Trump dominates Washington’s agenda – weeks before he takes the oath of office

As Biden fades from the national stage, amid policy announcements and cabinet picks, it feels to many Americans like Trump is president again already

The grand reopening of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on Saturday was expected to be attended by around 50 heads of state and government. Joe Biden was not there to admire the magnificent splendour of the 850-year-old place of worship. But Donald Trump was.

The role reversal neatly symbolises how power is draining from one man to the other. Biden, now a lame duck, appears to be in decline both physically and politically, fading from America’s national stage and tarnishing his legacy with a pardon for his errant son.

Topics

FBI Director Christopher Wray to resign before Trump takes office

Wray, who incurred Donald Trump's ire, said quitting was "the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray".
BBC News - 17m
FBI director Christopher Wray will resign before Trump takes office

Trump had signaled his intent to fire the veteran official and replace him with firebrand Kash Patel. The director of the FBI , Christopher Wray, announced he was stepping down on Wednesday, ...
The Guardian - 57m
FBI director Christopher Wray to step down before Trump takes office

Resignation comes after president-elect said he will nominate Kash Patel to lead top US law enforcement agency
Financial Times - 2h
Trump-led trade agenda looks lucrative to Washington law firms

Plus, the clearest sign yet that dealmakers are enthusiastic about the incoming administration
Financial Times - 1d
Activists Call on Biden to Clear Death Row Before Trump Takes Office

The series of open letters from human rights activists and former corrections officials aligned with a larger push from Democrats for sweeping clemency action for those in prison.
The New York Times - 2d
Senate set for more time in Washington to pass Trump agenda

The Senate is set to spend more time in Washington next year as Republicans look to expeditiously usher President-elect Trump's agenda through Congress. According to the 2025 Senate calendar, the ...
The Hill - 6d
Trump demands hostages be released from Gaza before he takes office

Hamas recently released a propaganda video featuring U.S.-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, who has been held since the Oct. 7 massacre. It comes as President-elect Donald Trump demands the release ...
CBS News - Dec. 3
President Biden Pardons His Son Hunter Weeks Before Trump Takes Office

The pardon comes weeks before President Biden leaves office and transfers power to President-elect Donald J. Trump, who spent years attacking Hunter Biden over his legal and personal issues.
The New York Times - Dec. 2