Both U.S. senators representing Illinois slammed the confirmation of Pete Hegseth to be the new defense secretary.

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) joins Andrea Mitchell to emphasize that Donald Trump’s FBI Director pick, Kash Patel ‘is not up for the task’ and promises ‘retribution’.

Both of Illinois' Democratic senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, voted against Hegseth's confirmation, calling him unqualified for the role.

Il., joins Morning Joe to discuss Tuesday's confirmation hearings for Pete Hegseth and Wednesday's hearing for Pam Bondi, President-elect Trump's pick for attorney general.

Jeff Naft is now communications director for the Senate Banking Committee. He most recently was communications director for the House Intelligence Committee and is an alum of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.).

Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin said Hegseth has failed to position himself as someone who can be trusted to develop a strategic plan to address the threats to our nation.

We're approaching the first weekend of President Donald Trump's second term – and the Senate is already running behind in confirming his Cabinet nominees.

Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth told Pete Hegseth he was "wholly unprepared" to be confirmed as defense secretary: "You're not qualified, Mr. Hegseth, you're not qualified."

JACK SMITH’S MIDNIGHT RIDE — Six days before President-elect DONALD TRUMP is due to be sworn as the victor of the 2024 election, special counsel JACK SMITH’s report into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election is finally here.

The Senators’ resolution “recognizes the contribution, bravery, and sacrifices of women serving in combat roles in the Armed Forces; and encourages the continued celebration of the achievements of women in the Armed Forces to inspire future generations,” noting specifically that:

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and will lead the Department of Homeland Security

President Donald Trump has kicked off his second term with a flurry of executive actions on immigration, the economy, DEI and more. Federal agencies are being directed to place all employees working on DEI programs and initiatives to be put on paid administrative leave by Wednesday at 5 p.m.