Trump appoints 'Border Star' Homan; Musk supports Scott for Senate leader

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has made a big move in politics, supporting Florida Senator Rick Scott to become the Senate Majority Leader. 

This announcement comes as former President Donald Trump brings back Tom Homan, his old immigration chief, for a key role in his next administration.

Musk, known for his ties with Trump, posted a message on social media on Sunday, saying, "Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader!" Scott, a former healthcare executive, is one of the wealthiest senators in the country. 

Rick Scott for Senate Majority Leader! https://t.co/lpT34yHTKk

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 10, 2024

He represents Florida and is now a strong contender for the top Senate job. Musk’s support for Scott is seen as a powerful endorsement as the Republican Party looks to make big changes in Washington, D.C.

Trump’s immigration plan also took a major step forward. On his Truth Social account, Trump announced that Tom Homan, his former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will return to the administration as "border tsar." 

Homan will oversee border policies and enforcement if Trump returns to the White House. Trump expressed confidence in Homan's ability to make a positive impact, saying, "I have no doubt Homan will do a fantastic, long-awaited job."

Homan is a well-known figure in border control and has been expected to play a major role in Trump’s second term. His return to a key position signals Trump’s continued focus on immigration reform and border security.

As for the Senate, Republican leaders are now facing competition for the majority leadership role after the GOP won control of the chamber in the November 5 elections. With Republicans gaining at least 52 seats in the 100-member Senate, a leadership change is on the horizon. This shift came after Republicans flipped Senate seats in West Virginia, Ohio, and Montana, all previously held by Democrats.

Mitch McConnell, the current Republican Senate leader who has held the position since 2007, is not seeking re-election for the post. This opened the door for new candidates, with Rick Scott now emerging as a top contender. Scott has been pushing for change in the Senate, saying that the current system needs reform. He echoed Trump’s message of being the change voters want, stating, “We can’t keep doing what we’re doing.”

Trump has also made his position clear about Senate leadership. In a tweet, he said that anyone seeking to become the Senate Majority Leader must agree to quickly fill presidential appointments when the Senate is not in session. This would allow the incoming president to make temporary appointments without waiting for lengthy confirmation processes.

Scott agreed with Trump’s demand, sharing his support on social media. Other Republican senators, including John Thune and John Cornyn, also backed Trump’s call for faster presidential appointments.

Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner. Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more. This is…

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2024

The Senate’s leadership election is scheduled for this Wednesday, just after the chamber resumes work following a break for the election. While the results of some key Senate races, like those in Pennsylvania and Arizona, have not yet been determined, Republicans are still expected to control the Senate.

At the same time, the outcome of the U.S. House of Representatives races is still unclear. Republicans have won 214 seats, just shy of the 218 needed for a majority. Republicans are leading in several uncalled races, but many votes are still being counted. If Republicans win both the House and Senate, Trump’s policies will have a much higher chance of passing.