On November 5, 2024, Donald Trump won the US presidential election and became the president-elect, but the beginning of this transition period was accompanied by controversy. Trump was formally elected by the Electoral College on December 17, 2024, and confirmed by a joint session of Congress on January 6, 2025. Trump's transition period will end with the inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2025, but the preparations for the transition period and its current progress have always been the focus of discussion.
Trump's effectiveness and legitimacy during the transition period after the 2024 election have been questioned by many media outlets.
Trump was identified as the expected Republican nominee on March 12 and formally accepted the nomination at the Republican National Convention in July. Subsequently, Trump announced on August 16 that he would set up a transition team, co-chaired by Linda McMahon, former director of the Small Business Administration, and billionaire Howard Lutnick.
Despite this, Trump's transition team is considered to be formed a little later than usual. Generally speaking, presidential candidates begin planning for the transition period in the spring, but Trump's failure to be adequately prepared for the transition has made the outside world uneasy.
Trump refused in October to sign a standard agreement on ethics and disclosure, a move that raised questions about his transition process. According to The New York Times, Trump's team has a looser internal ethics protocol than Vice President Kamala Harris' team. In addition, the General Services Administration will not be able to provide support needed for the transition, such as office space and IT equipment, until Trump formally signs the agreement.
Media reports called the delay "a significant and unnecessary" national security risk.
Political discord also played out within Trump's team, with Howard Lutnick's potential conflicts of interest causing considerable tension and criticism of the transition effort.
After Trump's election, Joe Biden expressed support for a peaceful transfer of power and met with Trump at the White House on November 13. Previously, Trump had told the media that he was looking forward to meeting with Biden to ensure a smooth transition.
Trump expressed his gratitude for Biden's efforts and reiterated the importance of a "smooth transition."
The transition team also plans a series of international exchanges. Trump will go to Paris on December 7, 2024 to attend the restoration and reconstruction of Notre Dame de Paris, and hold talks with French President Macron and Ukrainian President Zelensky. talks.
This diplomatic move highlights Trump's expected global influence when he takes office, while also making people look forward to his changes in policy direction.
Trump began nominating cabinet candidates in November, but many of his nominees, such as Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who was nominated for Secretary of State, and Robert, who once ran for the 2024 presidential election, were rejected. F. Kennedy was criticized as an inappropriate appointment. Trump faces pressure for oversight due to potential conflicts of interest and past controversies.
Many of Trump's cabinet nominees have strong ties to the Republican Party in past elections.
For example, Senator Marco Rubio, who has had many head-on clashes with Trump, was nominated as Secretary of State, a decision that has raised questions about his true intentions.
As Trump's transition period progresses, people both at home and abroad are looking forward to his policy direction and personnel appointments. At this critical moment when he is about to take office, whether Trump can effectively integrate the team and advance policies is a question that many people are concerned about.
Whether Trump can overcome controversy, conduct a smooth transition and govern effectively will be a major test in the coming years.
During this eye-catching period, we can't help but wonder: What unexpected impacts and changes will Trump's transition period bring?