5 Special Things About Trump’s First Week as President-elect

Donald Trump has wasted no time making waves since being elected president. His first week has been anything but ordinary, setting the stage for what looks to be a bold and controversial second term.

From assembling a team that reflects his unconventional style to navigating legal challenges and foreign policy battles, Trump has laid down the groundwork for what could be one of the most talked-about second terms in history. Here’s a look at the standout moments from his dramatic first week.

Loyal team with a vision to disrupt

Trump’s first order of business was forming a team that mirrors his ambitions for radical change. He bypassed Washington’s usual go-to figures and instead picked people who align with his goals to shake things up. 

His choices include Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who are set to spearhead efforts to reduce bureaucracy and cut regulations drastically.

Even his more traditional picks are creating ripples. For instance, his nominee for defense secretary has openly criticized “woke” policies in the military, while his choice for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has vowed to restructure health agencies and slash unnecessary departments. This approach makes it clear: loyalty and a shared vision matter more than convention.

Republican Congress – A powerful ally

Republicans now control both the House and the Senate, a significant win for Trump. This advantage gives him a smoother path to push through major legislation, from stricter immigration laws to significant tariff measures.

With fewer obstacles from Democrats, Trump is poised to avoid the legislative gridlocks that hindered him in his first term. However, controlling Congress doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing, as some Republicans may still challenge his more polarizing ideas.

Divisions among senate republicans

Trump’s dominance within the Republican Party isn’t absolute, as demonstrated by the Senate’s leadership race. Despite his loyalists rallying behind Rick Scott, the Senate Republicans chose John Thune, a more traditional leader with a mixed history of support for Trump.

This secret-ballot decision shows that while many Republicans back Trump publicly, internal disagreements may emerge during critical votes, particularly when confirming controversial cabinet members like Matt Gaetz for attorney general.

Legal challenges on hold, but not forgotten

Trump’s legal troubles remain a hot topic, but his presidential status could change their trajectory. A New York judge is reviewing whether his criminal conviction in the hush-money case should be overturned, thanks to a recent Supreme Court ruling expanding presidential immunity.

Though the case remains unresolved, Trump’s legal battles have taken a backseat to his political resurgence. If the conviction is tossed, it would be a significant win for him, reinforcing his claim of being a target of political persecution.

A Tougher Stance on China

Foreign policy is shaping up to be a cornerstone of Trump’s second term, with China firmly in his sights. His proposed team is filled with outspoken critics of Beijing, such as Marco Rubio, his pick for secretary of state, who has called China the “greatest adversary America has ever faced.”

From national security adviser Mike Waltz to UN ambassador nominee Elise Stefanik, Trump’s appointees seem united in their commitment to take a harder line against China. Expect heightened tensions and aggressive policies aimed at asserting U.S. dominance on the global stage.