Trump administration Archives

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama endorsed Katherine Robertson in the 2026 race for Alabama Attorney General on Tuesday.

ABC of Alabama Chairman Tim Harrison said the organization supports Robertson because of her years of legal work on issues that directly impact contractors.

“Katherine Robertson has spent nearly a decade in the Attorney General’s Office standing up for Alabama’s construction industry and fighting back against federal overreach that threatens our ability to do business,” Harrison said.

“She understands the challenges we face—from burdensome regulations to workforce shortages—and has a proven track record of delivering results. That’s why we’re proud to endorse her for Attorney General.”

Robertson currently serves as Chief Counsel to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall.

In recent years, she has been involved in key legal actions tied to the construction sector, including efforts to block the federal contractor vaccine mandate and challenges to the Waters of the United States rule. She has also helped lead Alabama’s pushback against ESG policies.

“It is a real honor to receive the endorsement of Alabama’s construction industry leaders,” Robertson said.

“The Alabama Attorney General’s Office plays a key role in protecting our state’s economy, which includes our robust construction industry. I’ve been proud to use the tools of the AG’s Office to expose the sham ESG movement, to unwind oppressive regulatory schemes, and to help usher in a freer market for construction in Alabama.”

Robertson added that her background gives her a personal understanding of the stakes for Alabama businesses.

“Having grown up in rural Alabama with family roots in industries that depend on private property rights, I understand what’s at stake when the federal government tries to control how Alabamians use their land and run their businesses,” she said.

“During my tenure at the Attorney General’s Office, we’ve played a consequential role in thwarting onerous federal policies imposed by a hostile administration and now working with the Trump Administration to reset the regulatory landscape in a way that will allow the construction industry to flourish.”

According to ABC, Alabama’s construction sector supports about 200,000 jobs and accounts for roughly 5% of the state’s economic output.

“At ABC, we like proven leaders, and Katherine Robertson has proven she can deliver results for Alabama’s construction industry,” Harrison added.

A Selma native, Robertson is an Auburn University graduate and earned her law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. She lives in Birmingham with her husband, Ryan, and their two children. She is seeking the Republican nomination for attorney general in the May 19, 2026 primary.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

The State of Alabama recently received a letter from the Trump Administration, mandating the end of all references to gender ideology in federally-funded Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) educational materials. The order must be followed within 60 days and applies to 40 states, five territories, and Washington, D.C.

According to the White House, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Administration for Children and Families (ACF), is leading the effort to implement the changes.

Alabama’s letter was addressed directly to its Department of Public Health.

“We are aware that these curricula and other program materials were previously approved by ACF,” read the dispatch. “However, the prior administration erred in allowing PREP grants to be used to teach students gender ideology because that approval exceeded the agency’s authority to administer the program consistent with the authorizing legislation as enacted by Congress.”

“Alabama’s current PREP curricula and program materials are out of compliance with the PREP statute and HHS regulations and must be modified. The purpose of a PREP grant award is for states to “carry out personal responsibility education programs consistent with this subsection.”

State Health Officer Scott Harris has agreed to implement the changes requested and to ‘make sure we’re compliant with whatever we need to be compliant with,’ according to reports.

The ACF could pull $2.1 million in federal funding from the department if updates are not put in place.

“Should Alabama fail to make the appropriate modifications to its PREP curricula and program materials, ACF may take additional enforcement action, including allowing HHS to withhold, disallow, suspend, or terminate Federal awards if imposing additional conditions on a grantee does not cure noncompliance.”

HHS Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison pledged that ‘accountability is coming.’

“Federal funds will not be used to poison the minds of the next generation or advance dangerous ideological agendas,” said Gradison. “The Trump Administration will ensure that PREP reflects the intent of Congress, not the priorities of the left.”

The 46 recipients of the letters include the following states and territories:

States:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Territories and D.C.:
Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Washington D.C.

Alabama must also provide a copy of the modified materials to ACF for approval by the end of 60 day period.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

The Department of the Interior has announced a new long-term leasing schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of America and Alaska’s Cook Inlet.

The move counters an 11th-hour drilling ban enacted by the Biden Administration, prohibiting leasing on 625 million acres of federal land and waters.

According to the DOI, the Trump Administration plans to hold four lease sales by next August and 10 offshore lease sales by 2028, with the first sale scheduled for Dec. 10, 2025. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will publish the final notice at least 30 days before the sale.

“These scheduled sales offer the oil and gas sector much-needed clarity and stability, encouraging continued investment in deepwater infrastructure, which is foundational to national energy resilience,” the agency said.

“The Gulf supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, contributes tens of billions to GDP annually and generates substantial federal and state revenues. The economic and energy-security gains from these sales are both immediate and long-lasting.”

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), who helped introduce the Energy Choice Act of 2025, called the DOI’s decision ‘HUGE’ for American energy production.

