Donald Trump has swiftly begun laying the groundwork in first week for his second term in the White House since his victory in the U.S. presidential election, making clear his initial priorities and surprising some observers both in Washington and internationally.
Here’s a recap of his whirlwind first week as president-elect:
1) Forming a Loyal Team to Transform Government Trump wasted no time assembling his core team in first week, nominating cabinet members for Senate approval and appointing White House advisors and senior staff. His choices signal a major government overhaul, favoring loyalists over traditional, experienced candidates. For instance, his defense secretary pick advocates for removing military officials enforcing “woke” policies, while his health secretary nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aims to combat “corruption” at health agencies, even considering cutting entire departments within the FDA. He has also proposed a new department, led by advisors Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, focusing on deregulation and cost-cutting. The overall strategy reflects a team aligned with Trump’s vision to reshape government operations.
2) A Supportive Congress With Republicans winning control of both the House and Senate, Trump now has a legislative advantage for enacting his agenda. The Republican majority simplifies the path for his policy goals, reducing Democratic opposition and making it easier to pass key legislation. Republican control could be pivotal in advancing his big-ticket items, such as immigration reform, tariffs, and reducing environmental regulations.
3) Challenges in the Senate Not all Senate Republicans are guaranteed to back Trump’s agenda. A recent vote saw Senate Republicans choose John Thune, a more traditional conservative, over Trump loyalist Rick Scott as their leader. This private ballot decision highlights the independence of some GOP senators, who may also scrutinize his controversial cabinet nominations, like Matt Gaetz for the Justice Department.
4) Legal Troubles on Hold Trump’s election win may have shifted his legal landscape. For example, a judge recently postponed the decision on whether to dismiss his New York criminal fraud conviction due to a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. This ruling could delay or potentially overturn Trump’s November 26 sentencing.
5) A Focus on China Trump’s approach to foreign policy diverges significantly from Biden’s, especially regarding China. His proposed team includes prominent China critics like Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, who considers China America’s top adversary, and Mike Waltz for National Security Advisor, who describes the U.S.-China relationship as a “cold war.” Trump’s administration seems poised to adopt a tougher stance on China through tariffs, export controls, and aggressive rhetoric, building on the strained relations from his first term.
