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The Senate has confirmed Marco Rubio as secretary of state, marking President Donald Trump's first Cabinet appointment on Inauguration Day, reports AP. On Monday, the Senate unanimously approved Rubio’s nomination with a decisive 99-0 vote. A Republican senator from Florida, Rubio is considered one of Trump’s least contentious choices. Another nominee, John Ratcliffe, for CIA director, is expected to face a swift vote as early as Tuesday, while votes on other nominees, including Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, may occur later in the week. Trump pauses US TikTok ban with executive order “Marco Rubio is a very intelligent man with a remarkable understanding of American foreign policy,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the Senate’s senior Republican, as proceedings began. It is traditional for the Senate to convene shortly after a presidential inauguration to confirm key national security appointments. During Trump’s first term, defense and homeland security secretaries were confirmed on day one, and President Joe Biden’s director of national intelligence was similarly confirmed on his inauguration day. With Trump returning to the White House and Republicans holding a congressional majority, his Cabinet nominees are progressing despite initial bipartisan skepticism. Trump suspends US foreign aid for 90 days After his confirmation, Rubio expressed gratitude and readiness. “It’s an important job in an important time, and I’m honoured by it,” he said, surrounded by colleagues in the Senate chamber. Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced plans to expedite votes on Trump’s Cabinet picks, stating that voting would begin “imminently.” Democrats, while opposing some of Trump’s more controversial nominees, have opted to support qualified candidates like Rubio. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer remarked that Democrats would not “rubber-stamp” unqualified nominees but would support those deserving of serious consideration, citing Rubio as one such example. Rubio’s nomination was unanimously advanced by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee late Monday, while other committees approved nominees like Hegseth, Ratcliffe, Kristi Noem for homeland security secretary, and Russell Vought for director of the Office of Management and Budget, though some faced opposition. Rubio, a seasoned senator and former Trump rival in the 2016 presidential race, has cultivated a closer relationship with Trump in recent years. As secretary of state, he becomes the first Latino to hold the position, taking over from outgoing Secretary Antony Blinken. Born in Miami to Cuban immigrants, Rubio has a strong background in foreign affairs, particularly in South America, and is known for his firm stance on China. During his confirmation hearing, Rubio highlighted concerns over the U.S.’s “unbalanced relationship” with China. While aligned with Trump’s anti-globalist rhetoric, Rubio also recognises the importance of U.S. engagement on the global stage, earning him bipartisan support. Asian shares show mixed performance following Trump inauguration The Senate’s 53-47 split, which is temporarily reduced due to recent resignations, necessitates near-unanimous Republican support to advance nominees. Procedural delays are expected with some, including Hegseth, potentially extending votes into later in the week.

US President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Monday temporarily halting all U.S. foreign assistance programs for 90 days while conducting reviews to assess their alignment with his administration's policy objectives, reports AP. The immediate impact of the order on funding was unclear, as many programs have already been allocated funding by Congress, which is either obligated or already spent. Asian shares show mixed performance following Trump inauguration In the order, one of several signed on his first day back in office, Trump criticised the “foreign aid industry and bureaucracy,” claiming they often contradict American interests and values. He further stated that such programs “destabilise world peace by promoting ideas in foreign countries that conflict with harmonious and stable internal and international relations.” Trump declared that no U.S. foreign assistance would be disbursed unless it was fully aligned with the President's foreign policy objectives. During his confirmation hearing last week before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised the importance of justifying all expenditures and programs with three key questions: “Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?” The order grants Rubio or his designee, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget, the authority to evaluate foreign assistance programs. The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development remain the primary agencies overseeing such aid. Trump has consistently criticised foreign aid, despite it typically accounting for about 1% of the federal budget, except in exceptional cases such as the extensive military aid provided to Ukraine. He has specifically voiced concerns about the volume of assistance sent to Ukraine to support its defense against Russia's invasion. Trump pardons 1,500 Jan 6 defendants including violent rioters The most recent official report on foreign aid under the Biden administration, from mid-December 2023, indicated that $68 billion had been allocated for programs abroad, including disaster relief, health, and pro-democracy initiatives in 204 countries and regions. Major recipients of U.S. aid, such as Israel ($3.3 billion annually), Egypt ($1.5 billion annually), and Jordan ($1.7 billion annually), are unlikely to face significant cuts due to long-standing agreements, some governed by treaties. Republican administrations, including Trump’s, have traditionally targeted funding to U.N. agencies for reductions or cuts. During Trump’s first term, payments to various U.N. agencies, such as the U.N. Population Fund, and funding to the Palestinian Authority were suspended. Additionally, the U.S. had already