Tag Archives: USPolitics

How will Trump approach and possibly transform presidential power?

President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in November [Evan Vucci/AP Photo]

President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in November [Evan Vucci/AP Photo]

Washington, DC – United States President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office in just five days, completing a stunning reversal of fortune that saw him rebound from defeat after his failed 2020 re-election bid. Trump’s second term in the White House, starting Monday, will serve as the latest test to his strong-armed approach to presidential power. How he proceeds could transform an office that has, for decades, grown in potency, despite its constitutional design as a balance to the legislative and judicial branches of the US government. Indeed, Trump’s sweeping claims of presidential authority — both in his norm-breaking first term and in the years since — have caused disquiet among experts who question what may come in the next four years. Marjorie Cohn, a professor emerita at the

Biden takes credit for his administration securing ceasefire deal in final farewell address

US President Joe Biden delivers his farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 15, 2025. (photo credit: MANDEL NGAN/POOL VIA REUTERS)

“This plan was developed and negotiated by my team and will largely be implemented by the incoming administration,” Biden said. By HANNAH SARISOHN JANUARY 16, 2025 03:44 US President Joe Biden delivers his farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 15, 2025. (photo credit: MANDEL NGAN/POOL VIA REUTERS) President Biden began his farewell address on Wednesday night by taking credit for his administration’s “nonstop negotiations” over the past eight months that led to the ceasefire and hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas.  As of Wednesday morning, it was uncertain that Biden would be able to speak of the finalized deal from behind the Resolute desk in his final address to the nation.  “This plan was developed and negotiated by

Key takeaways as Trump nominees face US Senate confirmation hearings

Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for attorney general, appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 15 [Ben Curtis/AP Photo]

Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for attorney general, appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 15 [Ben Curtis/AP Photo]

For a second day in a row, the United States Senate has weighed nominees for key positions in President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet, grilling candidates on their backgrounds and qualifications. Wednesday was a busy day for the Senate, as it held hearings for six Trump nominees, including heavy-hitters like Senator Marco Rubio — his pick to be secretary of state — and Pam Bondi, tapped for the attorney general’s seat. The hearings come as Republican leaders in Congress hope to give Trump a strong start to his second term, which begins on Monday. High-level cabinet positions need Senate approval, and Republicans hold 53 seats to the Democrats’ 45. Still, controversial nominees will need every vote possible to succeed in their appointment. Wednesday’s hearings, for instance, were preceded by fiery proceedings a day

Kamala Harris Secures Obama Endorsement in Bid for White House

Kamala Harris speaking to the Obamas

Kamala Harris speaking to the Obamas

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Kamala Harris to take on Donald Trump in the upcoming US presidential election, marking a heartwarming turn of events. The endorsement comes after a period of silence from the Obamas, who had previously suggested an open contest to decide the Democratic nominee. […]

Biden Steps Aside: “Saving Democracy is My Priority

Biden Steps Aside Saving Democracy is My Priority

President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, DC: GETTY IMAGES

In a heartfelt and historic televised address, US President Joe Biden announced that he is ending his re-election campaign to focus on preserving American democracy. The 81-year-old president, who has served in public office for over half a century, made the announcement from the Oval Office, surrounded by his family and key White House staff. […]

JD Vance as VP: What His ‘America First’ Approach Could Mean for Global Politics

Former President Donald Trump and his recently revealed running mate, Senator JD Vance, are pictured together.

Former President Donald Trump and his recently revealed running mate, Senator JD Vance, are pictured together. The image is credited to Justin Lane/EPA.

After months of anticipation, JD Vance has been selected as Donald Trump’s running mate for the 2024 election, positioning him as a potential leader of the ‘America First’ movement. Despite having less than two years in Congress, the Ohio senator’s political inexperience is contrasted by his distinct foreign policy views. These views diverge from those […]

Trump’s Hush Money Trial: A Watershed Moment for American Democracy

Trump's Hush Money Trial A Watershed Moment for American Democracy

Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits in the courtroom at a hearing in his criminal case on charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star in New York City, U.S., March 25, 2024. Brendan Mcdermid | Reuters

The Donald Trump hush money trial represents a legal, political, and public watershed moment for American democracy. At its core, the case centers on allegations that the former president’s team facilitated hush money payments to two women before the 2016 election to prevent them from publicizing claims of extramarital affairs with Trump. While the specific […]