.
I remember when I was young it would have been unthinkable for someone to even try. When the Convention of states
Started and I got involved I was excited, then realized it was too late. Hoped President Trump can lead in a real American
Way to trule make America great again. Nice slogan so I hope all Christian Patriots will do what the BIBLE says to do
PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS , pray for our soldiers and (PRAY FOR OUR ENMYS) love one another trust GOD
Woahhhh Claud.
What the hell are you taking? What ever it is knock it off.I’ts rotting your brain!
claude you sound like a idiot!!
Mathew Molk — I’m going to ask our Sunday School class to pray for you whether you want to accept our prayers, or not. You need help.
President Elect Trump is a sincere honest man who will do justice to the office of the Presidency while making America “Great Again” unlike to “Bafoon” currently taking up and wasting space in the White House.
John G. Best post here today!!!
It’s hard to figure out exactly where Christie’s allegiances lie after he sucked up to Obama after the big storm in N.J. a few years ago. The wind seems to blow him around as he seeks the sweetest nectar from the ‘flowers in power…’ He is just an in-needed liability right now until the smoke clears about ‘Bridge Gate.’ The Dims [sic] are watching for anything to spear Mr. Trump, and they are still ‘Sour Grapes.’ Beware, they are probably on Soros’ payroll. –Please visit my humble Blog: TOM’S JOURNAL. My email: [email protected] –Disabled Vietnam Veteran: 68-70. —Tommy Schuckman
So far picks are good BUT NOT ROMNEY PLEASE DO NOT TAKE HIM
trump was choosen for a very good reason FOR THE PEOPLE GODS PEOPLE THE NATION I WAS TOLD TO LISTEN TO MAN NAMED MARK TAYLOR AN EX FIREMAN IS ON YOUTUBE GO CHECK IT OUT EVERYTHING HE SPOKE ABOUT HAS HAPPENED AND IS HAPPENING GOOD THINGS ARE IN STORE FOR OUR GREAT COUNTRY AGAIN …IF HIL LIE RY WOULD HAVE WON IT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE END TIMES FOR US ALL
FINALLY, JOHN Q. P[UBLIC CITIZNE can have a GOVERNMENT that will listen to the heart beat of AMWERICA, instead of, listening to those who want waht ht Party Bosses wnat. ///////////////////////////////////
Trump is making very wise “Great for America” choices. Meantime the crybabies & left news are getting more & more ridiculous in spinning LIES to try to LOBBY against Trump’s anti-Lobbiest wisdom. Geeze, alt-Lefts Ignorant malicious spins are digging their own graves with main stream America deeper and deeper. Litterally pushing Too Deep to redeem themselves. I for one, am now getting a laugh at the loser crooked reporting news agencies still spinning their lying loser asses deeper right down next to the swap drain being unplugged as these Idiots set them selves up for no escape from consequences…insuring their lying reporters will permanently be out of job, career soon! The Election is Final. The Swamp is going to be drained. Funny to watch these sewer Idots dive in deeper hoping to grap the last looypop in the empty bag, cover themselves in more slime that their crocodile tears won’t wash off. They will soon be spinning down the swamp drain for good.
If you want to drain the swamp. We don’t a Romney rat to replenish it.
I have always liked Jeff Sessions. He’s a good pick. He’s not a cuckservative.
I am not thrilled with picking Romney for any job in the administration. But I also have to admit that Mitt does have a lot of pull and followers that could smooth the path for some of Trumps plans. At this point we all need to wait until Trump actually moves into the position of President. I still do not trust Obama to leave quietly.
*If I recall correctly, Romney did not support Trump–as least not until late in the campaign. Trump s not beholden to Romney, the Bushs, or any other crony. He IS beholden to the people who elected him! He needs to check the conservative credentials of any individual he appoints or nominates for a position in his administration.
Well done for taking action on lobbyists and the 5-year rule. Other governments should take note.
I can strongly say I was with Trump from the first and so was my friend since the 7th grade at Mesilla Park grade school New Mexico, Valecia, we both lived at WSPG. I wish I was not 77 as I would still like to work for a living since we will now have a decent POTUS. I will keep my fingers crossed. I’M WITH TRUMP..
I thought Trey GOWDY HAD JUST BEEN OFFERED THE AG POSITION. WHAT A GREAT CHOICE HE IS. HE LOVES THIS COUNTRY AND IS LIKE A “BULL DOG”. HIS TENASITY TO STAY ON TASK HAS BEEN PROVEN THROUGH THROUGHOUT THE HILLARY, COMEY, LORETTA LYNCH AND THE REST OF THE WHITE HOUSE CORRUPTION. HE WOULD LONG AGO HAD HILLARY, COMEY, AND LORETTA LYNCH BEHIND BARS, BUT OBAMA DID EVERYTHING HE COULD TO FREEZE EVERY MOVE HE TRIED TO MAKE. IF PRESIDENT ELECT TRUMP, HAS CHANGED HIS MIND ON HIM BEING AG, THEN BY ALL MEANS PUT HIM ON THE SUPREME COURT. HE IS A DIMOND IN THE ROUGH, PLEASE DON’T WASTE HIS GOD GIVEN TALENTS. THIS IS FROM AN AMERICAN THAT WANTS A STRONG AMERICA, WITH A STRONG SUPPORTIVE TEAM AROUND OUR NEW PRESIDENT.
Session’s is a racist according to some blacks who themselves may be just as racist? I imagine BLM will be disbanned due to lack of interest by most citizens. Personally I am not any more racist than most blacks or Chinese, or whomever.
I pray that Donald Trump does not put Nikki Haley(come lately) into any position with his government openings. I used to not like her but now I loathe her. I do not think anyone should be allowed to run for office that has not been at least a 3rd generation American. I am a native South Carolina lady with my family roots going back to the 1700’s. I do NOT want her.
WHEN I HEARD THE TEDDY KENNEDY NAME I THOUGHT OF ONE THING MARY JOE, THE GIRL HE DROWNED SAVING HIS OWN LIFE, THIS WASTHE BOTTOM OF THE BBL SCUM OFTHE KENNEDY CLAN. YOU CANT GET ANY LOWER. THAN THAT!
Being retired military, I gave what money I was able to give to Trump’s campaign. It wasn’t much but it was what I could afford. I had always had faith that he would win. How could he not, against a crook like Kilary, who has body bags all over the place. The “Don” will do good as long as he keeps the press at arms length. He needs our total support, our massive prayers, and our full confidence.
I have read a lot of comments on how good a man Mr. Sessions is, I don’t know the man, but what I do know is Trump said he would drain the Swamp. To me draining the swamp means no more establishment or in this case fresh faces and ideas to help lead this country. So many Americans will look at Mr. Sessions as establishment. I would like to see a list of the top ten people in each field being considered for open cabinet seats and would not even consider anyone that could be even slightly labeled as establishment. The comment Mr. Bannon made about the dark side was disturbing if it is true, Dick Cheney, the Bush’s and the Obama’s are not people who represent the will of the people, they are all globalist. I felt from the beginning that Mr. Trump is the lesser of two evils, but I also feel he is the rights Trojan horse just as Obama was for the left. Time will tell, but if Mr. Trump is a Trojan horse a police state will follow under the guise of law and order. Not bashing the President elect just stating my opinion.
Over half of the voting population voted for Hillary, I think it would be wise to include the checks and balances in government, all one thing, your thing you no longer have a democracy or a republic , you just got you a dictatorship via one party and no voice at all from the people.
Trump will hire whomever he wants and fire them if he wants. Just keep your promises to secure our safety, end the lobby, enforce term limits, and end or fix Obamacare. Boy what a wonderful difference those would make in our lives.