House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks with NPR's Michel Martin about his new book "The ABCs of Democracy," and Democrats' outlook following the 2024 election.

NPR's Steve Inskeep asks the Brookings Institution's Jon Valant about President-elect Trump's campaign promise to close the Department of Education.

NPR's Steve Inskeep talks with Republican strategist Scott Jennings about Republican leadership in in the U.S. Senate and House.

Republicans made their picks for party leaders in the U.S. Senate and House, as President-elect Trump announced new nominees, including Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general.

California voters have overwhelmingly approved strengthening penalties for certain theft and drug crimes. They also ousted Los Angeles County's progressive district attorney.

Following the nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense, we ask a retired Marine colonel and military expert Mark Cancian what it takes to run the DOD.