Anderson Cooper 360

Tonight, a look at the continuing controversy surrounding President-elect Trump's nominations for attorney general and defense secretary. We’ve learned Trump is calling some senators directly to discuss his AG pick, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, and ask for their support, two sources familiar with the outreach told CNN. Plus, Trump made his return to NYC’s Madison Garden over the weekend for a UFC event. Donie O'Sullivan spoke to young fight fans who helped elected him and got insight on where they got the the information that helped them decide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s new reporting tonight about Matt Gaetz, President-elect Trump’s pick for attorney general. The attorney who represents two of the women who were witnesses in the House Ethics Committee probe into former Republican congressman confirmed on Friday that one of his clients saw Gaetz having sex with a minor. "My client testified to the House Ethics Committee that she witnessed Matt Gaetz having sex with a minor," attorney Joel Leppard said. A spokesperson for Gaetz responded to the report with, "Merrick Garland's DOJ cleared Matt Gaetz and didn't charge him. Are you alleging Garland is part of a cover up?” The Department of Justice pursued a yearslong sex-crimes investigation into Gaetz but ultimately decided last year not to pursue criminal charges against him. Plus, for the first time in nearly two decades, Mike Tyson will return to professional boxing tonight and take on 27-year-old former YouTube star Jake Paul in a highly anticipated fight. Randi Kaye looks at how both men got to this moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President-elect Donald Trump spoke Thursday night from Mar-a-Lago, where he announced he plans to nominate North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, his former opponent in the 2024 presidential race, as Interior Secretary. Earlier in the day, Trump tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his choice for the next Health and Human Services Secretary. Kennedy has been one of the nation’s most outspoken vaccine skeptics and a Covid-19 conspiracy theorists. "For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health," Trump said in a statement today. “HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives,” added Trump. Plus, Gary Tuchman visits the Pennsylvania county that swung more to the right than any other in that battleground state in 2024 and talks to voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House Ethics Committee was due to meet this week to vote on releasing a report about Matt Gaetz, who resigned from Congress on Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump announced he will nominate Gaetz for attorney general, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. If confirmed, Gaetz would take over the nation’s top law enforcement agency - the same one that pursued a years-long sex-crimes investigation into the congressman. The Justice Department ultimately decided last year not to pursue criminal charges against him. Plus, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat who could be part of a confirmation hearing - if one is held - speaks to Anderson aboutTrump's cabinet picks and staff nominations so far.  Also, former Trump friend Geraldo Rivera gives his take on the recent appointees, quite a few of whom are former Fox colleagues and guests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices