Publish: 13:46, 16 Nov, 2024 Updated: 14:00, 16 Nov, 2024

Five key takeaways from Trump’s first week as President-Elect

Online Desk
Five key takeaways from Trump’s first week as President-Elect
Photo - Collected

Donald Trump has quickly begun laying the groundwork for his second term in the White House following his victory in the U.S. presidential election.

He has made his priorities clear from the outset, surprising many in Washington and across the globe with his early moves.

Here are the key takeaways from his tumultuous first week as president-elect.

1) Trump is assembling a loyal team to overhaul the government

Trump wasted no time in assembling his top team, quickly nominating cabinet picks for Senate approval and appointing senior White House advisers and other key aides.

However, the full picture reveals a more ambitious agenda. His selections signal a clear intention to radically overhaul the government, favoring loyalists over conventional or seasoned candidates. These picks reflect his vision for a second term aimed at upending the Washington status quo.

For instance, his choice for defense secretary has advocated for purging military leaders who support "woke" policies. His nominee for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has expressed a desire to "clear out corruption" at U.S. health agencies and even suggested cutting "entire departments" at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Additionally, Trump has promised the creation of a "Department of Government Efficiency," led by advisers Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, with a focus on slashing regulations and pursuing historic cost-cutting measures.

Overall, Trump’s proposed team is marked by loyalty and a shared commitment to overhauling their respective departments.

2) Trump will have a supportive Congress backing his agenda

Republicans have secured control of both the House and the Senate, giving the party a narrow majority in each chamber for at least the next two years, until the midterm elections.

This shift is a significant boost to Trump’s agenda, enabling him to more easily pass legislation and giving his policy priorities a clearer path to becoming law. With the Democratic Party less able to block or resist his proposals, Trump will also be in a better position to avoid the kind of congressional investigations that plagued the second half of his first term.

Republican control of Congress will likely be crucial in advancing some of Trump’s major pledges, including mass deportations, sweeping tariffs on foreign imports, and rolling back environmental protections.

3) Senate Republicans may not always be fully aligned with Trump’s agenda

Trump’s influence was tested earlier this week when Senate Republicans selected their new leader. While the president-elect did not directly intervene in the race, his most vocal allies, along with supportive 'MAGA' media outlets, mounted a concerted effort to have hard-line Trump loyalist Rick Scott elected.

However, Scott was defeated in the first round, and Republicans ultimately chose a more conventional pick, John Thune, who has had a more complicated relationship with Trump.

It's important to note that the vote was a secret ballot, meaning it was not a public rejection of Trump’s influence.

More significant tests of Trump’s power on Capitol Hill are expected, particularly during confirmation hearings for some of his more controversial cabinet nominees. Some Senate Republicans have already signaled their opposition to Trump's unexpected choice of Matt Gaetz to lead the Department of Justice.

4) Trump’s criminal conviction could be overturned soon

While much of the attention has been on the president-elect’s nominations and appointments, Trump's legal troubles have also taken a turn following his victory.

In New York, his criminal fraud conviction related to the hush-money case remains in place—at least for now. However, that could change soon. Earlier this week, a judge delayed the decision on whether to overturn Trump's conviction, following a Supreme Court ruling this past summer that expanded presidential immunity.

A ruling is now expected next week. While it’s unclear whether the conviction will be dismissed, Trump’s scheduled sentencing on November 26 is likely to be postponed regardless.

5) China is now a central focus for Trump’s agenda

Trump’s approach to foreign policy is poised for a significant shift, particularly in relation to China. It’s clear that he views the world very differently from President Biden and is ready to alter U.S. strategy on the global stage in the coming years.

A prominent theme emerging from his early selections for key positions is the presence of strong "China hawks"—individuals who see Beijing as a major threat to U.S. economic and military dominance and who are eager to take a more aggressive approach in confronting this challenge.

This sentiment runs throughout his proposed team. Marco Rubio, nominated for Secretary of State, has referred to China as “the most advanced adversary America has ever faced.” Mike Waltz, tapped as national security adviser, has characterized U.S.-China relations as a “cold war.” Other nominees, including Elise Stefanik, his proposed ambassador to the UN, have directly accused China of meddling in U.S. elections.

Relations with China were already tense during Trump’s first term, and they remained cool under Biden. With tariffs, export controls, and increasingly pointed rhetoric, the president-elect appears ready to take an even tougher stance in his second term.

