Live Updates: Trump picks Gaetz for attorney general role, GOP keeps House

President-elect Donald Trump has announced a controversial series of elections for his incoming administration, creating a potentially provocative Senate confirmation process.

His announcements came hours after CNN projected that Republicans will retain control of the House of Representatives and seize a row of the federal government with control of the White House and majorities in both houses of Congress.

Here’s what you need to know:

Trump has announced his picks for the following cabinet posts:

Here’s what we know about Trump’s new team as it continues to take shape.

Shock over Gaetz’s choice: Some House Republicans gasped when they learned of Gaetz’s selection, and there was an audible reaction inside Justice Department headquarters. Gaetz has been a critic — and target — of the Justice Department. If confirmed, he would have control of the investigative files detailing the evidence the FBI uncovered in the sex-trafficking investigation against him. The House Ethics Committee was scheduled to meet this week to vote on release a report on Gaetzwho resigned from Congress on Wednesday. Gaetz’s appointment will be subject to Senate approval once Trump formally nominates him, creating the potential for a fractious confirmation process.

Leadership of the Senate: In a secret ballot, the GOP selected John Thune as the next Majority Leader to succeed Mitch McConnell. Thune has had a complicated relationship with Trump. He urged Trump to drop out of the 2016 race after the “Access Hollywood” scandal — but later said he still planned to vote for Trump. He also condemned Trump’s actions surrounding the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.

House management: Mike Johnson was nominated to be speaker of the House unanimously, sources told CNN. Johnson, who is currently Speaker of the House, will now face a vote on January 3, where he will receive 218 votes. Republican Rep. Steve Scalise was also re-elected as House Majority Leader, sources said.

Trump’s federal cases: The DOJ has asked a federal appeals court to pause its appeal to revive the classified documents case against Trump and his two co-defendants while prosecutors decide next steps. Separately, special counsel Jack Smith continues to handle Trump’s federal prosecution with the intention of resigning before Trump takes office, according to a DOJ official.

Trump and Biden: Trump told the New York Post that he and President Joe Biden “both really enjoyed seeing each other” and expect to meet again just before Inauguration Day. The meeting was “very cordial, very welcoming and meaningful,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.