General
Thursday Briefing
A victory for the Republican Party.
Donald Trump with President Biden, in the Oval Office yesterday.Credit…Doug Mills/The New York Times
The G.O.P. has retained the House
Republicans cemented their control of the House yesterday, after holding onto a handful of critical seats in Arizona and California and defeating incumbent Democrats in key battleground districts, handing the G.O.P. a governing trifecta in Washington to enact President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda. A few remaining races were still too close to call.
Amid a flurry of personnel announcements, Trump tapped Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, one of his fiercest defenders and an avowed enemy of virtually every other top Republican, as his pick for attorney general. Gaetz was previously investigated by the Justice Department for child sex trafficking, but was not charged with any crime. Senate Republicans reacted with alarm and dismay to the decision.
A remarkable meeting: In an extraordinary 29-second encounter yesterday, Trump and President Biden met in the Oval Office. “Welcome,” Biden said, promising a smooth transition. “Welcome back.” The two then spoke for about two hours behind closed doors.
Trump’s victory lap: The president-elect also visited a gathering of House Republicans today near the Capitol. He received a standing ovation and joked about trying to circumvent the Constitution and run for a third term.
For more: Trump said he wanted Tulsi Gabbard, a former congresswoman who left the Democratic Party for the G.O.P., to serve as the director of national intelligence, and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida to be his secretary of state. Here is a list of Trump’s cabinet nominations. Follow our live updates on the Trump transition.
In other politics news:
Melania Trump declined to meet with Jill Biden, as current and future first ladies traditionally do.
Senate Republicans chose John Thune to replace Mitch McConnell as the party’s leader, rejecting Trump’s pick, Rick Scott.
Trump said he would use the Education Department to further his priorities. He also said he would close it. Both options could face difficulties.
The worlds of fashion and wine are bracing for Trump’s promise to raise tariffs.
Elon Musk’s imprint is everywhere on the Trump transition.
Jack Smith plans to step down as special counsel before Trump takes office.
Nonprofit groups that used lawsuits and protests to stymie the first Trump administration will face longer odds this time.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. scorned Trump’s fast food habit as “poison.”