(Source: BBC News)

BD-Pratidin/Mazdud

More News
Two judges murdered outside Iran's Supreme Court: media
Two judges murdered outside Iran's Supreme Court: media
‘Palestinians, resistance thwarted Israel’s big plots in Gaza’
‘Palestinians, resistance thwarted Israel’s big plots in Gaza’
Ready to govern Gaza: Palestine’s President
Ready to govern Gaza: Palestine’s President
Aafia Siddiqui appeals for presidential pardon before Trump's takeover
Aafia Siddiqui appeals for presidential pardon before Trump's takeover
Impeached South Korean president arrives at court to argue against his arrest
Impeached South Korean president arrives at court to argue against his arrest
This would be biggest trade war: Canada warns US
This would be biggest trade war: Canada warns US
Russia sentences Navalny lawyers to prison for relaying his messages
Russia sentences Navalny lawyers to prison for relaying his messages
116 Palestinians killed since agreement announced
116 Palestinians killed since agreement announced
Erdogan criticizes opposition over mayor's arrest amid corruption probe
Erdogan criticizes opposition over mayor's arrest amid corruption probe
Trump to be sworn in at indoor ceremony first time due to extreme cold
Trump to be sworn in at indoor ceremony first time due to extreme cold
UK to announce significant hike in visa sponsorship fees
UK to announce significant hike in visa sponsorship fees
Israel prepares for hostages’ return
Israel prepares for hostages’ return
Latest News
DMP files 3,251 traffic violation cases in Dhaka
DMP files 3,251 traffic violation cases in Dhaka
just now | National
Two judges murdered outside Iran's Supreme Court: media
Two judges murdered outside Iran's Supreme Court: media
16 minutes ago | International
‘Palestinians, resistance thwarted Israel’s big plots in Gaza’
‘Palestinians, resistance thwarted Israel’s big plots in Gaza’
31 minutes ago | International
EU ready to support Bangladesh during its political transition: Envoy
EU ready to support Bangladesh during its political transition: Envoy
36 minutes ago | National
British sci-fi classic ‘Doctor Who’ gears up for bold new adventures
British sci-fi classic ‘Doctor Who’ gears up for bold new adventures
57 minutes ago | Entertainment
Bangladesh bowl out Nepal for 52 runs
Bangladesh bowl out Nepal for 52 runs
57 minutes ago | Sports
Night temperature may drop in parts of country
Night temperature may drop in parts of country
1 hour ago | National
Ready to govern Gaza: Palestine’s President
Ready to govern Gaza: Palestine’s President
1 hour ago | International
"Current govt at risk by continuing budget of ousted Awami League"
"Current govt at risk by continuing budget of ousted Awami League"
1 hour ago | National
OpenAI, Retro Biosciences working to extend ‘human lifespan’
OpenAI, Retro Biosciences working to extend ‘human lifespan’
1 hour ago | Tech
Srijit Mukherji from aspiring sports journalist to filmmaker
Srijit Mukherji from aspiring sports journalist to filmmaker
1 hour ago | Entertainment
Pakistan launches first home-made observation satellite
Pakistan launches first home-made observation satellite
1 hour ago | Tech
Govt reaffirms zero tolerance on shrine attacks, urges complaints
Govt reaffirms zero tolerance on shrine attacks, urges complaints
2 hours ago | National
BNP demands withdrawal of vat on over 100 products
BNP demands withdrawal of vat on over 100 products
2 hours ago | National
Met office assumes dry weather nationwide
Met office assumes dry weather nationwide
2 hours ago | National
Marma girl's accident injury being propagated as communal murder
Marma girl's accident injury being propagated as communal murder
2 hours ago | National
Tarique seeks prayers for mother
Tarique seeks prayers for mother
2 hours ago | National
Cold wave set to arrive, says Meteorological Department
Cold wave set to arrive, says Meteorological Department
2 hours ago | National
How to make smacked cucumbers
How to make smacked cucumbers
3 hours ago | Lifestyle
It's never going to get easy: Abhishek amid separation rumors
It's never going to get easy: Abhishek amid separation rumors
3 hours ago | Entertainment
Bangladesh’s 2025-26 budget may reach 8 trillion
Bangladesh’s 2025-26 budget may reach 8 trillion
3 hours ago | National
Aafia Siddiqui appeals for presidential pardon before Trump's takeover
Aafia Siddiqui appeals for presidential pardon before Trump's takeover
3 hours ago | International
Debapriya slams 'inconsiderate' VAT hike by interim govt
Debapriya slams 'inconsiderate' VAT hike by interim govt
3 hours ago | National
Impeached South Korean president arrives at court to argue against his arrest