exited the U.N. Human Rights Council under Trump’s leadership, ceasing related financial obligations. A bill signed by former President Joe Biden in March barred U.S. funding for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump issued pardons or commutations for all 1,500-plus individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, reports AP. Among those pardoned were individuals convicted of seditious conspiracy and assaulting law enforcement. This move effectively reversed the extensive prosecutions following the attack on the Capitol, which disrupted a joint session of Congress and injured over 100 police officers. Trump, a populist president, is flanked by tech billionaires at his inauguration Trump's decision also included an order for the attorney general to seek dismissal of around 450 pending cases linked to the Capitol riot. Describing the defendants as "patriots" and victims of an unjust Justice Department, Trump framed the pardons as a step towards "national reconciliation." His actions were celebrated by supporters and defence attorneys, while critics, including Democratic leaders and law enforcement officials, expressed outrage over what they saw as an affront to justice and public safety. Notably, the pardons included commutations for 14 individuals convicted of seditious conspiracy, with the remainder receiving full, unconditional clemency. The announcement triggered mixed reactions, with supporters expressing gratitude and optimism, while opponents highlighted the violent acts committed and the impact on victims, many of whom are law enforcement officers. Trump says 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico coming on Feb. 1 as he signs several orders on economy The sweeping pardons also come amidst the Justice Department's abandonment of federal criminal cases against Trump, following his re-election, in line with policies against prosecuting sitting presidents. Over the last four years, extensive investigations and prosecutions had resulted in more than 1,200 convictions, with many facing substantial prison sentences for their roles in the riot.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday announced his plan to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico starting February 1. However, he refrained from elaborating on potential taxes on Chinese goods. Speaking to reporters while signing executive orders on his first day back at the White House, Trump hinted at further discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding trade relations, following their recent phone conversation. Despite previously threatening tariffs of up to 60% on China during his campaign, Trump noted plans for upcoming meetings with Xi. “We’ll be having meetings and calls with President Xi,” Trump stated. Trump sworn in as 47th President of the United States, promises new 'golden age of America' Trump expressed confidence that his executive actions would help reduce energy prices, curb inflation, and bolster the economy. However, questions remain about whether the measures will meet his promise of a stronger economy with lower consumer costs. The former president attributed inflation to the $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package introduced in 2021 under President Joe Biden, while accusing the Biden administration of restricting oil drilling. “The inflation crisis stemmed from excessive spending,” Trump claimed during his inaugural address. Among the executive orders signed Monday, Trump approved oil drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and eased regulatory restrictions on oil and natural gas production. Additionally, he declared a national energy emergency, aiming to increase electricity production and enhance U.S. competitiveness in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Other measures included a directive for federal agencies to review ways to reduce costs related to housing, healthcare, food, and energy, as well as strategies to increase workforce participation. Trump also extended the timeline for the social media platform TikTok to find a U.S.-based buyer by 75 days. In trade policy, Trump ordered federal agencies to evaluate tariffs and directed the Treasury and Commerce departments to consider establishing an “External Revenue Service” to collect customs duties. Trump returning to power after unprecedented comeback In his address, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to imposing tariffs, claiming foreign nations would bear the cost, although such taxes are typically paid by U.S. importers and passed on to consumers. “Tariffs will make us rich as hell,” Trump declared. Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc responded to Trump’s announcement, stating that Canada is preparing for various scenarios in trade relations with the U.S. “Trump has shown unpredictability in the past, so our priority is to be ready for any outcome,” LeBlanc said. Trump’s orders are part of his broader efforts to tackle inflation, an issue that persisted during Biden's term. While inflation dropped from its peak of 9.1% in mid-2022 to 2.9% in December 2023, prices remain significantly higher than four years ago, with average weekly wages lagging behind. Trump emphasized his focus on boosting domestic fossil fuel production, arguing it is critical for reducing energy costs and ensuring national security. However, critics noted his apparent disregard for the environmental impacts of fossil fuel reliance. Trump also announced plans to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, citing a need to prioritize domestic energy needs. What Trump proposed for a second administration The rising cost of living remains a concern for American voters, with housing shortages and increased energy prices among the key drivers of inflation. Although energy costs account for only 6% of household spending, their ripple effect across the economy is significant. During his inaugural address, Trump downplayed inflation's impact on voter concerns, suggesting immigration issues resonate more with his supporters. “How many times can you say an apple’s price has doubled?” he remarked.

