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jili1111 PLEASANTON, Calif. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 10x Genomics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TXG ), a leader in single cell and spatial biology, announced today it had secured a permanent injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against the GeoMx products sold by Bruker Corporation (Nasdaq: BRKR ), which acquired the product line from NanoString Technologies. To minimize the risk of disruption to ongoing research, 10x Genomics requested a carve-out for GeoMx users who installed an instrument prior to the trial in November 2023 . The injunction, which the Court said it will enter in January 2025 , is expected to prohibit Bruker from making, using, selling or offering to sell in the United States its GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler and associated instruments, reagents and services for RNA and protein detection. At the request of 10x Genomics, the injunction will not block ongoing research by researchers who installed a GeoMx instrument prior to November 18, 2023 . Such customers can continue to purchase GeoMx reagents for use with existing GeoMx instruments for purposes of continuing their ongoing research. The Court found that making such an exception for ongoing research strikes a "workable balance between protecting the patentee's rights and protecting the public from the injunction's adverse effects." In addition, the Court affirmed the $31 million damages awarded by the November 2023 jury verdict, as well as supplemental damages and interest that will be added to the total damages when final judgment is entered. "Today's decision helps to safeguard our decade-long investment in innovation and ensures we can continue to develop groundbreaking technologies that help our customers revolutionize science," said Eric Whitaker , Chief Legal Officer at 10x Genomics. "10x exists to fuel scientific progress – not stifle it – and that is why we've done our utmost to ensure this injunction was structured to protect both our intellectual property and existing GeoMx customers' ongoing research." The Court recognized the harm NanoString's infringing conduct caused 10x when it wrote in its ruling, "Having been careful not to license its technology, 10x suffers when it proclaims itself as an innovator in spatial genomics but a competitor is using the same innovative, patented technology." Today's Court decision follows a November 2023 jury verdict that found that NanoString's GeoMx products willfully infringed seven patents exclusively licensed to 10x Genomics by Prognosys. During the trial, the jury heard testimony from the sole inventor of the patents, Illumina co-founder Mark Chee , and NanoString CEO Brad Gray and NanoString CSO Joe Beechem. After hearing all of the evidence, the jury determined that all seven patents had been infringed by NanoString, that each patent was valid, that NanoString willfully infringed those patents and that monetary damages were owed to 10x for the infringement of all seven patents. In affirming the jury's finding that NanoString willfully infringed, the Court relied on the evidence showing that NanoString knew or was willfully blind that its acts would cause infringement of 10x's rights. The asserted patents in Case No. 21-cv-653-MFK include (a) U.S. Patent No. 10,472,669; (b) U.S. Patent No. 10,961,566; (c) U.S. Patent No. 10,983,113; (d) U.S. Patent No. 10,996,219; (e) U.S. Patent No. 11,001,878; (f) U.S. Patent No. 11,008,607 and (g) U.S. Patent No. 11,293,917. About 10x Genomics 10x Genomics is a life science technology company building products to accelerate the mastery of biology and advance human health. Our integrated solutions include instruments, consumables and software for single cell and spatial biology, which help academic and translational researchers and biopharmaceutical companies understand biological systems at a resolution and scale that matches the complexity of biology. Our products are behind breakthroughs in oncology, immunology, neuroscience and more, fueling powerful discoveries that are transforming the world's understanding of health and disease. To learn more, visit 10xgenomics.com or connect with us on LinkedIn or X (Twitter) . Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the "safe harbor" created by those sections. All statements included in this press release, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplate," "believe," "see," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "would," "likely," "seek" or "continue" or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding litigation and remedies as well as possible outcomes of litigation. These forward-looking statements do not reflect that our success will depend on our ability to obtain, maintain and protect our intellectual property rights, intellectual property litigation could be expensive, time-consuming, unsuccessful and could interfere with our ability to develop, manufacture and commercialize our products or technologies, litigation outcomes are unpredictable or there may be changes in our litigation strategy. These statements are based on management's current expectations, forecasts, beliefs, assumptions and information currently available to management. Actual outcomes and results could differ materially from these statements due to a number of factors and such statements should not be relied upon as representing 10x Genomics, Inc.'s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. 10x Genomics, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements provided to reflect any change in 10x Genomics' expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. The material risks and uncertainties that could affect 10x Genomics, Inc.'s financial and operating results and cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release include those discussed under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the company's most recently-filed 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and elsewhere in the documents 10x Genomics, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Disclosure Information 10x Genomics uses filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, our website ( www.10xgenomics.com ), press releases, public conference calls, public webcasts and our social media accounts as means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Contacts Investors: [email protected] Media: [email protected] SOURCE 10x Genomics, Inc.

Syrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: The Israeli military said on Sunday it was reinforcing a barrier along its border with Syria as part of its “enhanced preparedness” in the area following the fall of the Assad regime. Israel released images of the construction, which showed bulldozers digging what appeared to be a trench. The army said in a statement that the barrier was named “New East.” Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began building what could be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. Over the weekend, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border with Syria. Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest.None

After Iranian arrest tied to U.S. military murders, town advances sanctuary policiesThe shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024, where a 3D-printed gun was used, highlights the escalating threat of these untraceable "ghost guns." These firearms, made partially or entirely with commercially available 3D printers, are increasingly appearing in criminal activity, posing significant challenges for law enforcement and policymakers worldwide. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing the legality of federal restrictions on these weapons. The first documented criminal case involving a 3D-printed gun occurred in the UK in 2013. Since then, their prevalence has grown rapidly. Between 2017 and 2021, U.S. law enforcement seized nearly 38,000 suspected ghost guns, according to a 2024 US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives report. In 2021 alone, over 19,000 were traced, a sharp rise from just over 8,500 in 2020. New York state saw a dramatic increase from 100 seizures in 2019 to 637 in 2022. Arrests are also on the rise, with 108 globally in the first half of 2023, compared to 66 in all of 2022. North America leads in 3D-printed gun-related arrests (166 from 2013 to June 2023), followed by Europe (48) and Oceania (24). The U.S. accounts for 36% of global arrests in 2023, closely followed by Canada (34%). The UK and Australia represent 10% and 8% respectively. According to a report in The Conversation , these weapons have been linked to a wide range of groups, including far-right extremists, ethno-separatists, jihadists, left-wing anarchists, organised crime, and pro-democracy rebels. From 2019 to mid-2022, at least nine cases in Europe and Australia involved extremists, terrorists, or paramilitary groups attempting or succeeding in producing 3D-printed firearms. Analysis of 165 cases from 2013 to mid-2024 shows that 15% were terrorism-related, with far-right groups being the most frequent users. The lack of serial numbers on these homemade weapons makes them difficult to trace, a key attraction for criminals. Global regulatory approaches vary significantly. Japan strictly prohibits unauthorised firearm production, including 3D-printed guns, with severe penalties. Canada effectively banned ghost guns in 2023, requiring licenses for possession or manufacture. Australia criminalises both making and, in some states, possessing blueprints for 3D-printed firearms, with potential prison sentences of up to 21 years. The EU broadly prohibits making or owning homemade firearms, with varying laws and penalties, including criminalising possession of digital files. The UK recently updated its laws to specifically ban possessing, buying, or producing parts for 3D-printed guns, and is considering banning blueprint possession. In the U.S., the Second Amendment and First Amendment pose unique regulatory challenges. While selling 3D-printed firearms requires a federal license, producing or owning them for personal use is permitted, including 3D-printing the lower receiver. Current federal law, under Supreme Court review, requires 3D-printed gun kits to meet specific guidelines, including licensing, background checks, and serial numbers. Converting semi-automatic firearms into automatic weapons using 3D-printed "Glock switches" is illegal and carries significant penalties. State-level regulations are also emerging. By November 2024, 15 U.S. states had implemented regulations on ghost guns, typically requiring serial numbers, background checks, and reporting of 3D-printed firearm production. For example, New Jersey mandates serial numbers and registration, while New York is considering making 3D-printed firearm manufacturing a felony. As 3D printing technology advances, the challenge of regulating these weapons and mitigating the threat they pose to public safety will likely intensify. Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the worldROBERT HARDMAN: Raw emotion, even tears, as tractor convoy of despairing farmers besieges Westminster By ROBERT HARDMAN FOR THE DAILY MAIL Published: 22:20, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 22:25, 11 December 2024 e-mail 13 View comments Behind the banners, bravado and competitive horn-honking, there was plenty of raw emotion on display again at yesterday's latest show of agricultural strength in the heart of Westminster. Inside Parliament, we saw the president of the National Farmers' Union, Tom Bradshaw, close to tears as he told MPs that some farmers were even contemplating suicide because of the 'awful, awful, unacceptable position' created by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves , and her surprise imposition of inheritance tax on family farms. It was not about money, Mr Bradshaw explained. 'This is a lifetime of work. It's the heritage and the custodianship...' An awkward silence hung over the Environment Select Committee as he ran out of words. Outside Downing Street , farmers laid a wreath at the gates. This was, they explained, in memory of the handful of farmers whose recent deaths at their own hands have been linked to the turmoil induced by Labour 's plans. Nor was this a stunt, whatever cynical urban Lefties might say. Those who work on the welfare side of this solitary and financially precarious industry predict more tragedies. I spotted one woman in floods of tears as the wreath was laid. Behind the banners, bravado and competitive horn-honking, there was plenty of raw emotion on display again at yesterday's latest show of agricultural strength in the heart of Westminster. Pictured: Tractors fill Whitehall today to protest inheritance tax Outside Downing Street, farmers laid a wreath at the gates. This was, they explained, in memory of the handful of farmers whose recent deaths at their own hands have been linked to the turmoil induced by Labour's plans. Pictured: Farmer's daughters Amy and Ellie Deacon from St Alban's nside Parliament, we saw the president of the National Farmers' Union, Tom Bradshaw (pictured), close to tears as he told MPs that some farmers were even contemplating suicide because of the 'awful, awful, unacceptable position' created by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and her surprise imposition of inheritance tax on family farms Three weeks ago, the UK's rural workforce had staged their first