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1957919506161905816

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum praised President Trump’s move to cancel the Biden mandate and grow domestic energy production.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a landmark step toward unleashing America’s energy potential,” said Burgum. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re putting in place a bold, long-term program that strengthens American Energy Dominance, creates good-paying jobs, and ensures we continue to responsibly develop our offshore resources.”

“We are committed to working collaboratively to unlock America’s full potential in energy dominance and economic development to make life more affordable for every American family while showing the world the power of America’s natural resources and innovation. Together, we will ensure that our policies reflect the needs of our communities, respect tribal sovereignty, and drive innovation that will keep the U.S. at the forefront of energy and environmental leadership.”

https://x.com/SecretaryBurgum/status/1957951232397750286

Per the agency, the inclusion of at least 30 lease sales in the Gulf of America accounts for roughly 14–15% of U.S. crude oil production and serves as the mainstay of offshore energy output.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

On Friday, Governor Kay Ivey appointed State Rep. Cynthia Lee Almond (R-Tuscaloosa) to serve as president of the Alabama Public Service Commission, filling the vacancy left by Twinkle Cavanaugh, who stepped down in May to join the Trump administration.

Cavanaugh now serves as Alabama’s State Director for Rural Development in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Cynthia has proven to be an extremely effective public servant and leader, and I am confident the people of Alabama will be even better served when she takes the helm at the Public Service Commission,” Governor Ivey said today.

“Since 2021, I have been able to count on Cynthia to get real, meaningful work done in the Legislature, and while I know the people of Tuscaloosa will miss her representation in the State House, every person across this state will now benefit from her leadership on the Public Service Commission.”

Almond, an attorney and Republican lawmaker representing House District 63 since 2021, will be sworn in as PSC President on June 16.

She plans to resign her legislative seat the day before.

The Public Service Commission regulates utilities across Alabama, including electricity, natural gas and telecommunications. Almond will lead the three-member commission, which sets the foundation of energy and infrastructure policy across the state.

“I am honored to have been asked by Governor Ivey to fill this important position. It is one I accept with great enthusiasm,” State Rep. Cynthia Almond said.

“I know how important this commission is to the people of Alabama and to the industry sectors it regulates. I believe my training as an attorney and legislator will prove to be helpful in performing this role. I appreciate greatly the confidence shown in me by Governor Ivey, and I will work hard for her and for this great state of Alabama.”

A native of Tuscaloosa, Almond previously served four terms on the Tuscaloosa City Council and chaired several legislative committees, including the Tuscaloosa County Local Delegation and the Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee. Her legal work has focused on estate planning, business law, and real estate.

According to the governor’s office, Almond brings a wealth of experience to the Public Service Commission and has a solid track-record of serving the people she represents.

Almond attended Vanderbilt University and is a graduate of both The University of Alabama and University of Alabama School of Law.

She is also a graduate of Leadership Alabama and was co-chair for its West Alabama Regional Council. She serves as a Sunday School teacher at First United Methodist Church and has two children.

Almond’s appointment follows Cavanaugh’s departure from the PSC, where she served a legendary tenure as president since 2012. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Cavanaugh had been named Alabama’s State Director for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture on May 27.

Cavanaugh, who left the commission effective June 1, called her time on the PSC “a tremendous honor.”

“I love working for you, and from day one, I took the trust you placed in me seriously. Every decision made, every mile traveled, and every late night was motivated by the desire to fight for the hardworking families in our great state,” Cavanaugh said.

“Together, we brought natural gas to poultry farmers in east Alabama, helping to sustain the agriculture industry which feeds our families. We fought the misguided liberal mandates and burdensome energy policies pushed by both the Obama and Biden Administrations, protecting Alabamians from the devastating fiscal consequences of the far-left Green New Deal agenda,” Cavanaugh said.

Governor Ivey is expected to announce a special election date soon to fill Almond’s soon-to-be vacant House seat.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

In the wake of last week’s sudden firing of the Librarian of Congress, several members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, are calling for a probe of potential improper communications between the Library of Congress and the White House.

Also Monday, there was a brief standoff at the library where staff refused to admit Justice Department officials who claimed to be in charge of the library. After library officials resisted, the DOJ officials left.

Capitol Police officers were called to the scene but told by library staff that they were not needed.

Sewell (D-Birmingham) joined Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) in a letter request to the Library of Congress Inspector General Kimberly Benoit seeking an investigation and continued monitoring of potential improper communications between the Library of Congress, a legislative branch agency, and the executive branch. The members also include the possibility of the unauthorized transfer of congressional or Library data to executive branch agencies and personnel.

“The abrupt firing of Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden raises serious concerns that the executive branch is improperly targeting the Library and its employees with adverse employment actions and inappropriate requests for information including, but not limited to, confidential communications between congressional offices and the Library’s various service units,” wrote the lawmakers. “The Library is part of the legislative branch—an independent and coequal branch of government.

“The executive has no authority to demand or receive confidential legislative branch data, and the Library has no legal basis to supply such information without authorization from Congress.”