Firefighters in Southern California swiftly brought several brush fires under control on Monday, despite facing challenging weather conditions marked by strong winds and low humidity. The extreme fire weather, which poses a heightened risk of new wildfires, is expected to persist until Tuesday, as officials remain on high alert. Wind gusts were forecast to reach up to 113 km/h along coastal areas and 160 km/h in mountainous and foothill regions, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). A warning for a “particularly dangerous situation” was issued for parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Diego counties due to the combined impact of Santa Ana winds and dry conditions. Andrew Rorke, a meteorologist with the NWS in Oxnard, cautioned that the conditions could lead to rapid fire growth if new blazes ignite. As flames linger, talk turns to rebuilding Los Angeles neighborhoods leveled by wildfires On Monday, Los Angeles fire crews quickly extinguished a small brush fire near the Griffith Observatory, with police detaining a man suspected of starting the fire. Another fire broke out along Interstate 405 in Granada Hills, briefly halting northbound traffic before firefighters brought it under control. Further south, firefighters contained a blaze in Poway, San Diego County, before it could spread further. Authorities have urged residents to avoid activities that could inadvertently spark new fires, such as mowing lawns, and to remain prepared by reviewing evacuation plans and keeping emergency kits ready. David Acuna, spokesperson for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), expressed concerns about the potential for existing fires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, to spread beyond containment lines. “These fires remain our priority, and we urge the public not to engage in any activities that could lead to additional fires,” Acuna said. The Palisades and Eaton fires, which have been burning since Jan. 7, have destroyed over 14,000 structures. As of Monday, the Palisades Fire was 59% contained, while the Eaton Fire was 87% contained, according to fire officials. Firefighters continue battling LA wildfires amid dangerous weather warning Evacuation orders for parts of Pacific Palisades were lifted on Monday, though access was restricted to residents with valid identification. Over the weekend, two men impersonating firefighters attempted to enter an evacuation zone but were intercepted by authorities. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass assured residents that the city is prepared for any new outbreaks and warned that strong winds could spread ash from existing fire zones across Southern California. Residents were advised to visit the city’s official website for information on protecting themselves from hazardous air conditions. Firefighting efforts have been bolstered with additional resources, including water-dropping aircraft, hand crews, and strategically deployed fire engines. Around 1,000 firefighters from the outgoing shift were retained to strengthen response capacity in high-risk areas, fire officials confirmed. Authorities remain hopeful about the possibility of rain in the coming days but cautioned that gusty winds could return by Thursday, further complicating firefighting efforts.

Donald Trump, who overcame impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, was sworn in Monday as the 47th U.S. president, taking charge as Republicans claim unified control of Washington and set out to reshape the country’s institutions. Trump’s swearing-in ceremony was moved indoors due to intense cold, and began at noon. Festivities started earlier when the incoming president arrived for service at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Trump in his first remarks as the 47th president declared that the “golden age of America begins right now.” “From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world,” he said. Trump referred to the assassination attempt against him, saying he was “saved by God to make America great again,” drawing a standing ovation from Republicans in the room while Democrats, including Biden and Harris, remained seated and still. Trump says the election has given him “a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal” he says has taken place, “and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy and indeed their freedom. From this moment on, America’s decline is over.” Trump marked the fact that his inauguration is occurring on Martin Luther King Jr. Day., saying in his speech that his administration will “strive together to make his dream a reality.” “To the Black and Hispanic communities, I want to thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love and trust that you have shown me with your vote. We set records and I will not forget it,” Trump said. “We will make his dream come true,” Trump vowed of the Rev. King. Trump said “all illegal entry will immediately be halted,” with few details on how he will achieve that. He said he would end the practice of releasing migrants in the United States to pursue asylum, known as “catch-and-release,” but didn’t say how he would pay for the enormous costs of detention. Trump takes executive actions on energy, inflation, and tariffs on first day Part of his plan relies on resuming the “Remain in Mexico” policy to make asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court, a hallmark of his first term. The Mexican government has agreed, signaling perhaps one of the most concrete and immediate changes that will be seen at the border. Trump said little about his plans for mass deportation, saying only that he would deport “millions and millions of criminal aliens.” Trump says he wants to send American astronauts to Mars, saying he “will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars” and “plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars.” Billionaire Elon Musk of SpaceX threw his hands up in the air as Trump announced the U.S. would plant its flag on Mars. Trump vowed to “defeat what was record inflation.” Inflation peaked at 9.1% in June 2022 after rising steadily in the first 17 months of Biden’s presidency from a low of 0.1% in May 2020. The most recent data shows that as of December it had fallen to 2.9%. But other historical periods have seen higher inflation, such as a more than 14% rate in 1980, according to the Federal Reserve. Trump’s promised Day 1 executive orders Here are a few of the executive orders Trump says he plans to issue on his first day: 1. Several on immigration, including declaring a national emergency at southern border, reinstating the “remain in Mexico” policy and sending troops to the southern border. 2. Seeking a broad government effort to reduce inflation and reduce prices. 3. Declaring a “national energy emergency” and allowing for more energy production. 