President-elect Donald Trump is counting down the days until his return to the White House, using social media to build anticipation for his upcoming inauguration. On Thursday, Trump posted a photo on Truth Social showing himself standing beside a desk with his longtime aide, Dan Scavino, sitting nearby. The image was overlaid with the words, "Back in 18 days…to be continued," signaling the final countdown before Trump’s return to power.
Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) tenure as Speaker of the House faced significant challenges after a contentious government funding battle left him at odds with conservatives, moderates, and even President-elect Donald Trump. His inability to secure Trump’s demand to raise the debt ceiling in the government funding bill placed his leadership on shaky ground, leading many to question his future in the role.
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, attention is turning to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and her future career prospects. Despite facing criticism for her performance in the role, Jean-Pierre’s next steps could closely resemble those of her predecessor, Jen Psaki, who transitioned into a lucrative media career after leaving the White House.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (D) said that he commuted the sentences of 15 people on death row. The inmates were all convicted of first-degree murder.
A Rasmussen Reports survey shows that most Americans will celebrate New Year’s Eve at home, with 67% planning to stay in as 2025 begins. Only 14% plan to attend a gathering at a friend’s house, 6% will go to a bar or restaurant, and 7% will celebrate elsewhere. Another 6% remain undecided.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser shared that her meeting with President-elect Donald Trump on Monday was "great." She stated that both she and Trump "want Washington, DC to be the best, most beautiful city in the world and we want the capital city to reflect the strength of our nation."