The letter was also signed by House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Legislative Branch Ranking Member Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.), and Rep. Julie Johnson (D-Texas).

The members request that the IG’s Office investigate:

Whether the Department of Government Efficiency or other executive branch entities have requested or otherwise attempted to access or review Library data, including but not limited to communications between the Congressional Research Service and congressional offices;
Whether Library staff have received directives from the executive branch to modify access protocols or information sharing practices with entities outside the legislative branch
Whether executive branch officials have attempted to circumvent existing inter-branch communication pathways
Any other potentially illegal or inappropriate actions by the executive branch that you discover as part of your investigatory efforts

“Given the time-sensitive nature of this matter and the potential for irreparable harm to one of our most important and inimitable institutions, I request this investigation be prioritized,” the request said.

Courtesy of 256 Today

As activist federal judges continue to block the Trump Administration’s America First agenda, Republican lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are searching for a way around the ongoing judicial overreach.

On Tuesday, a group of elected officials, including U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, filed legislation limiting federal court orders to parties directly before the court. If enacted, the Judicial Relief Clarification Act of 2025 would end the practice of universal injunctions and clarify the constitutional role of the judicial branch.

Additionally, it would amend the Administrative Procedure Act and the Declaratory Judgment Act to limit courts’ decisions to the parties before them and make temporary restraining orders (TROs) immediately appealable.

Both Tuberville and Britt have been outspoken critics of the controversial judicial rulings.

“President Trump has exposed the fact that our courts are full of woke activist judges who think they were elected President. But they were not,” Tuberville (R-Auburn) said in a press statement. “More than 77 million Americans voted for President Trump and his agenda – and liberal judges should not be allowed to issue injunctions on policies they do not agree with. We need our justice system to focus on upholding the Constitution, not pushing an agenda. If judges have a problem with that, they can run for political office.”

Britt joined Chris Saledo of Newsmax to discuss the legislation and its importance.

“I am proud to be a co-sponsor of Senator Chuck Grassley’s efforts that will do exactly what you just said,” Britt (R-Montgomery) told Saledo. “It will make sure that one judge, one district judge, cannot issue a nationwide injunction without actually certifying a class.”

https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/1907203851175772597

“Look, there are ways to go about doing this, but unfortunately, we’ve seen far too often that the APA is interpreted incorrectly. So the clarification of that is coming. We’re going to have a hearing on it tomorrow. I am sure Senator Kennedy will have some really good questions, so everybody should tune in. We’re going to make sure that Americans can actually get answers and that we set the parameters as our forefathers intended them to be, to make sure that people can be heard.”

Britt referenced a liberal Supreme Court justice’s view on singular judges blocking executive policy to illustrate the continued hypocrisy from Democrats on the matter.

“One judge, as Justice Kagan actually said, one district judge, should not be able to halt policy across the entire nation in the way that they’re doing right now.”

In the first two months of President Trump’s second term, district court judges have issued more universal injunctions against his policies than the Biden administration experienced in a full term.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong recently spoke to the possibility of President Donald Trump implementing a nationwide air defense system similar to Israel’s ‘Iron Dome.’

The American version is being referred to as the “Golden Dome” by its advocates, including the President.

According to Lockheed Martin, a potential producer, the ‘next generation defense shield’ will identify incoming projectiles while calculating trajectory and deploying interceptor missiles to destroy them mid-flight.

Strong told WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show” that much of Israel’s Iron Dome air defense capabilities are made possible by contributions from the North Alabama area and emphasized the expertise of the area’s workforce.

“It’s an intercontinental ballistic system, and the big thing is it’s a bullet hitting a bullet,” said Strong (R-Monrovia). “But let me tell you something: A lot of that technology for Iron Dome, Huntsville, and Redstone Arsenal, North Alabama played a big part in it. The big thing we’re going to do is just be sure to say, ‘look, this is what our scientists are able to do. This is what our electrical mechanical engineers are able to do.’ I think that we will be a part of the process. How deep we will be into that is still to be determined.”

The Congressman spoke about the priority level of the air defense system for Trump.

“I think it was pretty unique when we were in Milwaukee at the Republican National Convention looking at the president’s game plan when he was campaigning, and it was unbelievable. It was listed in there,” continued Strong. “I remember coming back to the staff. I said, look at whatever page number it was. I said, ‘Iron Dome, that is us. That is job opportunity. We’ve got to be in the communications.’ Now, and here we are.”

Srong is in continued talks with the Trump Administration regarding the Golden Dome and believes a decision will be made swiftly on the matter.

“Just a matter of weeks ago, I was with the vice President and the President in the Oval Office, and I can assure you that that was part of the discussion.”

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

With President Donald Trump back in the White House, it looks as if Space Command may finally move to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, after years of delay and controversy.

The saga of bringing Space Command to the Rocket City dates back to the waning days of the first Trump Administration in 2016. Before leaving office, Trump established the U.S. Space Force and announced that Space Command would be relocated from Colorado to Huntsville. The move seemed like a real possibility until the Biden Administration made the call shortly thereafter to keep Space Command at its current location.

