Schiff told other news outlets that he declined the invitation from the White House because of Senate Cabinet confirmation votes taking place today. Trump spoke with reporters as he left the White House Friday morning --- heading to North Carolina to tour areas affected by Hurricane Helene.

The Senate voted on Saturday morning to confirm Kristi Noem as President Donald Trump’s Homeland Security secretary, installing a long-time Trump ally at the helm of an agency poised to play a central role in the president’s promised immigration crackdown.

The Senate confirmed Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on Sunday during a weekend vote, as Republicans overcame efforts by Democrats to delay the process by using procedural hurdles.