It's Wednesday. of 2025 house calendar released this morning. Dear Hillers and journalists, you can now start planning your year. Here's what happened today:

• This morning, the CEO of United Healthcare was shot and killed in New York.
• Pete Hegseth's nomination is a big deal, and Trump has a Plan B.
• Tulsi Gabbard may face the toughest confirmation battle yet.
• Mitt Romney gave his farewell speech in the Senate.

I kate martel A quick summary of this morning and what's to come. Send tips, explanations, feedback, and cookie recipes to cmartel@thehill.com. Did someone forward this newsletter to you?Sign up here.

pete hegsethHe is swimming upstream to protect his nomination. president-elect trumpThe Secretary of Defense is alive.

NBC News coverage At least six Republican senators say they are “not comfortable” supporting Hegseth. He can afford to be approved even if he loses three Republican votes.

What is happening now? : Hegseth told CBS News This morning, he said he has no intention of withdrawing as President Trump's nominee. He spoke with President Trump this morning and said he agrees with him.

Hegseth also defended himself at X:“The left is afraid of disruptors and change-makers. They are afraid. [Trump] –And me too.'' Hegseth Posting to X, including a photo of yourself in the military. “That's why they're filling it with fake anonymous sources and BS articles. They don't want the truth. Our warriors will never back down, and neither will I.”

Why are senators uncomfortable with Hegseth?: Here are some of his controversies:

• He was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, and a police report detailing the charges was released.

• NBC News also reports Hegseth's drinking habits were implicated by 10 current and former colleagues at Fox News.

• Hegseth's mother emailed him in 2018, accusing him of “routinely abusing women for years.” Read the email published by NYT
• He was forced to resign from two nonprofit advocacy organizations he ran over reports of financial mismanagement, sexual misconduct, and drunken behavior. According to the New Yorker.

💬 Hegseth Saga live updates

Related article, via Wall Street Journal: “Mr. Hegseth enters a precarious 24 hours to lead the Pentagon''

Pete Hegseth's mother Penelope Hegsethappeared on “Fox & Friends” this morning and vouched for his son. When asked about the email he sent in 2018, he said he retracted the email immediately after sending it and apologized.

From Penelope Hegseth: “He's not the man he was seven years ago and I'm not his mother,” she said when asked about the emails. “They were going through a very difficult divorce…There are emotions. I wrote it in a hurry with deep emotions as parents.” 📹 Watch interview

As Hegseth fends off bad headlines, President Trump weighs his options. Sources confirmed to The Hill that President Trump is considering swapping Florida governors.Ron DeSantis(Republican) nominated as Secretary of Defense.

Why DeSantis?: “Nominating Mr. DeSantis, the Republican front-runner for the 2024 presidential election, would be a surprising turnaround for Mr. Trump. But he also has what is seen as a 'woke' policy within the military.” We'll likely find a prominent conservative as governor with a military background who shares Trump and Hegseth's views on culling things. ” (WSJ)

please remember: “Trump and DeSantis met in person on Tuesday at an event for fallen law enforcement officers in Florida, but it's unclear whether government jobs were part of the discussion.” (the hill)

The Wall Street Journal reported on speculation about DeSantis. “Trump considering appointing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to replace Pete Hegseth''

in: Nominated by TrumpJared IsaacmanHe will lead the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Isaacman worked with SpaceX CEOElon Muskto test the new space suit in September.

in:President Trump names former aides who were once imprisonedpeter navarroAs a senior trade and manufacturing counselor.

in: Businessman and veteran chosen by President TrumpDaniel DriscollI will serve as his military secretary. Driscoll is a senior advisor.Vice President-elect J.D. Vance.

Out: Chad ChronisterPresident Trump's nominee to head the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) withdrew his nomination just three days after Trump selected him. 🔎Read his X post

While Hegseth's struggles may be drawing attention, the former congressman says: Tulsi Gabbard(Hawaii) is also expected to face a tough confirmation battle over President Trump's appointment as Director of National Intelligence.

Hegseth, Kash Patel and Gabbard in three tough confirmation battles: Many senators and aides believe Gabbard will have the toughest path to confirmation.

why?: “Many Republican senators are skeptical of her work on foreign policy and of her credibility as a potential leader of the nation's intelligence agencies. Some remain skeptical of Ms. Gabbard because of her past comments sympathetic to the Kremlin.''Russian state media carried a similar report, which also praised her choice. ”

Be mindful of Gabbard's reputation: “While Ms. Gabbard is a favorite in Trump World, it is still a different type of playing field as the Senate Republican conference still includes many defense hawks and supporters of Ukraine, which is at war with Russia. ”

Read Al Weaver's report. “Ms. Gabbard is seen as having a difficult time lifting up Mr. Trump among Senate Republicans.''

It's bow tie day!: “Members wear bow ties in honor of members of the House of Representatives.” patrick McHenry“This is his last hearing as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee,” Politico reported. olivia beavers. 🎀 bow tie day pictures

Mr. Romney said goodbye. : Outgoing Sen. mitt romney(R-Utah) gave his farewell speech on the Senate floor this morning. “Mr. Romney said he would not miss the 10-minute vote that “lasted forever” and Mr. Chambers' “unusual passion for an inconsequential vote,” although the latter drew a hearty laugh from Mr. Thune. He invited her,” HuffPost said. Igor Bobic I noticed. lol.

©AP

United Healthcare CEObrian thompsonA man was shot and killed in New York City this morning in what police are describing as a targeted attack.

what we know: Thompson was on his way to an investor conference at the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan. Police say a suspect approached him from behind and shot him in the chest. Thompson was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Are there any suspects?: Police said the suspect fled and remains at large. Photos showing a person aiming a weapon outside a hotel were released by police during a press conference just before noon.

Read more about the shooting here from The Hill's. Nathaniel Weichsel.

📸 Photo outside the hotel

🍪 celebrate:Today is National Cookie Day!

🌮 “A Michelin-starred taqueria from Mexico City is coming to the Washington, D.C., area.” : “For a limited time this month, two Tacombi locations will be serving El Califa de Leon tacos.” (washingtonian)

It contains the House of Representatives and the Senate. president biden It's in Angola. vice president harrisI'm in Washington. (always eastern)

• this morning: The Supreme Court heard arguments in a case concerning transgender medical care. 🎙️ listen
• 1:30pm : Attorney General merrick garlandSpeak at local police events. 💻 live stream
• this afternoon: The Senate votes on judicial confirmations. 📆 Today's topic
• 4:30pm: First and last House vote.📆 Today's topic

Let's end this on a lighter note. have Have you ever seen a dog play a recorder??

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