protest against the Budget – on foot. Yesterday, they brought the hardware. The most stirring sight of the day was simply that of hundreds of tractors packed the full length of Whitehall. By the time Sir Keir Starmer rose for Prime Minister's Questions at noon, these growling green workhorses were five-abreast from Trafalgar Square all the way up to Sir Winston Churchill on Parliament Square. They then embarked on a slow processional loop around London SW1 in first gear, blasting their horns all the way. Who knew tractors could be quite so tuneful? Several had rigged up airhorns to barp 'Old MacDonald had a farm' or 'Ten Green Bottles'. The most impressive was one monster which managed to play the opening bars of Rossini's William Tell Overture. Having initially tried to merge this lot with the buses and London traffic, the police decided there were so many tractors that it would be wiser just to divert everything else. Whitehall's work-from-home brigade thus had the perfect excuse for another day in their pyjamas. The machinery had started assembling from first light, with some being driven from as far away as Exmoor and Lancashire. Three tractors had made the crossing from the Isle of Wight. The oldest on parade was a 1967 David Brown 990 driven by Ely arable farmer Matt Golding, 46. With no cab, his machine looked more like a lawn mower among all these 21st-century giants with their heated cabs and flashing lights. Yet apparently this sturdy tiddler is still doing chores on the family's 200 acres, now in the hands of the third generation. But for how much longer can it remain in the family? A sign hangs on the back of a tractor, during a demonstration in support of farmers, in London, Britain, December 11, 2024 Farmers sit and stand on a tractor as they pose for pictures during a stop 'the death of British Farming' demonstration, to protest against changes to inheritance tax rules for land ownership for farmers, in Whitehall, central London, on December 11 That was the question everyone was asking yesterday. The oldest protester was Diana Baskervyle-Glegg, 93, from Burford in the Cotswolds. The youngest was Florence Cookes, aged five months, in the arms of her father, Birmingham sheep farmer Phil Cookes, 38. He had left the family's 1,200 sheep and 50 cattle in the care of his father for the day. In due course, he and his wife would like to transfer custody to Florence, but fear Labour's plans could scupper that idea. Mr Cookes told me that he favoured tougher action than this. 'We're all being a bit too nice,' he said. 'The French get it right with these things. We'd be better off shutting down London and the ports next time.' Others urged a less combative, more strategic approach, including the Reform leader, Nigel Farage, out for an early stroll through the tractor ranks. 'Just look at those 100 Labour MPs in rural areas with majorities thinner than a cigarette paper and they are starting to panic like crazy,' Mr Farage told me. 'We need a consistent campaign, bringing on board all those small family businesses which are going to get hit by these taxes – and then we could get a result on this.' Elsewhere in the crowd, I spotted everyone from ex-Foreign Secretary James Cleverly – 'Labour just see farmers as easy targets with loads of cash' – to Jeremy Corbyn's conspiracy theorist brother Piers. Wild of both hair and eye, he warned that farmers were the victims of a worldwide land grab by dark forces. Having initially tried to merge this lot with the buses and London traffic, the police decided there were so many tractors that it would be wiser just to divert everything else British MP and deputy leader of the Reform UK political party, Richard Tice gestures while holding onto a tractor today At least his megaphone was audible, unlike that of the main organisers, Kent-based Fairness For Farmers and Wiltshire's Save British Farming. This demonstration was so homespun that its leaders ended up simply having to shout from the back end of a pick-up truck parked outside Downing Street. 'We're not militant people,' yelled Maidstone market gardener, David Catt, 67, 'but we could bring this country to a standstill in minutes.' Canterbury farmer Jeff Gibson warned the crowd that just because Britain has not had a famine since 1623 and has never had cheaper food, it should take nothing for granted. The key message: this is just the start. Many of these farmers will be back again next week. On my way home, I again bumped into Tom Bradshaw outside Parliament. He explained he is still trying to persuade the Government to rethink its policy altogether 'and not just make a bad policy less bad'. As we spoke, a tractor slowed down and a farmer leaned out. 'You need to start turning it up, mate!' the man shouted at Mr Bradshaw. 'That's what I've been doing in there,' he replied. For how much longer can the countryside maintain this united, broadly level-headed front before the militants decide to take a lead? On yesterday's showing, those days seem to be numbered. Labour Share or comment on this article: ROBERT HARDMAN: Raw emotion, even tears, as tractor convoy of despairing farmers besieges Westminster e-mail Add comment More top stories

The mere fact that 72-year-old Bill Belichick is taking over the North Carolina football program is just the latest reminder that anything’s possible in sports — especially when Belichick is involved. Remember, this is a man who in 1997 was introduced at a news conference as the make-pretend “head coach” of the New York Jets , with Bill Parcells ticketed to come aboard as a “consultant.” It was all a charade, of course, as Parcells was trying to get out of his contract with the New England Patriots . NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue finally stepped in and stopped the insanity; the Jets sent some draft picks to New England, Parcells became their coach, and Belichick joined his staff. Advertisement Three years later, Belichick was named the for-real coach of the Jets and then turned right around and famously wrote out “I resign as HC of the NYJ” on a piece of paper and handed it to club president Steve Gutman. Belichick did look bemused and out of place that day at the Parcells speakerphone news conference at Weeb Ewbank Hall. And, yes, later on, Gutman’s reaction to the scribbled resignation letter was to hint at Belichick’s mental state, as when he said, “We should have some feelings of sorrow and regret for him and his family. He obviously has some inner turmoil.” It had nothing to do with turmoil and everything to do with Belichick wanting to unglue himself from the shadow of Parcells, once and for all. Which he certainly did when he accepted Robert Kraft’s offer to take over the New England program. He coached the Patriots to nine Super Bowls, winning six of them. The lesson here: Never say never when it comes to Bill Belichick. While it’s possible his reason for heading to North Carolina was an outgrowth of having determined that no NFL team will make him an offer to coach its team in 