Trump 2.0: A Criminal Sentencing, Presidential Legacies, and Greenland
Jan 10, 2025
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In this discussion, Maggie Haberman, a senior political correspondent at The New York Times, David E. Sanger, White House and National Security Correspondent, and Zolan Kanno-Youngs, covering the Biden administration, delve into Trump’s legal battles and his audacious comments regarding military control of Greenland and the Panama Canal. They reflect on Biden's efforts to solidify his legacy against the backdrop of Trump's tumultuous return to the political scene, highlighting the intersection of law, international relations, and evolving national policies.
Trump's attempt to prevent his sentencing reflects broader implications for his presidency and presidential immunity amidst ongoing legal challenges.
Biden's final days in office focused on environmental reforms, highlighting the precariousness of these initiatives against potential reversals by Trump's incoming administration.
Deep dives
Trump's Legal Maneuvers
President-elect Trump’s legal team filed a request with the Supreme Court to prevent his upcoming sentencing related to the hush money case, which involves payments made to silence a former adult film actress regarding an alleged affair. His argument centers on presidential immunity, suggesting that as an incoming president, he should not face legal proceedings that could diminish the dignity of the office. The courts had repeatedly rejected his team's requests for delays and dismissals, signaling a push towards resolving the case for closure and respect to the jury's verdict. The outcome of the Supreme Court's decision could have far-reaching implications for Trump's presidency, including the unprecedented scenario of an elected felon entering office.
Trump's Controversial Remarks
During a press conference, Trump made headlines by discussing the potential acquisition of Greenland and the Panama Canal, suggesting military involvement could be a strategy for these endeavors. His remarks stirred international concerns, as he did not dismiss the possibility of using military or economic coercion to pursue these territorial interests. Trump referenced a historic context where U.S. expansion was normalized, echoing themes of nationalism and a perceived decline of American influence on the global stage. The implications of his statements suggested a return to a power-based approach to foreign relations, which alarmed leaders in affected regions.
Biden's Final Actions in Office
In his final days, President Biden focused on implementing executive orders aimed at environmental protection and addressing social justice issues, such as a recent ban on offshore drilling in U.S. coastal waters. Despite these efforts, his administration faced challenges, as much of his executive action could be overturned by the incoming Trump administration. The Biden team expressed concerns over the limited impact of their actions, knowing former president Trump has promised to dismantle key aspects of Biden's legislative agenda. This limbo period highlighted the fragility of executive orders and the political hurdles ahead for long-term projects initiated by Biden.
Biden's Reflections and Concerns
In a reflective interview, President Biden acknowledged uncertainty regarding his capacity to serve a second term due to his age, generating discussion about the implications for his political legacy. He voiced confidence in having the potential to defeat Trump if he had stayed in the race, revealing frustration with missed opportunities while pondering on his tenure. Concerns were raised about the targeting of his colleagues by Trump's upcoming administration, with Biden hinting at potential preemptive pardons for those he believed might be scrutinized. This admission not only indicated Biden's awareness of the political realities at play but also echoed a broader narrative of the conflict between the outgoing administration and the incoming one.
This week, President-elect Donald J. Trump asked the Supreme Court to prevent him from being sentenced in a New York criminal case and implied that he could use military force to seize control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, while President Biden did his best to try to Trump-proof his legacy.
The Times journalists Michael Barbaro, Maggie Haberman, David E. Sanger and Zolan Kanno-Youngs discuss the latest in the presidential transition.
Guests:
Maggie Haberman, a senior political correspondent for The New York Times.
David E. Sanger, the White House and National Security Correspondent for The New York Times.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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