President-elect Trump is gearing up for a historical meeting today with president Biden, as well as other congressional members at the White House. This encounter looks set to underscore the peaceful transition of power in the U.S. This gesture comes four years after Trump contested the results of Biden’s win in the 2020 election and opted not to invite him to the White House, an act that is seen as a post-presidential election tradition.
Despite the awkward meeting, it is a significant day for Biden, his staff, and the Democrats around the country, as Trump’s administration brings significant change. His appointment comes after a major victory over vice president Harris, where he won all seven of the key swing states and claimed the popular vote.
The election sweep has also given the Republicans majority in the House and Senate, something which could have political implications as Trump enters office. “It’s very hard to imagine that President Trump won’t take the moment to at least spike the football a little bit — after all he did vanquish both President Biden and his hand-picked successor,” said Stewart Verdery, a founder of Monument Advocacy.
Along with Trump’s visit to the Hill, leadership fights are in full swing. Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, who led his conference to a narrow victory in the House elections, is facing criticisms from conservative hard-liners. These critics may not nominate a challenge to Johnson’s bid for the gavel but want to make their objections known.
Another challenge Johnson is facing is maintaining the razor-thin majority that House Republicans hold in the upcoming Congress. Trump has already nominated two House members for positions in his administration. However, despite the vacancies that Stefanik and Waltz’s nominations pose, Johnson remains optimistic.
Democrat Reconstruction: Looking towards the Future
Following the electoral defeat, Democrats are now refocusing their efforts. Predictions suggest that they will be looking towards a governor as their presidential hope for the 2028 elections. Since 2000, the Democratic Party has generally nominated a senator or a former senator for the top of the ticket. Not only does this often translate into a complicated voting history, but Senators also face the possibility of their record being used against them in the campaign.
Some Democratic governors who might run in 2028 include Josh Shapiro (Pa.), Wes Moore (Md.), Gavin Newsom (Calif.), Gretchen Whitmer (Mich.), Andy Beshear (Ky.), JB Pritzker (Ill.) and Tim Walz (Minn.).
“They would need to earn the right to take on the GOP standard-bearer,” says an insider.
Aside from the political maneuverings, the Medicare Part B standard premium is set to rise next year to $185, a $10.30 increase from the current rate. The annual deductible will also increase by $17, placing the total at $257 in 2025.
In national security news, Jack Teixeira, a former Massachusetts Air National Guard member, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. The sentencing comes after he pleaded guilty to leaking highly classified military documents about the war in Ukraine.
\Conservation Success
In a win for science and conservation, a zebralike mammal, known as the quagga, has been brought back from the brink of extinction. Conservationists and scientists have achieved this milestone after nearly four decades of work, though not everyone is impressed with the “less stripey” result.
Anticipating Trump’s New Allies and Cabinet Members
Today, Trump is expected to nominate some of his conservative and TV-savvy allies to serve in his administration.
Among the individuals he has selected is Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and a regular Fox News host. Huckabee has been chosen to be the U.S. ambassador to Israel, marking a significant shift as it breaks the string of Jewish ambassadors to Israel since 2011.
Trump has also chosen U.S. Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, a Minnesota Army National Guard veteran. His nomination also came as a surprise to many.
One of Trump’s key nominees is South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. She is said to be considering her options for the Homeland Security Department, a role that focusses heavily on border issues.
Other individuals in his cabinet lineup include tech entrepreneurs Elon Musk and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The duo is expected to advise on how to shrink government size and the federal debt, eliminate wasteful spending, and improve government efficiency.
The nomination of these highly reputed and skilled individuals indicates the strategic and calculated decisions Trump plans to take during his term in office to achieve his promises to the American people.