2025 (for now, anyway), what about 2026? Or 2027? GO DEEPER Why Bill Belichick coaching at UNC might be more realistic than you think Here’s Part 1 of a scenario in which it could work: Belichick has a successful season as coach of the Tar Heels in 2025. And “successful” in this case won’t be defined solely by victories, rankings and bowl appearances. It’ll also be defined by whether Belichick illustrates that his administrative skills remain sharp, that being away from coaching for a year hasn’t somehow eroded his Game Day savvy or diminished his energy. Assuming, then, that Chapel Hill Bill runs a smooth shop in 2025, we can then proceed to Part 2 of a scenario in which Belichick returns to the NFL. And here it is: There emerges an owner who determines his team has plenty of talent but has underperformed to a degree that a coaching change needs to be made. Perhaps there’s a feeling the incumbent coach has lost the room, or that there’s disorganization or malaise. Consider, too, the possibility of a human resources issue, such as when the Boston Celtics fired coach Ime Udoka just before training camp in 2022 after it had been determined Udoka was involved in an improper relationship with a female team employee. Advertisement The solution to this crisis for Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens wasn’t to seek out an available veteran coach. Instead, he looked to the second row of his coaching staff and promoted 34-year-old Joe Mazzulla. But I cite the Celtics situation to illustrate that things do happen in the coaching game; when they do, teams need to react. If you’re looking for an example in which an old-timer stepped in to save the day, we give you Jack McKeon, who was 72 when he was named manager of the Florida Marlins on May 11, 2003, after Jeff Torborg was fired. The Marlins were 16-22 and had lost seven of their last eight games. They wound up winning the World Series, making McKeon the oldest manager in the game’s history to take his team all the way. It was even more stunning when 76-year-old Tony La Russa was named manager of the Chicago White Sox in 2021. La Russa didn’t skipper the White Sox to a championship and the experiment ended badly in 2022, but he did get them to the Division Series that first season. (La Russa and Belichick are good friends. The betting here is they’ve been in touch lately.) 💻 @RobGronkowski What does the former Patriots star think about the possibility of Bill Belichick taking the UNC head coaching gig? #NFL #CarolinaFootball pic.twitter.com/hSezVK2TOh — Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) December 10, 2024 There’s much to admire about Belichick wanting to coach again. It illustrates that he truly loves what he’s been doing all these years, and that lining up a collection of media gigs this season wasn’t enough to scratch that itch. And anyway, working late in life can be a good thing. An article in last week’s Boston Globe Magazine cited a gentleman named Charlie Dellovo, still working at age 88. “My family lives to over 100 years old,” Dellovo told the Globe Magazine. “And my dad said, ‘If you stop working, you die.’” One way or the other, Belichick keeps working. After he was fired by the Patriots, he pivoted to media. Now he’s planning to take over the UNC football program. By outward appearances, he remains vigorous and focused. If the NFL were to call in a year or two, it would put Belichick in a position to win the 14 games he needs to match the late Don Shula’s record 344 total coaching victories. It’s something Jim Gray asked Belichick about on the “Let’s Go” podcast, with the Hoodie replying, “I don’t have any set goals. I’m open to different opportunities going forward and I’ll just evaluate them as they come.” Advertisement We can debate that first part about Belichick not having any set goals. As for the part about being open to different opportunities and how he’ll evaluate them as they come, that’s about as candid as he’s ever been. Still, the nagging issue is time, or lack thereof. If Belichick gets another chance to coach in the NFL, be it by a team facing a rebuild or one that’s considered playoff-ready, he’s still going to be 73 in April. But Belichick doesn’t appear to have attached an expiration date to his coaching career, or even considered one. (Photo: Rich Barnes / Getty Images)Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy 'star' in latest TaylorMade Christmas cards

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — While other teams around the NFL are seeing their injury lists grow as the season winds down, the Green Bay Packers appear to be getting healthy at just the right time. Not only is quarterback Jordan Love looking like himself after dealing with early-season left knee and groin injuries, but the rest of the roster is getting better, too. “I think every team that can realize their potential needs to be as healthy as they can be. And injuries are a part of this business,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “It is what it is in terms of the next man up, but obviously, you want the guys that are your starters to be available — especially as you get closer to the end of the year.” Love certainly has been rolling of late, completing 67.1% of his passes for 904 yards with six touchdowns and one interception (118.8 passer rating) over the past four games, owing some of his hot streak to simply being healthy again. “The name of the game is trying to stay as healthy as possible, especially late into the season,” Love said. “There’s definitely injuries that stack up and guys being out. To have everybody relatively healthy and to be able to have our top guys out there would be huge for us." The Packers (9-4) head into their Sunday night matchup with the Seahawks (8-5) in Seattle with only one player having been unable to take part in Wednesday’s practice at all: safety Javon Bullard. LaFleur said Bullard is week-to-week with an ankle injury he suffered in the team’s Dec. 5 loss at Detroit . The Packers got full participation from Jaire Alexander, who has missed four of the team’s last five games with a knee injury suffered at Jacksonville on Oct. 27, and wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who has missed the last two games with a concussion he suffered against San Francisco on Nov. 24. Although Alexander had practiced on a limited basis in recent weeks, he has missed the last three games and pulled himself out of the team’s Nov. 17 win at Chicago because of his knee. Getting Alexander back to face Seahawks receivers DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba would give a major lift to the Packers’ pass defense, currently ranked 21st with 222.2 yards per game allowed. “When I was watching him, he looked like he was moving around well, and we’ll just see how it transpires throughout the course of the week,” LaFleur said. “Hopefully, he’ll be ready to roll.” LaFleur said Doubs and rookie safety Evan Williams, who left the Packers’ 34-31 loss to the Lions because of a concussion, are still in the concussion protocol. But Williams was able to practice on a limited basis. Meanwhile, tight end Luke Musgrave, who hasn’t played a snap since injuring his left ankle during a a Sept. 29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, has been designated for return from injured reserve. Musgrave took part in practice for the first time since undergoing surgery in early October to repair a torn ligament in the ankle. He said he only did individual drill work Wednesday, making it unlikely he would be activated this week. “Just going to ease back into it, but I feel good,” Musgrave said. “Still getting the cutting back, but overall, it feels good.