The surprise move drew fierce bipartisan condemnation from Alabama’s elected officials including Sen. Tommy Tuberville

On a call with reporters Wednesday, Tuberville (R-Auburn) once again reaffirmed his commitment to bring the command to Redstone.

“There’ll have to be a discussion, and the Secretary of the Air Force will have a discussion with President Trump,” said Tuberville. “But the last two secretaries of the Air Force have picked Huntsville. Even Joe Biden’s [USAF Secretary] picked Huntsville.

“So, it’s the obvious thing to do. It’s the right thing to do.”

Before that discussion can happen, however, the new Secretary of the Air Force will have to be confirmed and there is some uncertainty about when that will happen. Trump nominated Troy E. Meink for the position.

“So when is the Secretary of Air Force going to be confirmed? We have not received a date,” Tuberville said. “I would imagine in the next couple of weeks. We did the secretary of the Army yesterday and we’re doing the secretary of the Navy tomorrow.

“He will be next and we’ll see how that goes.”

Tuberville emphasized again that there is no doubt Huntsville is the correct base for Space Command.

“It’s not just we’d love it to come to Alabama and Huntsville, but we love national security,” Tuberville said. “Space Command is the future for our military for years and years and years to come. We have to get it in the right place and we don’t need to take the place that was fourth or fifth or sixth down the line.

“We need to take the best.”

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel is relocating 500 agents from Washington D.C. to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. FBI managers received notification last Friday at a meeting, shortly after Patel was sworn in as the next Director.

https://x.com/KenDilanianNBC/status/1893065613599482108

The move follows a targeted effort from Alabama’s federal lawmakers, in particular, U.S. Senators, Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville. The pair urged Director Patel to immediately fill 1,000 of the open slots at the FBI’s Redstone campus in a letter just days beforehand.

“Given the strategic investments at Redstone Arsenal and how its synergies align with your mission of restoring the FBI’s focus to the safety and security of the American people, we urge you to assign an additional 1,000 employees to FBI-Redstone as a first step to ultimately filling the approximately 4,000 open slots the campus can accommodate,” the Senators wrote. “This will send a message to our adversaries that the FBI’s leadership is back to prioritizing the pressing threats to our homeland. We look forward to working closely with you to Make America Safe Again.”

In his confirmation hearing, Patel confirmed to Senator Britt that he will be working to bring a significant portion of the FBI’s workforce to Huntsville.

“Senator, you have that commitment,” Patel told Britt. “This is a great example real quick of the FBI’s capabilities and infrastructure systems around the country that already exist to the tune of billions. And not only is it, I believe, a 38,000-acre sprawling campus, this Congress billeted 2,500 seats, but 4,000 seats still remain open. So let’s go to work. I’ll come to Alabama and let’s fill those seats.”

Redstone Arsenal currently has over 1,300 FBI personnel on base. According to Reuters, the bureau had over 9,000 employees in Washington as of June 2024.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

After weeks of controversy and delays, the U.S. Senate officially confirmed Kash Patel as the next Director of the FBI on Thursday afternoon by a vote of 51-49.

Patel, a long-time ally of President Trump, faced a more difficult confirmation process than the majority of nominees with two Republicans Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voting against his nomination in unison with Democrats.

Alabama’s two U.S. Senators cast their vote for Patel and congratulated him on becoming the leader of the nation’s most powerful law enforcement agency shortly thereafter.

U.S. Senator Katie Britt commended Patel and expressed her readiness to begin working with him to strengthen national security.

“As Republicans continue to confirm President Trump’s nominees at the fastest pace in decades, there is no priority more urgent than getting his national security team in place,” Britt (R-Montgomery) said.

“Today, I was proud to vote to confirm Kash Patel to lead the FBI.” “At the helm of the FBI, Director Patel will return the agency’s focus to protecting the American people from terrorists, hostile foreign actors, and violent criminals. Under his leadership, the days of weaponizing the agency to target Americans for their political beliefs are over.”

https://x.com/KatieBrittforAL/status/1892661093102735471

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) said that Patel is “going to clean up the FBI and ensure our government works for the PEOPLE again.”

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1892656926317592805

As Director, Patel will now be in charge of a $2.2 billion annual budget and approximately 38,000 FBI employees.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

In a call with reporters Wednesday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville reaffirmed his staunch support of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ahead of a key committee hearing today. Kennedy, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the US Dept. of Health and Human Services, will be appearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions to lay out his vision for the future of the agency should he be confirmed.

Tuberville (R-Auburn) called the Massachusetts native a “change agent.”

“I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Bobby over the last several weeks and I’ve come to consider him a friend,” Tuberville said. “You’ll probably see my colleagues across the aisle try to smear him and give a laundry list of reasons why he isn’t qualified. The truth is, Bobby wants to bring transparency to our food and healthcare system. Millions of Americans voted for President Trump in part because of Robert Kennedy’s plans to make America healthy again.”

