Trump transition updates: Trump taps America First think tank CEO as agriculture secretary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his team are involved in vetting potential appointees for top roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to multiple people familiar with the dynamics -- indicating that Kennedy's influence in staffing Trump's administration extends beyond the department he was nominated to lead, Health and Human Services.

Kennedy allies began vetting potential USDA appointees prior to Kennedy's nomination last Wednesday, but the vetting has continued in the week since, the sources said.

Kennedy himself in the past week has called at least one potential appointee -- Jimmy Emmons, an Oklahoma farmer and regenerative agriculture advocate.

Emmons, who according to one source is being considered for USDA secretary, received a vetting call from Kennedy last Friday, a representative for Emmons said.

"It was an honor to receive a call from RKF Jr.," Emmons told ABC News in a statement. "Not only did my farming and business background catch their attention, but I was proud to be a Trump appointee within USDA during President Trump's previous administration. The Trump administration and RFK Jr are going to put America's farmers first because they know we are the key to bringing healthy products to market that are affordable and accessible to all Americans."

A Kennedy spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment on his involvement in filling USDA roles.

-ABC News' Will McDuffie

As Vice President-elect JD Vance takes some of Trump's cabinet picks around the Hill to shore up support, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, Trump attempts to blame Democrats for the allegations launched against some of his controversial picks.

"They dirty them up, they destroy them, and then they spit them out. They are trying that right now with some great American Patriots who are only trying to fix the mess that the Democrats have made of our Country," Trump posted on his social media platform.

-ABC News' Lalee Ibssa, Soo Rin Kim and Kelsey Walsh

Pennsylvania Rep. Susan Wild, the ranking member on the House Ethics Committee, confirmed to ABC News that a vote on whether to release the Gaetz ethics report is on the agenda for Wednesday's meeting.

Wild wouldn’t comment further on what to expect Wednesday.

Several senators have called for the House Ethics Committee to release its report into Gaetz over allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use before they consider his confirmation for attorney general.

All 10 members of the bipartisan House Ethics Committee have arrived at their meeting in Longworth.

Committee Chairman Michael Guest of Mississippi said he "can't discuss anything we may or may not be taking up today" as he entered the room.

-ABC News' John Parkinson, Jay O'Brien, Chris Boccia and Lauren Peller

In a statement Wednesday, President-elect Trump announced former acting attorney general Matt Whitaker as ambassador to NATO.

Whitaker was an active member of Trump's 2024 campaign.

"Matt is a strong warrior and loyal Patriot, who will ensure the United States' interests are advanced and defended," Trump said.