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah has already found a new program in Duke, while Mississippi State's Michael Van Buren Jr., Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke and Cal's Fernando Mendoza are exploring changes of their own in the transfer portal. Mensah, a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining, told ESPN on Wednesday he has transferred to Duke. He attended the Blue Devils men's basketball game against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils (9-3) will face Mississippi in the Gator Bowl, but without 2024 starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and backup Grayson Loftis, who also entered the portal. Mensah, viewed as one of the top players in the portal, threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns and completed 65.9% of his passes. He led the Green Wave to a 9-4 record and the American Athletic Conference championship game, where they lost 35-14 to Army. Tulane will play Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl on Sunday. Van Buren, Mendoza and Locke announced on social media they had entered the portal. Van Buren started eight games as a true freshmen for the Bulldogs. He threw for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Bulldogs (2-10, 0-8 Southeastern Conference). He took over as the starter when Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in a 45-28 loss to Florida on Sept. 21. Shapen has said he plans to return next season. Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound passer from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, had two 300-yard performances for the Bulldogs, including 306 yards and three touchdown passes in a 41-31 road loss against Georgia. Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards in 2024 with 16 TDs, six interceptions and a 68.7 completion percentage. "For the sake of my football future this is the decision I have reached," he posted. Locke passed for 1,936 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Wisconsin this season. He said he will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has joined defensive tackle Mason Graham in the NFL draft. Johnson declared for the draft on Wednesday, one day after Graham decided he would also skip his senior season with the Wolverines. Both preseason All-America players are expected to be first-round picks. Johnson was limited to six games this year due to an injury. He had two interceptions, returning them both for touchdowns to set a school record with three scores off interceptions. Johnson picked off nine passes in three seasons. Graham played in all 12 games this season, finishing with 3 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for losses. He had 18 tackles for losses, including nine sacks, in his three-year career. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is The Associated Press offensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference and South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard is the top defensive player. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was voted the top newcomer on Wednesday while the Gamecocks' Shane Beamer is coach of the year in voting by the panel of 17 media members who cover the league. Sampson led the SEC and set school records by rushing for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is tied for third nationally in rushing touchdowns, recording the league's fifth-most in a season. Sampson was chosen on all but two ballots. Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris and his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, each got a vote. Kennard led the SEC with 11-1/2 sacks and 15-1/2 tackles for loss. He also had 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles. Beamer led the Gamecocks to just their fifth nine-win season, including a school-record four wins over Top 25 opponents. They've won their last six games and ended the regular season with a win over eventual ACC champion Clemson. South Carolina plays Illinois on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Pavia helped lead Vandy to its first bowl game since 2018 after transferring from New Mexico State. He passed for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns with four interceptions. He ran for another 716 yards and six touchdowns, directing an upset of Alabama. AMES, Iowa — Matt Campbell, who led Iowa State to its first 10-win season and became the program's all-time leader in coaching victories, has agreed to an eight-year contract that would keep him with the Cyclones through 2032. University president Wendy Wintersteen and athletic director Jamie Pollard made the announcement Wednesday, four days after the Cyclones lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. “Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program,” Pollard said. “Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program. Leadership continuity is essential to any organization’s long-term success." The Cyclones won their first seven games for their best start since 1938 and are 10-3 heading into their game against Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 28. BRIEFLY FLAG PLANT: Ohio Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. MALZAHN: Gus Malzahn, who resigned as UCF’s coach last month to become Mike Norvell’s offensive coordinator at Florida State, said he chose to return to his coaching roots rather than remain a head coach distracted by a myriad of responsibilities. Get local news delivered to your inbox!ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) National Issues Committee held a virtual meeting on Sunday under the chairmanship of party leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, where it was decided to contact the government’s committee on Monday to address key coalition issues. The meeting was attended by prominent PPP leaders, including Raja Pervez Ashraf, Sherry Rehman, Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood, Naveed Qamar, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Sardar Saleem Haider, Faisal Karim Kundi, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, and Ali Haider Gillani. The decision follows the establishment of the government’s committee on November 22 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aimed at resolving coalition disputes. This development comes amidst PPP’s dissatisfaction over what it describes as the federal government’s lack of consultation on policy matters and unmet commitments to the party. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the government’s approach to coalition governance, specifically citing instances such as the recent imposition of internet restrictions and the passage of the canals agreement without PPP’s input. “The federal government does not understand the basics of VPNs,” Bilawal said during an earlier meeting. He argued that the restrictions negatively impacted privacy and digital accessibility across the country. He also criticized the canals agreement, claiming it was approved while he was engaged in discussions on the 26th Constitutional Amendment. “This bypassing of the PPP on matters of provincial water rights is unacceptable,” he added. Bilawal has also called out the government for failing to allocate resources fairly among provinces, a key issue negotiated during constitutional amendment discussions. In response to the PPP’s concerns, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s 11-member committee, comprising senior ministers such as Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Ahad Khan Cheema, was tasked with facilitating political cooperation and addressing disputes with coalition partners. The government’s committee is expected to engage in discussions with the PPP’s nine-member delegation, which includes senior figures such as former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, federal ministers Naveed Qamar and Sherry Rehman, and chief ministers of Sindh and Balochistan. The PPP has intensified its efforts to foster political consensus, not only within the coalition but also with opposition parties. Last week, Bilawal directed the party’s Rabta Committee to engage with other political entities and explore areas of agreement on key national issues, such as security, the digital economy, and agriculture. PPP leaders have voiced their commitment to addressing coalition disputes while highlighting the need for better consultation mechanisms. The National Issues Committee’s decision to initiate contact with the government’s panel is seen as a significant step toward mending strained ties within the coalition. The outcome of these discussions will be closely monitored as both sides work toward addressing grievances and strengthening coalition governance. PPP’s Central Executive Committee is expected to review the progress made during these engagements in the coming month. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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The mere fact that 72-year-old Bill Belichick is taking over the North Carolina football program is just the latest reminder that anything’s possible in sports — especially when Belichick is involved. Remember, this is a man who in 1997 was introduced at a news conference as the make-pretend “head coach” of the New York Jets , with Bill Parcells ticketed to come aboard as a “consultant.” It was all a charade, of course, as Parcells was trying to get out of his contract with the New England Patriots . NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue finally stepped in and stopped the insanity; the Jets sent some draft picks to New England, Parcells became their coach, and Belichick joined his staff. Advertisement Three years later, Belichick was named the for-real coach of the Jets and then turned right around and famously wrote out “I resign as HC of the NYJ” on a piece of paper and handed it to club president Steve Gutman. Belichick did look bemused and out of place that day at the Parcells speakerphone news conference at Weeb Ewbank Hall. And, yes, later on, Gutman’s reaction to the scribbled resignation letter was to hint at Belichick’s mental state, as when he said, “We should have some feelings of sorrow and regret for him and his family. He obviously has some inner turmoil.” It had nothing to do with turmoil and everything to do with Belichick wanting to unglue himself from the shadow of Parcells, once and for all. Which he certainly did when he accepted Robert Kraft’s offer to take over the New England program. He coached the Patriots to nine Super Bowls, winning six of them. The lesson here: Never say never when it comes to Bill Belichick. While it’s possible his reason for heading to North Carolina was an outgrowth of having determined that no NFL team will make him an offer to coach its team in 2025 (for now, anyway), what about 2026? Or 2027? GO DEEPER Why Bill Belichick coaching at UNC might be more realistic than you think Here’s Part 1 of a scenario in which it could work: Belichick has a successful season as coach of the Tar Heels in 2025. And “successful” in this case won’t be defined solely by victories, rankings and bowl appearances. It’ll also be defined by whether Belichick illustrates that his administrative skills remain sharp, that being away from coaching for a year hasn’t somehow eroded his Game Day savvy or diminished his energy. Assuming, then, that Chapel Hill Bill runs a smooth shop in 2025, we can then proceed to Part 2 of a scenario in which Belichick returns to the NFL. And here it is: There emerges an owner who determines his team has plenty of talent but has underperformed to a degree that a coaching change needs to be made. Perhaps there’s a feeling the incumbent coach has lost the room, or that there’s disorganization or malaise. Consider, too, the possibility of a human resources issue, such as when the Boston Celtics fired coach Ime Udoka just before training camp in 2022 after it had been determined Udoka was involved in an improper relationship with a female team employee. Advertisement The solution to this crisis for Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens wasn’t to seek out an available veteran coach. Instead, he looked to the second row of his coaching staff and promoted 34-year-old Joe Mazzulla. But I cite the Celtics situation to illustrate that things do happen in the coaching game; when they do, teams need to react. If you’re looking for an example in which an old-timer stepped in to save the day, we give you Jack McKeon, who was 72 when he was named manager of the Florida Marlins on May 11, 2003, after Jeff Torborg was fired. The Marlins were 16-22 and had lost seven of their last eight games. They wound up winning the World Series, making McKeon the oldest manager in the game’s history to take his team all the way. It was even more stunning when 76-year-old Tony La Russa was named manager of the Chicago White Sox in 2021. La Russa didn’t skipper the White Sox to a championship and the experiment ended badly in 2022, but he did get them to the Division Series that first season. (La Russa and Belichick are good friends. The betting here is they’ve been in touch lately.) 