The transition plans were supposed to start over the summer, but formal legal agreements with the General Services Administration (GSA) have not been signed yet, delaying access to office space, government email addresses, and detailed information about agency operations.
In 2016, Trump fired his transition team leader, Chris Christie, and discarded the prepared transition plans, leading to a rough start with many Obama holdovers and high-ranking acting positions. This hindered his ability to implement his agenda effectively.
Trump plans to close the border, launch the largest deportation program of criminals in U.S. history, take a hatchet to Biden's climate agenda, supercharge energy exploration, ban transgender women in sports, and implement critical race theory bans in schools.
Deporting millions of immigrants would face significant operational and legal challenges, requiring substantial investment and resources. Trump's plan to invoke the Aliens Enemies Act of 1798 could provide some flexibility but faces legal scrutiny.
Trump has repeatedly promised pardons for January 6 rioters, calling them 'hostages' and 'political prisoners.' He has attempted to rewrite the history of the event as peaceful, despite it being a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The Justice Department is continuing its massive investigation into the January 6 attack, with over 1,500 people charged so far. The potential for mass pardons has not changed the department's approach, as new cases are still being brought.
Donald Trump's presidential transition plans are lagging. What can be expected from Trump's first 100 days in office. And January 6 rioters are already angling for a presidential pardon under Trump.*Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter).Today's episode of Up First was edited by Roberta Rampton, Megan Pratz, Anna Yukhananov, Olivia Hampton and Jan Johnson. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Lindsay Totty. We get engineering support from Carleigh Strange. And our technical director is Zac Coleman.*Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)