4. Ending what he has called an “electric vehicle mandate.” Trump repeats unfounded immigration claim at the crux of his campaign In his inaugural address, Trump repeated a line he usually brought up during his campaign, saying that immigrants arriving in the country illegally come from prisons and mental institutions. There is no evidence countries are sending their criminals or mentally ill across the border. Speaking just feet from former Biden, Trump delivered a forceful critique of the federal government, which he says “cannot manage even a simple crisis at home.” He cited the wildfires in California and flooding in North Carolina, crises about which he has repeatedly spread incorrect claims. He also points to “a continuing catalogue of catastrophic events abroad” and illegal immigration. White House staff turning over the mansion for Trump during inauguration The staff of the White House residence starts the work of moving out one president and preparing the mansion for a new president as soon as the outgoing and incoming presidents leave for the inauguration at the Capitol. They have about five hours to do it. The White House chief usher is the staff person who oversees the process and will have worked with Melania Trump to coordinate the move. One former White House usher describes the process as “organized chaos.” Trump will order the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and more A spokeswoman for the transition team says Donald Trump will order the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska’s Mount Denali in his first executive orders. Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on the social platform X that the Gulf of Mexico will be renamed the Gulf of America and Denali — the highest mountain in North America — will revert to Mount McKinley, its former name until the Obama administration changed it in 2015. Earlier this month, Trump floated the idea of renaming the body of water that forms the coastline along five southeastern states, saying he felt “Gulf of America” has a “beautiful ring to it.” As president, Trump can take the action to rename the body of water, although other countries don’t have to adopt the new name. Audience welcomes former presidents The former presidents in attendance — Obama, Bush and Clinton — drew applause from the audience. Two former first ladies were there, too, but Michelle Obama skipped the inauguration. She wasn’t with the former U.S. leaders and their spouses at former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral earlier this month either. No explanation has been given for her absences. Trump returning to power after unprecedented comeback Vocal Trump ally Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and the owner of social platform X, was seen along with Google’s Sundar Pichai and Amazon owner Jeff Bezos. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Apple CEO Tim Cook were also in the audience. The capacity shrunk significantly when the ceremony was moved indoors due to cold temperatures. Musk has also been tapped by Trump to help lead an outside government group called the Department of Government Efficiency to slash bureaucracy. All 9 Supreme Court justices are at the Capitol The entire court entered, led by Roberts. Retired Justice Stephen Breyer also is there.

Donald Trump, who overcame impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, arrived at the U.S. Capitol to be sworn in as the 47th president Monday, taking charge as Republicans assume unified control of Washington and set out to reshape the country's institutions. Trump will act swiftly after the ceremony, with executive orders already prepared for his signature to clamp down on border crossings, increase fossil fuel development and end diversity and inclusion programs across the federal government. He plans to declare the beginning of “a thrilling new era of national success” as “a tide of change is sweeping the country," according to excerpts of his inaugural address. The executive orders are the first step in what Trump will call “the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense." Frigid weather is rewriting the pageantry of the day. Trump’s swearing-in was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda — the first time that has happened in 40 years — and the inaugural parade was replaced by an event at a downtown arena. Throngs of Trump supporters who descended on the city to watch the inaugural ceremony on the West Front of the Capitol from the National Mall will be left to find somewhere else to view the festivities. “We needed a change. The country was going in the wrong direction in so many ways, economically, geopolitically, so many social issues at home," said Joe Morse, 56, of New Jersey, who got in line with his sons at 11 p.m. Sunday and secured a spot on the main floor at Capitol One Arena to watch a livestream of the inauguration. Trump began the day alongside much of his incoming Cabinet with a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church. He and his wife, Melania, were later greeted at the North Portico of the executive mansion by outgoing President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for the customary tea and coffee reception. It was a stark departure from four years ago, when Trump refused to acknowledge Biden’s victory or attend his inauguration. “Welcome home,” Biden said to Trump after the president-elect stepped out of the car. The two presidents, who have spent years bitterly criticizing each other, shared a limo on the way to the Capitol. When Trump takes the oath of office at noon, he will realize a political comeback without precedent in American history. Four years ago, he was voted out of the White House during an economic collapse caused by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Trump denied his defeat and tried to cling to power. He directed his supporters to march on the Capitol while lawmakers were certifying the election results, sparking a riot that interrupted the country’s tradition of the peaceful transfer of power. But Trump never lost his grip on the Republican Party and was undeterred by criminal cases and two assassination attempts as he steamrolled rivals and harnessed voters’ exasperation with inflation and illegal immigration. “I am ready for a new United States,” said Cynde Bost, 63, from Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Now Trump will be the first person convicted of a felony — for falsifying business records related to hush money payments — to serve as president. He will pledge to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution from the same spot that was overrun by his supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. He’s said that one of his first acts in office will be to pardon many of those who participated in the riot. Eight years after