💻 @RobGronkowski What does the former Patriots star think about the possibility of Bill Belichick taking the UNC head coaching gig? #NFL #CarolinaFootball pic.twitter.com/hSezVK2TOh — Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) December 10, 2024 There’s much to admire about Belichick wanting to coach again. It illustrates that he truly loves what he’s been doing all these years, and that lining up a collection of media gigs this season wasn’t enough to scratch that itch. And anyway, working late in life can be a good thing. An article in last week’s Boston Globe Magazine cited a gentleman named Charlie Dellovo, still working at age 88. “My family lives to over 100 years old,” Dellovo told the Globe Magazine. “And my dad said, ‘If you stop working, you die.’” One way or the other, Belichick keeps working. After he was fired by the Patriots, he pivoted to media. Now he’s planning to take over the UNC football program. By outward appearances, he remains vigorous and focused. If the NFL were to call in a year or two, it would put Belichick in a position to win the 14 games he needs to match the late Don Shula’s record 344 total coaching victories. It’s something Jim Gray asked Belichick about on the “Let’s Go” podcast, with the Hoodie replying, “I don’t have any set goals. I’m open to different opportunities going forward and I’ll just evaluate them as they come.” Advertisement We can debate that first part about Belichick not having any set goals. As for the part about being open to different opportunities and how he’ll evaluate them as they come, that’s about as candid as he’s ever been. Still, the nagging issue is time, or lack thereof. If Belichick gets another chance to coach in the NFL, be it by a team facing a rebuild or one that’s considered playoff-ready, he’s still going to be 73 in April. But Belichick doesn’t appear to have attached an expiration date to his coaching career, or even considered one. (Photo: Rich Barnes / Getty Images)

A new state-of-the-art laboratory facility and administration building totalling over US$12 million was commissioned for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) at the National Exhibition Centre at Sophia, Georgetown. The facility, officially declared opened by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Wednesday, underscores Guyana’s progress in strengthening standards and quality—key pillars of sustainable development and global competitiveness. The modern structure equips the GNBS with international-standard laboratory facilities, ensuring reliability, ample space for consumer protection tests, and the certification of production standards. It also boasts advanced equipment to maintain ISO accreditation and offers enhanced calibration capabilities for temperature, moisture, volume, pressure, and electricity. President Ali noted that upon assuming office, the government identified key agencies vital for transforming, diversifying, and enhancing the competitiveness of Guyana’s economy, with GNBS being one of them. He said, “ So, not only were we to invest in the physical infrastructure, but we also had to invest heavily in the human capital development, policy transformation and regulatory innovation. Those were additional investments that were required to fuel what this new building will achieve.” The president emphasised the importance of standardisation for market access, trust, and credibility in today’s evolving economy. “ Our entire future that we are building that rests on the international marketplace requires this foundational investment. The economy requires standards. We have to be able to set those standards and educate the public and investors about the standards ,” President Ali underscored. He also highlighted the role of testing in providing verifiable indicators, enhancing competitiveness and brand development. “So, if we apply the best standards, then, most times when you have the certification, your products will carry a different value,” he pointed out. Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond described the facility as a significant step toward equipping Guyana to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), protect consumers, and improve livelihoods. The GNBS plays a crucial role in ensuring local products and services meet international standards, fostering consumer confidence. The facility will enable GNBS to provide over 500 standards spanning agriculture, construction, energy, tourism, and other sectors, promoting a culture of excellence for Guyanese businesses. This project was funded by the government with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Country Representative of the IDB, Lorena Solorzano Salazar said the facility’s establishment marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the government and the IDB. She highlighted its role in strengthening private sector operations and fostering diversification across industries such as construction, engineering, tourism, and health. Present at the event were also the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, the Executive Director of the GNBS, Trevor Bassoo and representatives from the business and diplomatic communities. (DPI)California Sees Surge in People Moving There, but It's Not All Great NewsWASHINGTON — Donald Trump said he can't guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning "things do change." Here's a look at some of the issues covered: President-elect Donald Trump takes the stage before he speaks at the FOX Nation Patriot Awards, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Greenvale, N.Y. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa) Trump hems on whether trade penalties could raise prices Trump threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn't believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won't be paying more as they shop. "I can't guarantee anything. I can't guarantee tomorrow," Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are "going to make us rich." He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. "All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field," Trump said. Trump suggests retribution for his opponents while claiming no interest in vengeance He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. "Honestly, they should go to jail," Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump's role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: "I have the absolute right. I'm the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I'm the president. But I'm not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. "Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee," Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, "No," and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. At another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. "I want her to do what she wants to do," he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, "I'm not looking to go back into the past." Immigration advocates hold a rally in Sacramento, Calif. on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, to protest President-Elect Donald Trump's plans to conduct mass deportation of immigrants without legal