Trump announces second appointment as Republicans eye administration action on immigration, foreign policy
President-elect Trump has appointed Tom Homan to lead border enforcement and deportation as Republicans prepare to take control of Congress, prioritizing immigration and foreign policy.
President-elect Trump has appointed Tom Homan to lead border enforcement and deportation as Republicans prepare to take control of Congress, prioritizing immigration and foreign policy.
President-elect Donald Trump announced his second appointment Sunday overnight, selecting Tom Homan to oversee border enforcement and deportations as Congress looks to his incoming administration to take action on immigration and foreign policy.
Homan was in charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the last Trump administration, enacting a policy that separated migrant parents and children at the border. Homan has said the policy should be on the table again to deter illegal immigration.
Homan has also suggested the Trump administration target criminals at their homes and jobs but, in a shift from current policy, may deport other nonviolent undocumented immigrants found during those arrests.
Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are looking for the incoming Trump administration to carry out promises to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, starting with those committing violent crimes in the U.S.
"There's no price tag on protecting the safety and security of our country and our citizens," Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, said in an interview on NBC News' Meet the Press. "I expect to see the president put back in place the Remain in Mexico policy and stop this catch and release policy."
Republicans, who are poised to take over Congress pending remaining uncalled House races, are also demanding the U.S. stand on a "position of strength" on foreign policy.
Some have suggested targeting Iran and its proxy groups and rethinking aid to Ukraine while increasing oil exports to boost U.S. influence abroad.
"The American people want sovereignty protected here in America before we spend our funds and resources protecting the sovereignty of another nation," Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tennessee, said in an interview on CBS' Face the Nation. "We keep Vladimir Putin fully funding this war in Ukraine. We need to stop that. We need to go back to producing our own energy and take Russia out."
As Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate prepare to vote on leadership this week, Trump is putting pressure on the candidates to change rules to get around opposition to his Cabinet nominees.
Trump posted saying whoever ends up as Republican majority leader in the Senate must agree to what's called "recess appointments," which allow Cabinet appointees to serve in acting roles for an extended period.
The three candidates vying for the Senate Majority leadership position include Florida Sen. Rick Scott, South Dakota Sen. John Thune, and Texas Sen. John Cornyn. All three have suggested they would be open to Trump's idea.