he first entered the White House as a political newcomer, Trump is far more familiar with the operations of federal government and emboldened to bend it to his vision. Trump wants to bring quick change by curtailing immigration, enacting tariffs on imports and rolling back Democrats’ climate and social initiatives. He has also promised retribution against his political opponents and critics, and placed personal loyalty as a prime qualification for appointments to his administration. Hours before the inauguration, Biden issued preemptive pardons to current and former government officials who have been the target of Trump's anger, shielding them from the possibility of prosecution. Biden said in a statement that “these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing.” Trump has pledged to go further and move faster in enacting his agenda than during his first term, and already the country's political, business and technology leaders have realigned themselves to accommodate Trump. Democrats who once formed a “resistance” are now divided over whether to work with Trump or defy him. Billionaires have lined up to meet with Trump as they acknowledge his unrivaled power in Washington and ability to wield the levers of government to help or hurt their interests. Long skeptical of American alliances, Trump's “America First” foreign policy is being watched warily at home and abroad as Russia's invasion of Ukraine will soon enter its third year, and a fragile ceasefire appears to be holding in Gaza after more than 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas. At the Capitol, Vice President-elect JD Vance will be sworn-in first, taking the oath read by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on a bible given to him by his great-grandmother. Trump will follow, using both a family bible and the one used by President Abraham Lincoln at his 1861 inauguration as Chief Justice John Roberts administers his oath. A cadre of billionaires and tech titans who have sought to curry favor with Trump and have donated handsomely to his inaugural festivities, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, will be in attendance. Also present will be the head of TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned social media app deemed a national security risk by the U.S. Trump has promised to lift an effective ban on TikTok through one of many executive orders expected to be issued on Monday as the new president attempts to show quick progress. Trump is planning to swiftly reinstitute his 2020 playbook to crackdown on the southern border — again declaring a national emergency, limiting the number of refugees entering the U.S. and deploying the military. He's expected to take additional actions — including constitutionally questionable ones — such as attempting to end birthright citizenship automatically bestowed on people born in the U.S. Trump will also sign an executive order aimed at ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the federal government. The order will direct federal agencies to coordinate with the White House on identifying and terminating DEI programs. Conservatives have long criticized programs that give preference based on race, gender and sexual orientation, arguing they violate the Constitution. Others orders are expected to allow more oil and gas drilling by rolling back Biden-era policies on domestic energy production and rescind Biden's recent directive on artificial intelligence. More changes are planned for the federal workforce. Trump wants to unwind diversity, equity and inclusion programs known as DEI, require employees to come back to the office and lay the groundwork to reduce staff. With control of Congress, Republicans are also working alongside the incoming administration on legislation that will further roll back Biden's policies and institute their own priorities.

Donald Trump is holding off on tariffs during his first day and placing a big bet that his executive actions can cut energy prices and tame inflation. But it's unclear whether his orders will be enough to move the U.S. economy as he promised. Orders coming Monday, including one tied to Alaska, are meant to ease the regulatory burdens on oil and natural gas production. He also intends to declare a national energy emergency in hopes of jumpstarting more electricity production in the competition with China to build out technologies such as artificial intelligence that rely on data centers using massive amounts of energy. Trump plans to sign a presidential memorandum seeking a broad-based government approach to bringing down inflation. All those details are according to an incoming White House official who insisted on anonymity while outlining Trump's plans during a call with reporters. The official said the new administration, on his first day in office, will end what Trump incorrectly calls an electric car “mandate.” While there is no mandate from outgoing Democratic President Joe Biden to force the purchase of electric vehicles, his polices have sought to encourage Americans to buy EVs and auto companies to shift from gas-powered vehicles to electric cars. Trump, during his campaign and after he won the November election, threatened tariffs on China, Mexico, Canada and other countries. But he appears to be holding off so far on higher taxes on imports. The official pointed reporters to a Wall Street Journal story saying Trump will only sign a memorandum telling federal agencies to study trade issues. The decision to pause and study tariffs was a sign that to the Canadian government that it should be prepared for almost all possibilities on the direction of trade with the United States. “Perhaps he’s made decisions to sort of suspend the threat of tariffs over a whole slate of countries. We will wait and see,” Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said. “Mr. Trump has been in a previous mandate unpredictable so our job is to make sure we are ready for any scenario.” Overall, the Republican faces an array of challenges with fulfilling his ambitions to lower prices. Biden managed to see the inflation rate drop over two years yet he was leaving office with price growth still outpacing wages over the past four years. A big driver of inflation is a persistent housing shortage, and U.S. oil production is already at record levels, with producers facing uncertainty about global demand this year. The Federal Reserve is technically the government body tasked with keeping inflation at a roughly 2% annual target. Its usual levers are setting short-term rates for banks lending to each other, in addition to bond purchases and public communications. Trump has said natural resource production is key to lowering costs for American consumers, both at the pump and in their utility bills. Energy prices permeate every part of the economy, so increasing