Trump’s picks for top posts face tests

SENATE CONFIRMATION hearings this week for Presidentelect Donald Trump’s nominees for top jobs — from secretary of state to attorney general — should provide a test of his ability to work with fellow Republicans in Congress to enact his agenda.

Trump’s challenge is to ensure the 100-member Senate’s 52 Republicans stick together to confirm his Cabinet choices to provide a smooth transition to power when he takes over from Democratic President Barack Obama on January 20.

A total of seven confirmation hearings are expected this week, starting on Tuesday with hearings for US Senator Jeff Sessions on his bid to become attorney general and a session for retired General John Kelly, Trump’s pick for secretary of homeland security.

Both present opposition Democrats the opportunity to raise questions about Trump’s immigration proposals, such as his vow to build a wall along the US border with Mexico and a pledge to temporarily suspend immigration from regions deemed to be exporting terrorism.

Five more nominees have hearings on Wednesday, the same day Trump is to stage in New York his first news conference since being elected president.

The five include Rex Tillerson, the nominee for secretary of state; Betsy Devos, for education secretary; CIA director designate Mike Pompeo; commerce pick Wilbur Ross; and Labor nominee Andrew Puzder.

Clinton aide doesn’t expect her to run for office ever

Hillary Clinton’s Indianamerican aide Neera Tanden has said she does not expect the former secretary of state to ever run for office again.

She was responding to reports that said Clinton could run for the post of New York Mayor.

“I think she’s going to figure out ways to help kids and families,” Tanden told CNN.

“But I don’t expect her to ever run for any elected office again,” she added.