Impeached South Korean president arrives at court to argue against his arrest
4 hours ago | International
This would be biggest trade war: Canada warns US
This would be biggest trade war: Canada warns US
4 hours ago | International
Kazi Nazrul’s grandson hospitalised with burn Injuries
Kazi Nazrul’s grandson hospitalised with burn Injuries
4 hours ago | National
BNP focuses entirely on elections
BNP focuses entirely on elections
4 hours ago | Special
Instagram profile grids to switch from squares to rectangles
Instagram profile grids to switch from squares to rectangles
4 hours ago | Tech
Govt seeks opinion on July proclamation
Govt seeks opinion on July proclamation
4 hours ago | National
1,246 Bangladeshis repatriated from Lebanon; 47 arrive today
1,246 Bangladeshis repatriated from Lebanon; 47 arrive today
4 hours ago | National
Most Read
Won't stop until misrule-free Bangladesh is established
Won't stop until misrule-free Bangladesh is established
19 hours ago | National
Youth can change country's image: Fakhrul
Youth can change country's image: Fakhrul
18 hours ago | National
OpenAI, Retro Biosciences working to extend ‘human lifespan’
OpenAI, Retro Biosciences working to extend ‘human lifespan’
1 hour ago | Tech
Country at 5 risks, inflation at top
Country at 5 risks, inflation at top
6 hours ago | National
Night temperature may drop in parts of country
Night temperature may drop in parts of country
1 hour ago | National
Over 50,000 garment workers unemployed in a year
Over 50,000 garment workers unemployed in a year
5 hours ago | Special
Import duty hike sends fruit market in turmoil
Import duty hike sends fruit market in turmoil
6 hours ago | Business
Bangladesh’s 2025-26 budget may reach 8 trillion
Bangladesh’s 2025-26 budget may reach 8 trillion
3 hours ago | National
68% people want non-partisan president: BBS
68% people want non-partisan president: BBS
21 hours ago | National
Hamas set to release first hostages under Gaza ceasefire deal: Israel
Hamas set to release first hostages under Gaza ceasefire deal: Israel
20 hours ago | International
Unsweetened coffee reduces Alzheimer's disease risk by 30%
Unsweetened coffee reduces Alzheimer's disease risk by 30%
6 hours ago | Lifestyle
How to make smacked cucumbers
How to make smacked cucumbers
3 hours ago | Lifestyle
UK to announce significant hike in visa sponsorship fees
UK to announce significant hike in visa sponsorship fees
6 hours ago | International
Cold wave set to arrive, says Meteorological Department
Cold wave set to arrive, says Meteorological Department
2 hours ago | National
"Due to ‘family genes,’ Tulip became involved in corruption in UK"
"Due to ‘family genes,’ Tulip became involved in corruption in UK"
22 hours ago | National
Rajshahi climb to 4th place with win over Sylhet
Rajshahi climb to 4th place with win over Sylhet
21 hours ago | Sports
Tarique seeks prayers for mother
Tarique seeks prayers for mother
2 hours ago | National
Debapriya slams 'inconsiderate' VAT hike by interim govt
Debapriya slams 'inconsiderate' VAT hike by interim govt
3 hours ago | National
Srijit Mukherji from aspiring sports journalist to filmmaker
Srijit Mukherji from aspiring sports journalist to filmmaker
1 hour ago | Entertainment
Haaland signs new 10-Year Man City contract
Haaland signs new 10-Year Man City contract
22 hours ago | Sports
Iranian president arrives in Russia to ink partnership treaty
Iranian president arrives in Russia to ink partnership treaty
22 hours ago | International
BNP focuses entirely on elections
BNP focuses entirely on elections
4 hours ago | Special
Govt okays SC Judges Appointment Ordinance
Govt okays SC Judges Appointment Ordinance
23 hours ago | National
Announce election date to uphold dignity of 2nd independence: BNP
Announce election date to uphold dignity of 2nd independence: BNP
23 hours ago | National
EU calls for consensus on priority reforms in Bangladesh
EU calls for consensus on priority reforms in Bangladesh
21 hours ago | National
Instagram profile grids to switch from squares to rectangles
Instagram profile grids to switch from squares to rectangles
4 hours ago | Tech
Inaugural Women's BPL to kick off in February with 3 teams
Inaugural Women's BPL to kick off in February with 3 teams
19 hours ago | Sports
Israeli security cabinet approves Gaza ceasefire deal
Israeli security cabinet approves Gaza ceasefire deal
19 hours ago | International
Bangladesh bowl out Nepal for 52 runs
Bangladesh bowl out Nepal for 52 runs
59 minutes ago | Sports
Dhaka's air quality 2nd worst globally this morning
Dhaka's air quality 2nd worst globally this morning
6 hours ago | City