U.S. production of oil, natural gas and other fossil fuels is critical to national security. Trump, who has pledged to restore U.S. “energy dominance," has complained that the Biden administration limited Alaska’s oil and gas production. Still, according to the weightings for the consumer price index, energy spending represents on average just 6% of expenditures, much less than food (13%) or shelter (37%). Inflation, dormant for decades, resurfaced in early 2021 as the economy recovered with unexpected strength from COVID-19 lockdowns. A surge in customer orders overwhelmed America’s supply chains, causing delays, shortages and higher prices. Factories for computer chips, furniture and other products worldwide struggled to rebound. Republican lawmakers were quick to blame the Biden administration's $1.9 trillion pandemic relief, though inflation was a global phenomenon that points to factors beyond U.S. policy. Inflation further worsened after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, pushing up energy and food prices. In response, the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate 11 times in 2022 and 2023. Inflation has come down from a four-decade high 9.1% in mid-2022. But inflation has picked up since September to an annual rate of 2.9% in December. Voters were unimpressed with the progress against inflation, frustrated that prices remained more than 20% higher than they were four years ago while average weekly earnings had not kept up. Higher grocery prices – up 27% from February 2021 -- were especially painful. In an interview with Time magazine last month, Trump acknowledged that lowering down grocery prices would be difficult. “It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up,’’ he said. Many of the steps Trump is taking will probably need congressional approval. Parts of his 2017 tax cuts expire after this year and Trump intends to extend and expand them at a cost that could exceed $4 trillion over 10 years. Trump sees getting rid of Biden-era financial supports for renewable energy as a way to possibly fund his tax cuts. He is also likely to seek to repeal a $7,500 tax credit for new EV purchases, and roll back rules to tighten limits on greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution from passenger and commercial vehicles.

Parents around Nora Sanidgo's large, rectangular dining table had lunch before signing documents to make the Nicaraguan immigrant a legal guardian of their children, entrusting them to her if they are deported. She gave a list of what to carry with them: birth certificates, medical and school records, immigration documents, her phone number. “Talk to your children and tell them what can happen, let them have my phone number on hand, let them learn it, let them record it,” Sandigo said Sunday. For the group at Sandigo's southwest Miami home and for millions in the United States illegally or with temporary legal status, the start of Donald Trump's second term as president on Monday comes with a feeling that their time in the U.S. may end soon. Trump made mass deportations a signature issue of his campaign and has promised a raft of first-day orders to remake immigration policy. What Trump proposed for a second administration “You don’t have to be afraid, you have to be prepared,” Sandigo told the group of about 20 people, including small children, who watched a demonstration of how to respond if immigration officers knock on their door. “Take precautions wherever you are.” Sandigo, who came to the U.S. in 1988, has volunteered to be guardian for more than 2,000 children in 15 years, including at least 30 since December. A notary was on hand Sunday. Erlinda, a single mother from El Salvador who arrived in 2013, signed legal rights to her U.S.-born children, ages 10 and 8. She said she applied for asylum but doesn't know the status of her case. “I am afraid for my children, that they will live the terror of not seeing their mother for a day, for a month, for a year,” said Erlinda, 45, who asked to be identified by first name only due to fears of being detained. Plans for deportation arrests appeared to be in flux after news leaked of an operation in Chicago this week. Trump's “border czar” Tom Homan said on Fox News Sunday that Chicago was “not off the table, but we’re reconsidering when and how we do it.” He said the leak raised concerns about officer safety. So-called sanctuary cities, which limit how local police cooperate with federal immigration authorities, have been a favorite Trump target, especially Chicago. Reports that his initial push would be in the nation's third-largest city brought a new sense of urgency and fear. Chicago became a sanctuary city in the 1980s and has beefed up policies since, including after Trump first took office in 2017. Last week, the City Council heartily rejected a longshot plan calling for exceptions allowing local police to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on deportation cases for people accused or convicted of crimes. Trump arriving in Washington for inaugural celebrations to mark his return to power The Rev. Homero Sanchez said he didn’t realize the depth of fear in the Chicago immigrant community he serves until someone asked him to handle the sale of their family’s home and other finances if they are picked up after Trump takes office. “They feel they have been targeted for who they are. They feel like they’re reviving this fear they had eight years ago,” said Sanchez, who serves the St. Rita of Cascia Parish on Chicago’s South Side. “They’re feeling like something is going to happen. This is not their city because of the threat.” Sanchez, whose congregation has consisted mostly of people of Mexican descent since the 1980s, devoted Sunday Mass “to solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters.” Cardinal Blase Cupich, who leads the Archdiocese of Chicago, said reports of the city being targeted by immigration officers were "not only profoundly disturbing but also wound us deeply.” “We are proud of our legacy of immigration that continues in our day to renew the city we love,” Cupich said Sunday during a visit to Mexico City, according to a copy of his prepared remarks. ICE arrests a fraction of targets in its street operations, though Trump is expected to cast a wider net than President Joe Biden, whose focus on picking up people away from the border was largely limited to those with serious criminal histories or who pose a risk to national security. Iranian president arrives in Russia for partnership treaty signing Biden’s administration also ended the practice of mass worksite arrests, which were common under Trump, including a 2019 operation targeting Mississippi chicken plants. Trump aides have said immigration officers will arrest others, such as spouses or roommates, who are not targets but happen to be in the country illegally.

