Trump Day 5 Live Updates: President Trump to Visit California Wildfires Before Senate Votes on Pete Hegseth Nomination

Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s nominee for Defense Secretary, is facing intense backlash over his comments about women in combat. His remarks, questioning the role of women on the front lines, have drawn sharp criticism from female veterans and service members.

Many of these women, who have served in combat roles, led security convoys, and even lost limbs in battle, are voicing their anger. One Army colonel, who chose to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation, expressed her disgust, stating, “I don’t even know how to express the disgust.”

Hegseth's comments have sparked a broader conversation about gender equality in the military, with many questioning his suitability for the role of Defense Secretary. As the Senate prepares to vote on his nomination, these concerns are likely to play a significant role in the confirmation process.

Ahead of the annual March for Life rally, President Donald Trump has pardoned 23 anti-abortion activists, one day before addressing thousands of demonstrators in Washington, D.C.

At a signing ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump explained, “These 23 people were wrongfully prosecuted; they shouldn’t have been.” He also pointed out that many of the individuals are elderly. “It’s a great honor to sign this,” he added, noting the impact it would have on those pardoned.

The pardons highlight Trump’s continued support for the anti-abortion cause and set the tone for his speech at the upcoming rally.

Vice President JD Vance is set to speak at today's March for Life rally in Washington, D.C., marking his first public appearance in his new role, as announced by the event organizers.

Jeanne Mancini and Jennie Bradley Lichter, the president and president-elect of the March for Life group, expressed their excitement, stating, “We are thrilled that Vice President Vance has chosen the National March for Life for his first public appearance in his new role — a sign of his commitment to standing up for life.”

Vance also spoke at the Ohio March for Life in 2023, further solidifying his ongoing involvement with the pro-life movement.

President Donald Trump is set to embark on the first trips of his second term today, with planned visits to Asheville, North Carolina, and California.

According to sources, Trump will head to Asheville to assess the damage from the severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in September of the previous year. Additionally, during a rally on Monday, Trump announced he would also visit California to survey the aftermath of recent wildfires.

These trips mark the beginning of Trump’s travel schedule as he begins his second term in office.

The family of Martin Luther King Jr. has expressed a desire to review declassified files related to his assassination before they are made available to the public.

In a statement issued last night, the family, through King’s daughter Bernice King, emphasized the personal significance of the assassination, describing it as a “deeply personal family loss” that has affected them for over 56 years. “We hope to be provided the opportunity to review the files as a family prior to its public release,” the statement read.

This request follows President Trump's executive order signed yesterday, which declassified records related to the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr., President John F. Kennedy, and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. The King family added that they are not granting interviews at this time as they await further information on the release of the files.

Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., announced this morning that he will not pursue a run for governor of New Mexico and will remain in his Senate seat.

In a statement, Heinrich explained his decision, citing the importance of having a strong voice in Washington, especially in light of the actions taken by President Trump during his first week in office. “After careful consideration and many conversations with my family, constituents, and colleagues, I’ve decided to remain in the United States Senate,” Heinrich said. “It’s clear to me that New Mexico needs a strong voice in Washington now more than ever — the stakes are simply too high.”

Re-elected to a third term in November, Heinrich emphasized that he believes his greatest impact will be made by challenging Trump’s policies and actions from within the Senate. “I will stand up to the President when needed, but I’m also ready to work with him and my Senate colleagues to move New Mexico and our nation forward,” he added.

Heinrich’s current Senate term runs through 2031, allowing him ample time to continue his work in Washington.