status. (AP Photo/Haven Daley) Swift action on immigration is coming Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. "I think you have to do it," he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end "birthright" citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — though such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and were shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, "I want to work something out," indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not "want to be breaking up families" of mixed legal status, "so the only way you don't break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back." President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Notre Dame Cathedral as France's iconic cathedral is formally reopening its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019, Saturday Dec.7, 2024 in Paris ( Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP) Trump commits to NATO, with conditions, and waffles on Putin and Ukraine Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he "absolutely" would remain in the alliance "if they pay their bills." Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies' commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated "fairly" on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin's invasion. "Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure," Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump called for an immediate cease-fire. Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged. "I haven't spoken to him recently," Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to "impede the negotiation." Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference at the Federal Reserve in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Trump says Powell is safe at the Fed, but not Wray at the FBI The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell's term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy, including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: "Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious" that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as Trump's pick for FBI chief, then "he's going to be taking somebody's place, right? Somebody is the man that you're talking about." Trump is absolute about Social Security, not so much on abortion and health insurance Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. "We're not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient," he said. He added that "we're not raising ages or any of that stuff." He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would "probably" not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, "Well, I commit. I mean, are — things do — things change. I think they change." Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had "concepts" of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called "lousy health care." He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for "better health care for less money." Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Kash Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe. Patel called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who sought additional resources for the bureau. Though the Justice Department in 2021 halted the practice of secretly seizing reporters’ phone records during leak investigations, Patel said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters. Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. “He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Gensler, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, announced last month that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated — Jan. 20, 2025. Atkins began his career as a lawyer and has a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice. In the 1990s, he worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. Jared Isaacman, 41, is a tech billionaire who bought a series of spaceflights from Elon Musk’s SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk . He is the founder and CEO of a card-processing company and has collaborated closely with Musk ever since buying his first chartered SpaceX flight. He took contest winners on that 2021 trip and followed it in September with a mission where he briefly popped out the hatch to test SpaceX’s new spacewalking suits. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. President-elect Donald Trump tapped former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia to be ambassador to China, saying in a social media post that the former CEO “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China.” Perdue lost his Senate seat to Democrat Jon Ossoff four years ago and ran unsuccessfully in a primary against Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Perdue pushed Trump's debunked lies about electoral fraud during his failed bid for governor. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Customs and Border Protection, with its roughly 60,000 employees, falls under the Department of Homeland Security. It includes the Border Patrol, which Rodney Scott led during Trump's first term, and is essentially responsible for protecting the country's borders while facilitating trade and travel. Scott comes to the job firmly from the Border Patrol side of the house. He became an agent in 1992 and spent much of his career in San Diego. When he was appointed head of the border agency in January 2020, he enthusiastically embraced Trump's policies. After being forced out under the Biden administration, Scott has been a vocal supporter of Trump's hard-line immigration agenda. He appeared frequently on Fox News and testified in Congress. He's also a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Former Rep. Billy Long represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023. Since leaving Congress, Trump said, Long “has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.” Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was appointed in January 2020 by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and then lost a runoff election a year later. She started a conservative voter registration organization and dived into GOP fundraising, becoming one of the top individual donors and bundlers to Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign. Even before nominating her for agriculture secretary, the president-elect already had tapped Loeffler as co-chair of his inaugural committee. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Marty Makary, Food and Drug Administration Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Surgeon General Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor to Fox News. Dr. Dave Weldon, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed Weldon’s opponent. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nation’s most heated debates of the 1990s over quality of life and a right-to-die and whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox!

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