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Sunday: Paul, Cummings, Ernst, Crenshaw, Houlahan, Haaland, Neguse

Trump on Mueller's questions, Acosta ruling
Trump has written answers to special counsel's questions; weighs in on Acosta ruling 08:13

As the death toll climbs in two major wildfires raging across California, President Trump on Saturday plans to survey damage in the Golden State, meet victims and thank officials and first responders still battling the deadly flames.

At least 63 lives have been claimed by the Camp Fire complex in Northern California, with hundreds missing and thousands of structures destroyed by the nation's deadliest fire in a century.

Before his trip, President Trump conceded climate change may be contributing "a little bit" to the fires' ferocity, before renewing his criticism of forest management in California – which officials in California dispute.

"You need forest management. It has to be. I'm not saying that in a negative way, a positive – I'm just saying the fact. And I've really learned a lot," the president told Fox News in an interview.

Also on Friday, President Trump told reporters he had "very easily" finished his answers to questions from special counsel Robert Mueller. This came after a week of tweets denouncing the "TOTAL WITCH HUNT LIKE NO OTHER IN AMERICAN HISTORY."

Despite his boss' repeated attacks on the probe, acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker will reportedly allow the investigation to continue. But Whitaker's decision has done little to calm Democrats, many of whom voiced support this week for legislation to protect Mueller.

On Capitol Hill, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi insisted on Thursday that she has the votes to reclaim the Speakership of the House in the leadership elections scheduled for early January. But 17 Democrats have signed a letter opposing her and support has grown in the chamber for Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, who is considering a challenge.  

And with control of the House and Senate set for the 116th Congress – despite still ongoing recount fights – President Trump foreshadowed more possible cabinet shake-ups on the horizon. Speculation abounds over the fates of several staffers, including White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen.

"I'm very happy with almost all of my cabinet. And you know, changes are made because they are always made, especially after midterms," the president said Friday.


For the latest on the week that was and the week ahead, don't miss Margaret Brennan (@margbrennan) this Sunday on "Face the Nation" (@FaceTheNation).

We'll hear from Sen. Rand Paul (@RandPaul), R-Kentucky.

We'll question Rep. Elijah Cummings (@RepCummings), D-Maryland, who is expected to head the House's oversight committee in January.

Sen. Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst), R-Iowa, will also join us. Ernst is the incoming vice chairwoman of the Senate Republican Conference.

We'll sit down with a panel of newly-elected members of Congress:

  • Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) of Texas' 2nd Congressional District
  • Deb Haaland (@Deb4CongressNM) of New Mexico's 1st Congressional District
  • Chrissy Houlahan (@HoulahanForPa) of Pennslyvania's 6th Congressional District
  • Joe Neguse (@JoeNeguse) of Colorado's 2nd Congressional District

And as always, we'll seek some perspective from our panel of reporters:

On television, on the radio and streaming online, don't miss America's premier public affairs program this weekend! Click here for your local listings.

For the latest from "Face the Nation," follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And for a peek behind-the-scenes, join us on Instagram!

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