Change of power in the USA: Trump makes first personnel decision for second term

The change of power in the USA is taking its first steps. In his first personnel decision after winning the election, President-elect Donald Trump made his previous campaign manager Susan Wiles chief of staff in the White House. “Susie Wiles just helped me win one of the greatest political victories in American history and was an integral part of my successful 2016 and 2020 campaigns,” the Republican shared. Wiles is tough, smart and innovative. US President Joe Biden promised a peaceful handover of office on January 20th.

According to the information, Wiles will be the first woman chief of staff in United States history. In this job, the 67-year-old will have a lot of power in the White House. The office controls access to the commander in chief and the Oval Office, making it one of the key positions for any government. As a political strategist, Wiles has been part of Trump’s inner circle for years. During his first term in office there were many resignations and dismissals – including in the office of chief of staff. Trump had four in total.

New government team with old friends?

Trump is in numerous discussions with candidates for ministerial posts and other important positions in the future government. Various names of strident Trump allies are circulating who could take on important positions – including the tech billionaire Elon Musk, the controversial ex-ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, and the vaccination opponent and temporary presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy. Republican Senator Marco Rubio is said to be in discussion as the new Secretary of State, while Trump’s loyal former chief diplomat Mike Pompeo is in talks for the important defense portfolio.

With his new government, the 78-year-old Trump wants to fulfill his promises from the election campaign, including deporting migrants from the USA quickly and on a large scale. Trump told NBC that this was a priority: “It’s not a question of price. It’s not a question of price – we really have no choice.” Another report said Trump was relying on private companies to set up deportation centers where people would stay until they left the United States.

Lots of phone calls – not yet with Putin

According to his own statements, the US President-elect has spoken to around 70 heads of state and government so far. These included Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky – but not Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin. Trump told NBC that he expected a similar conversation to take place soon.

Putin publicly congratulated Trump and was generally open to resuming contact. At the same time, he emphasized that he would not call Trump himself because many Western leaders preferred to avoid contact with Russia today.

Trump promised several times during the election campaign that he would end Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine as quickly as possible. Ukrainian President Zelensky described his first phone call with Trump after his election victory as “excellent”. The two agreed to have a “close dialogue” and promote cooperation, Zelenskyj wrote on Platform X.

Front line in Ukraine could be frozen

Ukraine is dependent on US support in its defense against the Russian attackers. There are fears in Kiev that Trump could stop military aid and that the Republican wants to end the war with massive concessions to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.

Trump’s plans for the war in Ukraine are of great interest, especially in Europe. According to the Wall Street Journal, there are initial suggestions in his environment. One of the ideas is that Ukraine should promise not to join NATO for at least 20 years. In return, the USA would continue to supply the country with weapons. The plan also includes a demilitarized zone along the front, it said, citing informed people.

Biden: Defeat does not mean we have been defeated

At his first public appearance after the election, incumbent President Joe Biden assured in the Rose Garden of the White House: “On January 20th there will be a peaceful transfer of power here in America.” At the same time, Biden encouraged his Democratic supporters. “Setbacks are inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable,” he said. “A defeat does not mean we have been defeated.” You have to keep fighting for the America you dream of.

Trump clearly prevailed in the election against Democratic opponent Kamala Harris and for the first time also won a clear majority of the votes cast nationwide: According to US media, the Republican received at least almost 73 million votes based on the count so far. Harris received almost five million fewer votes, around 68 million. Whether Trump can rule unhindered will be decided by the House of Representatives, whose majority is still unclear. The Republicans have a secure majority in the second chamber of parliament, the Senate.

The results of the presidential election still have to be counted and certified in the states down to the last vote. The official result must be known by December 11th. On December 17th, the electors in the states will meet to vote. The newly elected Congress meets for the first time on January 3rd.

On January 6th, the House of Representatives and Senate will meet together to formally confirm the election results. This meeting is chaired by the incumbent Vice President, Harris. After the 2020 election, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on this occasion.

January 20th is the day of the transfer of power: the new president is sworn in in a solemn ceremony at the Capitol. The new government then begins its work immediately.