Donald Trump has promised sweeping actions in his second administration. The president-elect has outlined a wide-ranging agenda that blends traditional conservative approaches to taxes, regulation and cultural issues with a more populist bent on trade and a shift in America's international role. Trump's agenda also would scale back federal government efforts on civil rights and expand presidential powers. A look at what Trump has proposed: Immigration “Build the wall!” from his 2016 campaign has become creating “the largest mass deportation program in history.” Trump has called for using the National Guard and empowering domestic police forces in the effort. Still, Trump has offered few details of what the program would look like and how he would ensure that it targeted only people in the United States illegally. He has pitched “ideological screening” for would-be entrants and ending birthright citizenship, which almost certainly would require a constitutional change. He has said he would reinstitute first-term practices such as the “remain in Mexico” policy, as well as limiting migrants on public health grounds and severely limiting or banning entrants from certain majority-Muslim nations. Altogether, the approach would not just crack down on illegal migration, but curtail immigration overall. Abortion Trump played down abortion as a second-term priority, even as he took credit for the Supreme Court ending a woman’s federal right to terminate a pregnancy and returning abortion regulation to state governments. At Trump’s insistence, the GOP platform, for the first time in decades, did not call for a national ban on abortion. Trump maintains that overturning Roe v. Wade is enough on the federal level. Trump said in October that he would veto a federal abortion ban if legislation reached his desk — a statement he made only after avoiding a firm position in his September debate against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. It is unclear if his administration will aggressively defend against legal challenges seeking to restrict access to abortion pills, including mifepristone, as the Biden administration has. Anti-abortion advocates continue to wage legal battles over the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the drug as well as the agency's relaxed prescribing restrictions. Trump is also unlikely to enforce Biden’s guidance that hospitals must provide abortions for women who are in medical emergencies, even in states with bans. Taxes Trump’s tax policies broadly tilt toward corporations and wealthier Americans. That’s mostly due to his promise to extend his 2017 tax overhaul, with a few notable changes that include lowering the corporate income tax rate to 15% from the current 21%. That also involves rolling back Democratic President Joe Biden’s income tax increases on the wealthiest Americans and scrapping Inflation Reduction Act levies that finance energy measures intended to combat climate change. Those policies notwithstanding, Trump has put more emphasis on new proposals aimed at working- and middle-class Americans: exempting earned tips, Social Security wages and overtime wages from income taxes. It’s noteworthy, however, that his proposal on tips, depending on how Congress might write it, could give a backdoor tax break to top wage earners by allowing them to reclassify some of their pay as tip income. That prospect, at its most extreme, could see hedge-fund managers or top-flight attorneys taking advantage of a policy that Trump frames as being designed for restaurant servers, bartenders and other service workers. Tariffs and trade Trump’s posture on international trade is to distrust world markets as harmful to American interests. He proposes tariffs of 10% to 20% on foreign goods — and in some speeches has mentioned even higher percentages. He promises to reinstitute an August 2020 executive order requiring that the federal government buy “essential” medications only from U.S. companies. He pledges to block purchases of “any vital infrastructure” in the U.S. by Chinese buyers. DEI, LGBTQ and civil rights Trump has called for rolling back societal emphasis on diversity and legal protections for LGBTQ citizens. He has also called for ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs in government institutions, using federal funding as leverage. On transgender rights, Trump promises generally to end “boys in girls’ sports,” a practice he insists, without evidence, is widespread. But his policies go well beyond standard applause lines from his rally speeches. Among other ideas, Trump would roll back the Biden administration’s policy of extending Title IX civil rights protections to transgender students, and he would ask Congress to require that only two genders can be recognized at birth. Regulation, federal bureaucracy and presidential power Trump seeks to reduce the role of federal bureaucrats and to cut regulations across economic sectors. He frames all regulatory cuts as an economic magic wand. He pledges precipitous drops in household utility bills by removing obstacles to fossil fuel production, including opening all federal lands for exploration — even though U.S. energy production is already at record highs. Trump promises to unleash housing construction by cutting regulations — though most construction rules come from state and local government. He also says he would end “frivolous litigation from the environmental extremists.” The approach would in many ways strengthen executive branch influence. That power would come more directly from the White House. He would make it easier to fire federal workers by classifying thousands of them as being outside civil service protections. That