The Senator emphasized that RFK Jr.’s main focus while leading HHS would be helping Americans have a higher quality of health and life.

“As a founder of the Make America Healthy Again caucus in the Senate, I am 100% on board. RFK doesn’t care about the status quo. He’s just concerned with helping all Americans live longer, healthier lives. I’m looking forward to his hearing tomorrow and will continue to strongly support his confirmation as HHS Secretary.”

RFK Jr. could be facing an uphill battle for confirmation in the Senate with a group of Republicans having not yet revealed how they intend to vote. The group includes Senators Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), Lindsey Graham (South Carolina), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins (Maine), Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), and James Lankford (Oklahoma). Should all Senate Democrats vote against him, Kennedy can only afford to lose three Republicans in a full Senate vote.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

On Monday morning, after being sworn into office as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump began issuing executive orders to reclaim the U.S. Southern Border and quickly ensure it is no longer open and subject to chaos — along with a whole host of directives that will comprehensively address the failed policies of the outgoing administration.

Trump, who ran his campaign on fighting illegal immigration and closing the border, will deploy the U.S. military to aid with border security and to reactivate the project of building the wall. Trump will end the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan Parole (CHNVP) Program, which has allowed millions of unvetted illegals into the country, including into Alabama, reinstate the successful Remain in Mexico policy, and designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

“Today, I will sign a series of historic executive orders. With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense,” Trump said in his inauguration speech.

“First, I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came. We will reinstate my Remain in Mexico policy. I will end the practice of catch and release, and I will send troops to the southern border to repel the disastrous invasion of our country.

“Under the orders I signed today, we will also be designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. And by invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, I will direct our government to use the full and immense power of federal and state law enforcement to eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks bringing devastating crime to U.S. soil, including our cities and inner cities. As Commander-in-Chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions, and that is exactly what I am going to do. We will do it at a level that nobody has ever seen before.”

Various sources are reporting that Trump could sign as many as over 200 executive orders immediately upon his return to the White House today.

In a sweeping inaugural address on Monday, President Donald J. Trump promised a bold and immediate course of action to restore what he described as “American Greatness” through a series of executive orders related to illegal immigration, energy, and national security.

“The golden age of America begins right now,” Trump said in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, as Vice President JD Vance, former presidents, and dignitaries looking on. “Our sovereignty will be reclaimed, our safety will be restored, and our nation will be proud, prosperous, and free.”

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

President Trump recently announced Paul Atkins as his choice to lead the US Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). The appointment of Atkins, which is pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate, is a significant development for businesses and consumers in Alabama. In announcing the pick, President Trump hailed his new SEC nominee as a “proven leader for common sense regulations.”

The SEC’s approach under Atkins will likely present a sharp contrast from current SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, who has routinely targeted certain industries through enforcement actions. A new SEC regime that balances innovation with consumer protection will benefit the broader US economy as well as individual states. More regulatory clarity is also likely to lead to market stability in key sectors.

Alabama is already home to many large financial institutions as well as high-growth technology startups. Under the Trump Administration, it is anticipated that the emerging digital assets industry will grow rapidly, and states deemed “open for business” are poised to benefit from this trend. That’s one reason why Senator Katie Boyd Britt has praised President Trump’s choice of Mr. Atkins to lead the SEC. Sen. Britt clearly understands that less burdensome financial regulations will lead to more capital deployment and more innovation.

In fact, the digital assets industry has long advocated for the Administration and Congress to establish clear “rules of the road” without fear of sudden legal crackdowns. Reasonable guardrails will also draw more institutional investors into the cryptocurrency and blockchain-technology space. These companies are already supporting a range of industries important to Alabama – from healthcare to transportation, to name just a few.

Alabama is well-positioned to become a national leader in financial innovation in the coming years. The first 100 days of President Trump and Paul Atkins’ SEC will be important for our federal, state, and local officials to monitor. It is encouraging that the incoming Administration intends to move away from regulation by enforcement to embracing financial innovation by law-abiding companies.

State Representative James Lomax (R-Huntsville) represents District 20 – Madison County – in the Alabama House of Representatives.

An alumnus of Montgomery’s Trinity Presbyterian School known for his business acumen and philanthropic deeds has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Warren Stephens is chairman, president, and CEO of Stephens Inc., a privately owned diversified financial services firm based in Arkansas. The company has operations extending across the country and also has a presence in London and Frankfurt, Germany. It works with corporations, state and local governments, and institutional and individual investors.

“Over the last 38 years, while serving as the president, chairman, and CEO of his company, Stephens Inc., Warren has built a wonderful financial services firm, while selflessly giving back to his community as a philanthropist,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full-time. I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top Diplomat, representing the U.S.A. to one of America’s most cherished and beloved Allies.”

The President-elect offered his congratulations to Stephens’ family.

‘I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top Diplomat, representing the U.S.A. to one of America’s most cherished and beloved Allies. Congratulations to Warren, his wife, Harriet, their three children, Miles, John, and Laura, and their six grandchildren!’

Stephens released a statement following his nomination to the position.

“I have expressed to President Trump that I would be extremely proud to serve our country and his administration, working to implement the President’s agenda and further strengthen the long-standing alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom,” he said.

Stephens has served as chairman of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) District Conduct Committee and currently sits on the Board of Directors of Dillard’s Inc.

In his first term, Trump named Robert “Woody” Johnson, the owner of the New York Jets football team, to the prestigious position.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is continuing to gain support from Republican legislators on Capitol Hill as he seeks to become the Department of Health and Human Services’ next Secretary.

On Wednesday, the nominee met with U.S. Senator Katie Britt for a constructive meeting and earned her full support.

“We had a thorough and direct conversation today about a number of important issues,” Britt (R-Montgomery) said.

“He stressed that he believes in following sound science and good research, empowering Americans to make informed decisions rather than the government imposing mandates. We also discussed protecting life and advancing an agenda that helps women, children, and families thrive. I was encouraged by his firm commitment to restoring the pro-life policies that President Trump implemented during his first term.”

RFK Jr. thanked Britt for her endorsement after the meeting and said that he was looking forward to working together. “It was fun reminiscing about my year in Alabama and learning of your admiration for Judge Frank Johnson about whom I wrote my first book. I’m looking forward to working with you to Make America Healthy Again,” Kennedy wrote.

https://x.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1869580631623225764

Kennedy has promised to make America healthy again should he be confirmed in the Senate. From fighting carcinogens in ultra-processed food to reeling in Big Pharma, the Massachusetts native has plans to ensure a consistent quality of life for all Americans.

“I look forward to working with the more than 80,000 employees at HHS to free the agencies from the smothering cloud of corporate capture so they can pursue their mission to make Americans once again the healthiest people on Earth,” Kennedy said in a recent interview with NPR News.

“President Trump has given me three instructions. He wants the corruption and the conflicts out of the regulatory agencies. He wants to return the agencies to the gold standard, empirically-based, evidence-based, science and medicine that they were once famous for. And he wants to end the chronic disease epidemic with measurable impacts on a diminishment of chronic disease within two years.”

RFK Jr. entered the 2024 presidential election as an Independent, eventually backing President-elect Donald Trump in the later stages of the race.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville is continuing to support relocating the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s national headquarters to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. In a video posted to his X account Thursday, Tuberville (R-Auburn) said the decision made by President Joe Biden to keep the organization’s main base of operations in Maryland could soon be reversed and that it is not “set in stone.” He also noted that he plans to show President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel, all that Redstone offers.

“You know, we’re looking for a permanent place for all of the FBI,” said Tuberville (R-Auburn). “There’s no better place than Huntsville. There’s a lot of water underneath the bridge for the next month or so to kind of get all the ducks in a row with this.”

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1867364376371409380

Tuberville believes in consolidating the agency’s resources into one location.

“But we’re in great shape in Huntsville, behind the wall at Redstone Arsenal with the FBI,” he said. “We’re still continuing to build. We’ve got a lot more work to do there. We have more people that will move in. But wouldn’t it be great to have the entire FBI agency in Huntsville, Alabama?

“It would be perfect.”

Tuberville first came out in support of the plan to move the FBI to Huntsville in July 2023.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is calling on the U.S. Senate to promptly confirm President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel. In a letter dispatched this week to Minority Leader John Thune and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Alabama’s top law enforcement officer joined attorney generals from twenty-three other states urging the body to make Patel the agency’s top official.

“Kash Patel is the leader that the Federal Bureau of Investigation needs,” the group wrote. “The FBI has long been a beacon for hardworking and impressive investigators—but their leadership has failed both those brave men and women as well as the country. The FBI needs a smart, competent, reformer as its leader. Mr. Patel is the man for the job.”

The letter referenced the “crisis in confidence” Americans are feeling towards current FBI leadership.

“Years of scandal, including baseless investigations into President Trump have shaken the nation’s trust in the agency. Rather than focusing on investigating crime and America’s domestic threats, the FBI seems oddly focused on investigating President Trump. It is time for a leader to refocus the FBI on its core mission.”

Marshall praised Patel’s abilities in a statement following the letter being sent.

“I am convinced that Kash Patel will restore the people’s trust in the FBI,” said Marshall. “He has had an impressive career protecting and serving Americans for decades and has proven that he is not afraid to expose corruption and abuse by the deep state. That type of patriot spirit is appreciated in Alabama and will be a breath of fresh air in Washington.”

Patel is known for uncovering Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act abuse and shined a light on politically motivated abuses relating to President Trump. He also worked to take down terrorists in the ISIS caliphate and helped secure the release of American hostages.

Alabama joined the Iowa-led letter, along with Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

As President-elect Donald Trump begins to finalize nominations for his second administration, a handful of picks have come under fire from various elected officials and high-ranking bureaucrats within government agencies.

Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee for the position of FBI Director, has reportedly encountered stiff pushback from the federal agency’s top level.

On a call with reporters Wednesday, Senator Tommy Tuberville explained one significant reason why FBI leadership is fearful of Patel taking over.

“Kash Patel is the right man to clean house at the FBI,” said Tuberville. “He’s more qualified than anybody that you can pick. He was the guy who actually came out and found that ‘Russia collusion’ was a hoax. That’s one of the reasons why a lot of people behind that know that they are in real trouble with the law when he takes office as Director of the FBI.”

The Senator then emphasized the necessity of changing the FBI’s culture of corruption to demonstrate the need for Patel to take over the agency.

“The last four years give us a glimpse of how deep the corruption is at the fake Bureau of Investigation. I mean, it is so deep. You know, Joe Biden weaponized the FBI, went against all these different types of groups.”

“It’s time to clean house at the FBI,” said Tuberville. “A lot of people don’t like that. It’s also time to put justice back in the Department of Justice.”

Patel has revealed big plans for the agency should he be confirmed as its new leader, adding to the concern of current FBI leadership.

“I’d shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day one and reopen it the next day as a museum of the ‘deep state,’” Patel said in an interview on the Shawn Ryan Show. “Then, I’d take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals. Go be cops. You’re cops — go be cops.”

Christopher Wray, the current FBI Director has three years left on his term. He must resign or be fired after Trump takes office for Patel to take over the organization.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has reaffirmed his full support of Pete Hegseth for the role of Secretary of Defense after meeting with the decorated veteran on Monday.

Hegseth, a host for Fox News and Bronze Star recipient, is currently fighting attacks on his personal character from both leftists and a small contingent of establishment Republicans.

After the meeting, Tuberville praised Hegseth while speaking to reporters but noted that he wouldn’t be discussing the claims.

“He is a decorated veteran and a true patriot,” Tuberville said. “As I told him, we don’t need a General Officer, Admiral, or a ‘person of high command.’ We need a drill sergeant in the military. We need somebody to straighten the military out – to get the woke, DEI affiliation out. I know he is the right choice to bring change and renewed focus to the Pentagon.”

“I’m gonna leave the personal stuff between y’all and him whenever he has an opportunity to sit down with you and explain the allegations that you’re all pushing out,” Tuberville continued. “I’ve known him for a while. Pete’s the type of guy that he’s going to work. He’s got a great work ethic. He’s very, very smart. He understands the business side as well as the military side.”

https://x.com/bennyjohnson/status/1863707356447547662

“He’s actually fought in wars. He is a good age too. Somebody that can relate to the young men and women that we need to recruit in the military.”

Tuberville posted about the meeting on X and said that Hegseth is going to be a “great Secretary of Defense.”

According to Tuberville, the claims against Hegseth were not discussed in the meeting. However, he did say that he has personally spoken over the phone with the nominee on the subject.

Tuberville acknowledged that if the allegations gain credibility, Hegseth faces an uphill battle for confirmation in the upper chamber. Hegseth also ran Vets for Freedom, a pro-Iraq War advocacy group.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

News sources reported on Wednesday that President-Elect Donald Trump and his staff are now considering creating a White House position dedicated exclusively to cryptocurrency policy.

According to FOX Business, the individual named to the role would interact with regulators, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Trump’s team has already begun a vetting process for potential candidates.

The development has been met with approval by many, including Alabama’s U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery). On X, accompanied by a post from Bloomberg, Britt placed her support behind the Trump Administration’s efforts to explore the possibility of adding the job by meeting with business leaders in the digital asset industry.

https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/1859333941922001272

The possible move to create the post stands in stark contrast to policies enacted by the Biden Administration that encouraged the Securities Exchange Commission to “pursue case-by-case enforcement actions against major crypto firms.”

Earlier this month, Britt called for a new SEC Chairman to replace Gary Gensler who has helped to lead a crackdown on the industry. Since taking over the agency, Gensler has been at odds with crypto leaders who believe that the SEC’s absence of distinct crypto industry guidelines has harmed compliance efforts.

Gensler announced Thursday afternoon that he would be resigning his position before Trump takes office which was also met with Britt’s approval.

https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/1859662868586869115

The Senator also recently slammed the Biden Administration for its restrictive policies in relation to the cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, after a recent surge in value from the digital asset company.

“Bitcoin reaches >$90k and counting,” Britt said. “Another clear repudiation of the Biden Admin’s policies.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is critiquing the Biden-Harris Administration for its restrictive policies relating to the digital currency, Bitcoin.

The policies under fire relate to crypto regulation and in particular Operation Chokepoint 2.0. According to Forbes, Barack Obama began the process of working to restrict access to financial services for businesses deemed “high-risk.” After President Biden took over, the operation expanded to include a significant crackdown on the crypto industry, including on Bitcoin. At the President’s direction, the Securities Exchange Commission has since “pursued case-by-case enforcement actions against major crypto firms.”

