In his first cabinet appointment since winning the presidency, President-elect Donald Trump selected Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff, the first woman to hold this high-profile role in a Republican administration.
This signals Trump’s intent to disrupt the previous administration’s policies, as he has expressed interest in re-engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Just days after his decisive defeat of Democrat Kamala Harris, Trump’s election has already sent ripples through U.S. and global politics. Putin praised Trump’s resilience after surviving an assassination attempt in July and expressed readiness to engage in diplomatic talks with the president-elect.
Trump hinted at a potential dialogue with Putin, a stark contrast to the icy relationship between Putin and President Biden since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
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Trump’s focus on a potential peace deal in the ongoing Ukraine conflict has drawn concerns from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who recently cautioned against Trump’s proposed ceasefire approach. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other global leaders have extended their congratulations, despite campaign criticisms from Harris over Trump’s connections with autocratic leaders.
In domestic policy, Trump reaffirmed his stance on mass deportations, emphasizing that the U.S. would bear any necessary cost for stricter immigration measures. Amid this, President Biden, aged 81, pledged an “orderly” transfer of power, urging Americans to “bring down the temperature.”
As Trump assembles his transition team, Biden has invited him to the White House, although the formal transition process has yet to be fully initiated.
Biden’s decision to step down in July, handing the reins to Harris, has sparked internal criticism among Democrats. In response, the White House stated Biden stands by his decision, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre affirming it was “the right decision at that time.”
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Trump’s victory, despite controversies including a fraud conviction and past impeachments, appears to reflect a desire for change among voters, especially on economic and immigration issues. His first cabinet pick, Wiles, was warmly welcomed within Trump’s circle. “Susie is tough, smart, and universally respected,” Trump said, highlighting her as a key figure in his team.
Other expected appointments are poised to align with Trump’s disruptive approach. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known figure in the anti-vaccine movement, may hold a prominent role in health care, while Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and outspoken Trump supporter, is speculated to assist in auditing government waste.
Trump’s administration is expected to focus on reversing Biden-era policies, especially those related to climate. He has pledged to prioritize energy independence and expand oil drilling, though he may face challenges in undoing certain bipartisan investment initiatives, given their support within Congress.