could weaken the government’s power to enforce statutes and rules by reducing the number of employees engaging in the work and, potentially, impose a chilling effect on those who remain. Trump also claims that presidents have exclusive power to control federal spending even after Congress has appropriated money. He argues that lawmakers’ budget actions “set a ceiling” on spending but not a floor — meaning the president’s constitutional duty to “faithfully execute the laws” includes discretion on whether to spend the money. This interpretation could set up a court battle with Congress. As a candidate, he also suggested that the Federal Reserve, an independent entity that sets interest rates, should be subject to more presidential power. Any such move would represent a momentous change to how the U.S. economic and monetary systems work. Education The Department of Education would be targeted for elimination in a second Trump administration. That does not mean that Trump wants Washington out of classrooms. He still proposes, among other maneuvers, using federal funding as leverage to pressure K-12 school systems to abolish tenure and adopt merit pay for teachers and scrap diversity programs at all levels of education. He calls for pulling federal funding “for any school or program pushing Critical Race Theory, gender ideology, or other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content on our children.” In higher education, Trump proposes taking over accreditation processes for colleges, a move he describes as his “secret weapon” against the “Marxist Maniacs and lunatics” he says control higher education. Trump takes aim at higher education endowments, saying he will collect “billions and billions of dollars” from schools via “taxing, fining and suing excessively large private university endowments” at schools that do not comply with his edicts. That almost certainly would end up in protracted legal fights. As in other policy areas, Trump isn’t actually proposing limiting federal power in higher education but strengthening it. He calls for redirecting the confiscated endowment money into an online “American Academy” offering college credentials to all Americans without a tuition charge. “It will be strictly non-political, and there will be no wokeness or jihadism allowed — none of that’s going to be allowed,” Trump said on Nov. 1, 2023. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid Trump insists he would protect Social Security and Medicare, popular programs geared toward older Americans and among the biggest pieces of the federal spending pie each year. There are questions about how his proposal not to tax tips and overtime wages might affect Social Security and Medicare. If such plans eventually involved only income taxes, the entitlement programs would not be affected. Exempting those wages from payroll taxes would reduce the funding stream for Social Security and Medicare outlays. Trump has talked little about Medicaid during this campaign, but his first administration reshaped the program by allowing states to introduce work requirements for recipients. Affordable Care Act and health care As he has since 2015, Trump calls for repealing the Affordable Care Act and its subsidized health insurance marketplaces. In September, he insisted he had the “concepts of a plan.” In the latter stages of the campaign, Trump played up his alliance with former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime critic of vaccines and of pesticides used in U.S. agriculture. Trump repeatedly told rally crowds that he would put Kennedy in charge of “making America healthy again." Trump has picked Kennedy to be his health secretary. Climate and energy Trump, who claims falsely that climate change is a “hoax,” blasts Biden-era spending on cleaner energy designed to reduce U.S. reliance on fossil fuels. He proposes an energy policy — and transportation infrastructure spending — anchored to fossil fuels: roads, bridges and combustion-engine vehicles. “Drill, baby, drill!” was a regular chant at Trump rallies. Trump says he does not oppose electric vehicles but promises to end all Biden incentives to encourage EV market development. Trump also pledges to roll back Biden-era fuel efficiency standards. Workers’ rights Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance framed their ticket as favoring America’s workers. But Trump could make it harder for workers to unionize. In discussing auto workers, Trump focused almost exclusively on Biden’s push toward electric vehicles. When he mentioned unions, it was often to lump “the union bosses and CEOs” together as complicit in “this disastrous electric car scheme.” In an Oct. 23, 2023, statement, Trump said of the United Auto Workers, “I’m telling you, you shouldn’t pay those dues.” National defense and America’s role in the world Trump’s rhetoric and policy approach in world affairs is more isolationist diplomatically, non-interventionist militarily and protectionist economically than the U.S. has been since World War II. The details are more complicated. He pledges expansion of the military, promises to protect Pentagon spending from austerity efforts and proposes a new missile defense shield — an old idea from the Reagan era during the Cold War. Trump insists he can end Russia’s war in Ukraine without explaining how. He summarizes his approach through another Reagan phrase: “peace through strength.” But he remains critical of NATO and top U.S. military brass. “I don’t consider them leaders,” Trump said of Pentagon officials that Americans “see on television.” He repeatedly praised authoritarians such as Hungary’s Viktor Orban and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.