Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) launched her most significant criticism of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on December 3rd, 2025, stating he is an ineffective leader losing control of the GOP conference ahead of the midterms. Stefanik, who is running for governor, claimed in an interview that Johnson would not secure enough votes for speaker if a roll-call vote occurred, and that a majority of Republicans would support new leadership. This statement comes as President Donald Trump has now pardoned 12 members of Congress, including Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX), who was accused of bribery and corruption. According to reporting from Olivia Beavers citing The Wall Street Journal, Stefanik expressed that the sentiment for new leadership is widespread within the Republican party. She stated, "He certainly wouldn’t have the votes to be speaker if there was a roll-call vote tomorrow," and "I believe that the majority of Republicans would vote for new leadership. It’s that widespread." The pardons issued by President Trump now total 12 members of Congress, with 10 Republicans and 2 Democrats receiving pardons. Notably, all but Representative Cuellar had been convicted prior to receiving their pardons, as reported by Jamie Dupree. Punchbowl News and PollTracker2024 previously reported on December 3rd, 2025, that Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX) had filed for reelection and would not switch parties following a pardon from President Donald Trump. This action by President Trump was initially reported via Trump's Truth Social account. In separate developments reported on December 3rd, 2025, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan issued a subpoena for Special Counsel Jack Smith to appear for a deposition on December 17th, according to AZ Intel. The Pentagon's Inspector General also turned over a classified version of its probe into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's alleged violation of secrecy rules to the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC). Senator Mark Kelly indicated that portions of the report are unclassified and contradict Hegseth's claims of innocence. Earlier on December 3rd, 2025, U.S. private payrolls shed 32,000 jobs in November, according to ADP data. FBI Director Patel defended his use of an FBI jet for personal trips, including to a wrestling event. Speaker Johnson, when questioned about swearing-in timelines, cited being "too busy passing the CR" and stated he "didn’t follow Grijalva’s election to know she had won" regarding the delay in swearing in Democratic Representative Adelita Grijalva. Admiral Bradley was scheduled to brief congressional leaders on December 4th, 2025, regarding a Caribbean strike storyline, though Senator John Thune stated he had no plans to meet with the Admiral. The Trump administration has also shifted focus to robotics, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick engaging with CEOs in the sector. Senator Roger Marshall stated he was unaware of the details surrounding a presidential pardon for a former Honduran president. Additionally, Trump administration officials defended a recent strike on a drug boat, citing a Justice Department memo. Senator Josh Hawley proposed a health care tax plan allowing deductions up to $25,000 per individual, which he discussed with President Trump.
