Stephen Miller, a leading advocate for stricter immigration policies, is set to become White House deputy chief of staff for policy under President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. Miller, a key figure in Trump’s first administration, has been instrumental in shaping the president-elect’s immigration agenda, including plans for mass deportations and the creation of detention centers. Miller’s appointment signifies a continuation of Trump’s hardline immigration policies and suggests a second term focused on aggressive enforcement measures. His influence on the White House will likely lead to increased scrutiny and potential legal challenges to Trump’s immigration agenda.
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Taiwan is considering purchasing a significant US weapons package worth over $15 billion, which could include F-35 fighter jets, Patriot missiles, and advanced naval systems. This move aims to demonstrate Taiwan’s seriousness in defending itself against China, particularly as US officials believe China will be ready to invade by 2027. While the Taiwanese government denies any new discussions on arms sales, informal talks with the Trump administration have already begun. The proposed package, which would likely be presented to the incoming US national security advisor, is intended to show Taiwan’s commitment to its defense and its willingness to invest in US military hardware.
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While Donald Trump’s return to the White House has been met with anticipation by some, it’s unlikely to bring much relief to Americans struggling with the affordability crisis in the housing market. His policies, including increased tariffs and immigration restrictions, could lead to higher construction costs and potentially reduce the supply of homes. Conversely, efforts to loosen regulations and incentivize homebuilding could have positive effects on the market. However, the overall impact on housing affordability remains uncertain and depends on how Trump prioritizes these competing policies during his second term.
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President-elect Trump’s potential second-term Cabinet is filled with questionable figures, according to John Oliver. He criticizes the selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk, questioning their qualifications and motives. Oliver is particularly concerned about the potential appointment of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has faced accusations of bribery and refused to condemn election violence. He expresses alarm over the possibility of Kash Patel as CIA director, highlighting his extreme loyalty to Trump and his threats against the media. Ultimately, Oliver warns that this “deep bench of idiots, freaks, and wannabe tough guys” could lead to a rapid deterioration of the political landscape in January.
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While Vice President Kamala Harris has conceded the presidential election, her campaign is now partially redirecting donations towards a recount effort. This effort is being channeled through ActBlue, with a portion of donations being allocated to a “Recount Account” without specific details provided about its purpose or scope. Although multiple states would need to flip to change the election outcome, some states have automatic recount procedures triggered by close margins. Notably, Harris’ campaign is also seeking donations to support Democrats in uncalled congressional races, highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure all votes are counted in close contests.
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Representative Byron Donalds, a Republican ally of President-elect Donald Trump, refuted the claim that Trump’s proposed tax plan will add trillions to the national debt. He argued that the estimate, based on “static modeling,” fails to account for economic growth spurred by lower tax rates. He further asserted that Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, initially projected to add trillions to the deficit, actually generated increased tax revenue due to economic growth. Donalds suggested that instead of focusing on the cost of Trump’s tax plan, attention should be directed toward eliminating Democratic spending programs, like tax credits for green energy initiatives in the Inflation Reduction Act.
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Donald Trump’s election victory has sent shockwaves through the global climate community, as his previous anti-climate policies and rhetoric threaten to derail international efforts to curb global heating. Experts warn that Trump’s administration could withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement, undermine UN climate frameworks, and roll back domestic climate regulations, potentially adding billions of tonnes of heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere. While cities and states within the US are committed to climate action, a Trump administration’s stance risks weakening global climate diplomacy and further jeopardizing the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The climate crisis is moving faster than our politics, and the urgent need for political action on climate change is more apparent than ever.
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Donald Trump has announced that Tom Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will serve as “Border Czar” in his administration. This appointment, which follows Trump’s 2024 campaign promise to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, signifies a return to the aggressive immigration enforcement policies of his previous administration. Homan, a staunch advocate for increased border security and a vocal critic of “sanctuary cities,” played a key role in implementing these policies during his time at ICE, overseeing a significant increase in immigrant detentions and the separation of families at the border. His appointment signals a continuation of these hardline immigration policies under a second Trump presidency.
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President Trump has outlined a sweeping agenda for his first day in office, including actions to overturn criminal cases against him, pardon Capitol riot participants, dismantle the federal workforce, impose tariffs on imported goods, roll back protections for transgender students, increase fossil fuel production, negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, and initiate mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. These plans, while ambitious, face varying levels of feasibility and legal challenges. Some actions, like firing special counsel Jack Smith, are within his immediate power, while others, like mass deportations, require significant logistical and international cooperation. Trump’s agenda reflects his desire to reverse policies enacted by the Biden administration and implement his signature policies, signaling a sharp shift in direction for the country.
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President-elect Trump has demanded that the next Senate Republican leader agree to recess appointments, a tactic that allows the president to bypass the traditional Senate confirmation process. Trump argues that recess appointments are necessary to fill crucial positions within his administration quickly, citing delays experienced during his previous term. He has also urged Republicans to block Democrats from confirming judges during this period of transition. These demands mark a significant departure from the usual norms of Senate confirmation and may create tension between the president-elect and the incoming Senate majority leader.
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John Q. Hosedrinker