Britt, who accepted Bitcoin in her campaign effort, called the rise in value “another clear repudiation of the Biden Administration’s policies” and explained the significance of Bitcoin.

“Supporting Bitcoin means supporting personal freedom, American competitiveness, and national security,” she said.

https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/1856774253762203908

Britt also called for a new SEC Chairman to replace Gary Gensler who has helped to lead the crackdown on the industry. Since taking over the agency, Gensler has been constantly at odds with crypto leaders who believe that the SEC’s absence of distinct crypto industry guidelines has harmed compliance efforts.

Gensler’s termination process while complicated, is eventually all but assured. In his campaign to retake the White House, President-elect Donald Trump promised to immediately fire him from the position. However, Gensler cannot be removed without cause until his term concludes in 2026 because of the Supreme Court’s 1935 decision in Humphrey’s Executor v. United States. The ruling protects independent agency heads, such as FTC commissioners, from removal based on executive preference alone.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

First reported by Punchbowl News, Cliff Sims, “is playing an integral role in the Trump transition effort,” for the forthcoming administration of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. According to sources close to the transition team, Sims is helping lead the personnel component of the transition.

Sims, an Alabama native from the Wiregrass, founder of Yellowhammer News, and former senior aid to both President Trump and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, was very active in 2024 the campaign and remains close to the president-elect’s son, Donald Trump, Jr.

Earlier this year, Sims released a book detailing his experiences in the Trump administration and intelligence community, which he could potentially return to following a leadership role in the transition. Punchbowl News reports, “With John Ratcliffe poised to be CIA director, Sims may find himself in Langley; he worked for Ratcliffe when the Texas Republican was director of the Office of National Intelligence.”

Sims served as Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Strategy and Communications under Director Ratcliffe during the last administration, but more recently, was appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson as a Commissioner to the U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270

After a historic victory earlier this week, President-Elect Donald Trump formally began a transition process that will prepare the appointment of roughly 4,000 positions across the federal government, including 1,200 that require U.S. Senate confirmation. As was the case in 2016 for Trump, that U.S. Senate will be under the control of a decisive GOP majority.

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is close to and liked highly by Trump, is not ruling out serving in the administration, “if there was a position where he could be more impactful for both Alabama and the country,” his communications director said in a statement to Yellowhammer News on Thursday.

“Senator Tuberville has communicated that if there was a position where he could be more impactful for both Alabama and the country that he would listen, but he believes that President Trump needs a sledgehammer in the Senate and right now he is focused on playing that role,” Mallory Blount Jaspers said.

Tuberville, who is up for re-election to his six-year term in the Senate in 2026, has also been speculated to run for Governor of Alabama that same year.

Other senators such as U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) are formally removing their names from consideration in the cabinet and other positions, due in part to the prospect of what can be accomplished under a GOP majority in the U.S. Senate, which will soon elect a new majority leader after the longest reign in the position’s history under Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) comes to a close this month.

A Republican majority in the Senate would qualify Tuberville for committee chairmanships on which he currently serves, including the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Armed Services, Veterans Affairs, as well as the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

“Sen. Tuberville will help President Trump secure the border, strengthen the military, protect our farmers and veterans, and restore Title IX protections for women and girls everywhere,” Jaspers said in a separate statement. “Sen. Tuberville has also spoken with President Trump several times about the importance of moving Space Command back to its rightful home in Huntsville.”

“In the days and weeks ahead, President Trump will be selecting personnel to serve our nation under his leadership and enact policies that make the life of Americans affordable, safe, and secure,” the Trump Vance 2025 Transition team said on Wednesday morning.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270

A report from POLITICO released on Thursday provided an in-depth analysis of possible contenders for the position of acting U.S. Attorney General should President Donald Trump win a second term. The title of acting AG is given during the beginning of a presidential administration when the permanent AG candidate is still going through the Senate confirmation process.

The news source named a number of potential federal officials that could be appointed to the position. One possibility of particular note was U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama Prim Escalona.

“Attorney General Bill Barr tapped Escalona to fill a vacancy there in July 2020,” the report reads. “She has a stalwart GOP resume, including stints in Justice’s Office of Legislative Affairs and Office of Legal Policy and as a law clerk to prominent conservative appeals court judge William Pryor Jr.”

POLITICO noted that Escalona was seemingly supportive of the majority perspective in Alabama to remove non-citizen voters from its voter rolls, which was challenged by the DOJ.

“Escalona also has demonstrated an independent streak at times: Her signature is absent from a suit the Justice Department filed last month challenging Alabama’s voter purge policies.”

The Senate confirmation process for Cabinet nominees is typically not a short affair. After Trump took office in January of 2017, the Senate waited 19 days to confirm Alabamian Jeff Sessions as attorney general. Biden’s AG, Merrick Garland, was not confirmed until March 10, 2021.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten