ABC News Daily Donald Trump’s first hours as president
Jan 21, 2025
Geoff Kabaservice, Vice President for political studies at the Niskanen Centre, shares insights on Donald Trump's tumultuous return to the White House. They discuss Trump's immediate actions, including the controversial pardons for Capitol rioters and withdrawal from crucial international agreements like the Paris climate accord and WHO. The conversation dives into the implications of his populist agenda and examines the potential upsides of a Trump re-election amid shifting public sentiment.
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Trump's Mandate
- Trump's narrow popular victory and slim Congressional margins suggest a divided nation.
- Despite this, a shift in public opinion acknowledges Trump's influence and likely impact on policy.
Two Crowds
- Trump addressed two audiences: an elite group indoors, which included tech billionaires and politicians.
- Outside was a crowd of MAGA supporters, highlighting a divide.
The Pardon Power
- Presidential pardons, once used sparingly, are becoming increasingly common, even preemptively.
- Both Trump's and Biden's actions raise concerns about the devaluation of legal processes.