Heard on the Hill
What we're hearing from people we trust on and around the Hill
A GRATEFUL NATION: President Donald Trump hosted Gold Star families in the Oval Office this week; the families’ loved ones were killed at Abbey Gate in the Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) during President Joe Biden’s failed withdrawal. The Washington Reporter scooped everyone on this story.
IRS “RESISTANCE” CONTROVERSY: Last week, the IRS put a senior attorney who wrote about "resisting" President Donald Trump on leave. Hill sources tell us this attorney was involved in major policies at the IRS under President Joe Biden, including the controversial 2024-14 revenue ruling. Expect more reviews of this attorney's actions while Biden politicized the agency.
CREDIT UNION MOVES: Last week, Carrie Hunt stepped down as Chief Advocacy Officer at America’s Credit Unions. Hill and financial services sources are abuzz about potential replacements for this prominent role. Sources tell us to expect one of three options: (1) an internal promotion like Trey Hawkins, the current deputy; (2) hiring from another trade such as Jason Stverak, advocacy lead for the influential Defense Credit Union Council; or (3) someone from the administration, such as Sarah Bang, the chief of staff at NCUA.
CONFIRMATION STATION: The Washington Reporter will be extensively covering confirmations this Fall as we deal with a potential Senate rules change to get nominees through faster. Expect most of the nominees to eventually get confirmed, however, a source tells us there are four to watch who may have trouble getting 50 votes:
Herschel Walker, nominee to be Ambassador to Bahamas, over campaign-era controversies.
Brian Quintenz, nominee to be the CFTC Commissioner, is facing substantial crypto industry opposition and has had his vote repeatedly delayed by the White House.
Paul Ingrassia, nominee to be the Special Counsel, is having trouble getting the Committee votes.
David LaCerte, nominee to lead the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, is facing opposition from conservative activists like Laura Loomer for his alleged role defending progressive banks who were targeted by Louisiana for debanking gun owners and gun stores.
SMITH SMACKED DOWN: Jack Smith, the former special counsel who investigated President Donald Trump, set his sights on Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) this week, calling a potential investigation from Cotton “imaginary and unfounded,” via Smith’s lawyers. Cotton accused Smith of violating the Hatch Act, and a Senate source told the Washington Reporter that “this vicious attack [from Smith’s legal team] falsely accusing Senator Cotton of playing politics is another example of Jack Smith’s politicizing the Justice system. Smith should be ashamed of himself.”
WE MISS YOU, RENEE: Last week, Travis Renee Baldwin — the most talented makeup artist in town — was tragically killed. For years, Baldwin served as a mentor, mother, therapist, and so much more to so many, including to our own Matthew Foldi. Over the weekend, a large crowd gathered at Baldwin’s beloved Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, where she worked for years, to celebrate her incredible legacy. Tiana Lowe Doescher wrote a wonderful tribute to Baldwin here.