Trump appoints controversial top team as Republicans retain House majority

It’s been confirmed that the Republicans will hold on to their majority in the US House of Representatives following the recent election, giving Donald Trump’s party control over all the major levers of government.

Mr Trump has nominated Congressman Matt Gaetz for attorney general, former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, Senator Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, Pete Gegseth – a Fox News host and Army veteran – as defence secretary, and John Ratcliffe as head of the CIA. Mr Trump also appointed Elon Musk and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy to jointly lead a new Department of Government Efficiency.

President-elect Trump met Joe Biden at the White House to discuss the presidential transition. Biden told him”welcome back” as the pair shook hands and said they both hoped for a “smooth” transition.

Across Washington at the Capitol, Senate Republicans have elected John Thune as their new majority leader.

Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Sarah Smith and Ben Chu.

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