Luke Garrett

Crowds chanted against tech billionaire turned special government employee Elon Musk, who has called USAID a, quote, ball of worms. Musk has worked to dismantle the International Aid Agency with the support of President Donald Trump. Many at the rally were current USAID or nonprofit workers, but didn't want to give their names publicly, fearing that they'd be targeted by the Trump administration.

Crowds chanted against tech billionaire turned special government employee Elon Musk, who has called USAID a, quote, ball of worms. Musk has worked to dismantle the International Aid Agency with the support of President Donald Trump. Many at the rally were current USAID or nonprofit workers, but didn't want to give their names publicly, fearing that they'd be targeted by the Trump administration.

USAID has announced that all employees are being placed on administrative leave and that overseas personnel are directed to return within 30 days. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

USAID has announced that all employees are being placed on administrative leave and that overseas personnel are directed to return within 30 days. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

Danielle Hegseth, the former wife of Hegseth's brother, says the defense secretary nominee, quote, has an alcohol problem and was abusive to his ex-wife. In her affidavit, reviewed by NPR News, she says at times Hegseth's second wife hid in a closet from him out of fear. Daniel Hegseth submitted the affidavit in response to a request from Democratic Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island.

Danielle Hegseth, the former wife of Hegseth's brother, says the defense secretary nominee, quote, has an alcohol problem and was abusive to his ex-wife. In her affidavit, reviewed by NPR News, she says at times Hegseth's second wife hid in a closet from him out of fear. Daniel Hegseth submitted the affidavit in response to a request from Democratic Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island.

The ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee called the affidavit, quote, disturbing and potentially disqualifying. On Monday, the committee endorsed Pete Hegseth's nomination along party lines, paving the way for a vote in the full Senate. A lawyer for Hegseth dismissed these allegations to NBC News. NPR has requested comment from Hegseth. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

The ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee called the affidavit, quote, disturbing and potentially disqualifying. On Monday, the committee endorsed Pete Hegseth's nomination along party lines, paving the way for a vote in the full Senate. A lawyer for Hegseth dismissed these allegations to NBC News. NPR has requested comment from Hegseth. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana tells Fox News Mother Nature will not delay the certification of President-elect Donald Trump's victory.

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana tells Fox News Mother Nature will not delay the certification of President-elect Donald Trump's victory.

Ahead of the expected snowstorm, Johnson's message to fellow House members is clear. We encourage all of our colleagues, do not leave town, stay here. The House Speaker says he hopes for full attendance despite the storm. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser says city resources will be used to help clear snow for members of Congress ahead of election certification. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

Ahead of the expected snowstorm, Johnson's message to fellow House members is clear. We encourage all of our colleagues, do not leave town, stay here. The House Speaker says he hopes for full attendance despite the storm. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser says city resources will be used to help clear snow for members of Congress ahead of election certification. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

I agree with him on some things and disagree on others. There's food safety. I think the ultra-processed food is a problem. Vaccinations, he's wrong on.

I agree with him on some things and disagree on others. There's food safety. I think the ultra-processed food is a problem. Vaccinations, he's wrong on.

NPR's Lou Garrett spoke to one Republican senator who remains undecided. Senator Susan Collins of Maine tells NPR she is reserving her judgment on Patel and Hegseth.

NPR's Lou Garrett spoke to one Republican senator who remains undecided. Senator Susan Collins of Maine tells NPR she is reserving her judgment on Patel and Hegseth.

The moderate Republican says she believes Trump's cabinet nominations deserve a swift confirmation process. But Collins notes that she has voted against Trump nominees before.

The moderate Republican says she believes Trump's cabinet nominations deserve a swift confirmation process. But Collins notes that she has voted against Trump nominees before.

With slim control of the Senate, four GOP senators could join Democrats to block Trump's cabinet picks. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.

With slim control of the Senate, four GOP senators could join Democrats to block Trump's cabinet picks. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington.