General
Thursday Briefing: Trump’s Victory Lap
Plus, an artist sticks up for A.I.
Credit…Doug Mills/The New York Times
Trump took a victory lap in Washington
President-elect Donald Trump met briefly with President Biden in the Oval Office yesterday in a triumphant return to the White House. They were gracious to each other during brief remarks.
“Welcome back,” Biden said — an acknowledgment of his failure to prevent Trump’s return to power.
Before his meeting with Biden, Trump spoke in front of a jubilant gathering of Republican congressmen and joked about a third term. “Isn’t it nice to win?” he asked to applause by fellow Republicans.
With him was Elon Musk, who has been given considerable influence in Trump’s transition, and is leading an effort to make the government smaller and more efficient.
Secretary of Defense: Trump tapped the Fox News host and veteran Pete Hegseth to be his defense secretary, a choice that was outside the norm.
America First team: He also nominated Senator Marco Rubio of Florida to be his secretary of state and Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, to serve as the director of national intelligence. They fill out a team that will prioritize an America First position, and fits comfortably with Trump’s worldview, in which deal-making reigns over ideology.
More on Trump
Senate Republicans chose John Thune to replace Mitch McConnell as the party’s leader, rejecting Trump’s pick, Rick Scott.
Trump said he would nominate Representative Matt Gaetz, who was investigated for human trafficking, to be his attorney general.
Both of Trump’s nominees to serve as envoys to the Middle East have signaled strong support for Israel.
On the campaign trail, Trump proposed shutting down the Department of Education. But is that possible?
Control of the House of Representatives remains unclear, though analysts say Republicans are favored to win a narrow majority.
The worlds of fashion and wine are bracing for Trump’s promise to raise tariffs.
Here is a list of Trump’s cabinet nominations. Follow our live updates on the Trump transition.
