Welcome to meet the press now.

We begin with the breaking news that Republicans are now taking full control of Washington.

As moments ago, President-elect Trump announced he has tapped a fierce

loyalist and right-wing firebrand, Congressman Matt Gates, as his pick to run the Justice

Department. It all comes as the president-elect visited the White House and rallied Capitol Hill

Republicans, and as NBC News can now project that Republicans will control the House of

Representatives.

It gives Mr. Trump and his party control of the White House and both chambers of Congress all

of the levers of power in Washington. Once again, it will be a raisers and majority for Republicans

in the House. At this hour, they've won a bare majority of seats, 218 and just nine races still uncalled.

But a Republican-controlled Congress will make it easier for President-elect Trump to advance his agenda for the next two years.

The news of House control coming just hours after Senate Republicans elected South Dakota's John Thune as their new leader.

Succeeding longtime leader Mitch McConnell,

Thune's first task confirming Donald Trump's cabinet, which he has vowed to do quickly.

Here are some of his first comments to reporters as the incoming majority leader this afternoon.

Do you have any concerns about President Trump's cabinet picks so far and what advice we give him when it comes to choosing nominees who will pass to confirmation?

Well, as you know, the Senate has an advice and consent role in the Constitution.

So we will do everything we can to process his norms quickly, get them installed in their position so they can begin to implement his agenda.

And as we noted, the first test of that legislative and executive branch dominance will be

confirming the president-elects top officials, which now includes multiple picks that are

prompting some backlash. Just moments ago, Mr. Trump posted on his social media, the Florida

Congressman Matt Gates will be his pick for Attorney General, and the transition team announced

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