House Control Uncertain as Trump Begins Transition

11 Nov at 6:21 pm

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House Control Uncertain as Trump Begins Transition \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ With control of the House of Representatives still undecided, President-elect Donald Trump has begun making pivotal appointments, including Lee Zeldin to the EPA and Tom Homan as “border czar.” Trump’s victory has prompted global diplomatic responses, including calls from Czech and Indonesian leaders, while U.S. stock markets rally as Wall Street eyes potential benefits from Trump’s policy plans.

House Majority & Trump Transition Quick Looks

House Majority: Fewer than 20 races remain too close to call, leaving control of the House uncertain.
Global Diplomacy: Trump speaks with Czech PM Petr Fiala and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto about international cooperation and shared policy goals.
Key Appointments: Trump names Lee Zeldin for the EPA, Tom Homan as border czar, and considers loyalists for defense secretary.
Market Response: U.S. stock market climbs post-election, with the S&P 500 rising as investors predict pro-business policies.
Immunity Challenge: Trump’s legal team awaits a decision on whether his hush money conviction will be dismissed under presidential immunity.

Deep Look

With fewer than 20 House races yet to be called, control of the U.S. House of Representatives remains uncertain, teetering between a potential Republican or Democratic majority. As the election results are finalized, President-elect Donald Trump has wasted no time in initiating transition plans, making major appointments and solidifying relationships with world leaders ahead of his January inauguration.

House Majority Still Undecided

As vote counting continues, the nation awaits results to determine which party will hold the majority in the House of Representatives. This decision will impact Trump’s ability to advance his legislative agenda, with both parties closely watching the remaining races.

Diplomatic Outreach and International Relations

In the wake of his election, Trump has already engaged in diplomatic conversations with international leaders. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala reported a positive call with Trump, during which they discussed crucial issues such as Ukraine and Israel. The Czech Republic has been a strong supporter of Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression and a top European Union ally of Israel, highlighting shared interests with the U.S. Fiala also recalled discussing Trump’s late wife, Ivana, who was of Czech descent, and expressed optimism for future cooperation.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto also shared a congratulatory call with Trump. In a publicly released video, Subianto expressed willingness to travel to the U.S. to meet with Trump personally. The conversation highlighted Subianto’s respect for Trump and underscored both leaders’ commitment to strengthening U.S.-Indonesia relations. Subianto praised Trump’s achievements and reiterated his interest in future collaborations. This interaction reflects Trump’s broadening influence among world leaders before officially taking office in January.

Key Appointments in the Trump Administration

Trump announced several high-profile appointments, starting with former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin as head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Trump stated that Zeldin, a long-time ally, would “ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions” to benefit American businesses while preserving environmental standards. Although Zeldin lacks a background in environmental issues, he expressed enthusiasm for the role, pledging to prioritize clean air, water, and U.S. energy leadership.

Trump also named former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director Tom Homan as “border czar.” Known for his hardline stance on immigration, Homan is expected to oversee border security and deportation efforts in alignment with Trump’s campaign promises. Homan’s position will play a pivotal role in implementing Trump’s immigration policies, particularly in managing the U.S.-Mexico border. Homan has a long history with ICE and border control and served as acting ICE director during Trump’s previous administration, though he was never Senate-confirmed.

As part of his early policy direction, Trump is also expected to appoint a loyalist to head the Department of Defense. Candidates for defense secretary reportedly include Rep. Mike Waltz and retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, with former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed to not be joining Trump’s team.

Market Response to Trump’s Victory

The U.S. stock market reacted positively to Trump’s win, with Wall Street showing confidence in Trump’s economic and business policies. Stocks generally rose, although some major tech companies saw slight drops. The S&P 500 showed modest gains, with Tesla leading the charge in anticipation of favorable business policies under Trump. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by over 300 points, reflecting optimism about reduced regulation and potential growth under Trump’s pro-business stance.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings: Trump’s Immunity Challenge

Meanwhile, a legal battle continues over Trump’s hush money conviction. A Manhattan judge is expected to issue a ruling soon on whether to uphold or dismiss the conviction based on a recent Supreme Court decision granting presidential immunity. Trump’s supporters have rallied behind him, and some speculate that if the immunity claim is upheld, it could significantly impact Trump’s legal standing in future cases.

Cabinet and Policy Staff Updates

Trump is continuing to round out his administration, recently naming immigration hard-liner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of policy. Miller, a senior adviser in Trump’s first term, is known for crafting policies related to immigration and conservative policy enforcement. His new role solidifies his influence on Trump’s future agenda, as he has spent recent years leading America First Legal, an organization aimed at defending conservative interests.

Shift in Voter Demographics

Trump’s victory reflected notable shifts in voter demographics. AP VoteCast data shows that Trump gained more support among young Black and Latino men, an increase attributed largely to his economic policies and emphasis on jobs. Despite Kamala Harris winning the majority of Black and Latino votes, it was insufficient to secure a victory as Trump expanded his coalition with these key groups.

International News: Kremlin Denies Trump-Putin Call

On the international stage, reports emerged of a supposed conversation between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin quickly dismissed these reports, calling them “pure fiction.” Trump’s communications director also declined to comment on any calls between Trump and global leaders, reinforcing a position of discretion as Trump manages early diplomatic relations.

Dearborn, Michigan: A Shift in Arab American Votes

Trump achieved an unprecedented victory in Dearborn, Michigan, a city with a substantial Arab American population, breaking a long-standing Democratic voting trend. Vice President Kamala Harris lost the city and neighboring Dearborn Heights, attributed largely to dissatisfaction with U.S. support for Israel in the Gaza conflict. Trump’s outreach to Arab American communities before the election appears to have bolstered his standing in these areas.

Additional Appointments and Historic Wins

Trump has tapped Rep. Elise Stefanik as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Known for her loyalty to Trump, Stefanik is expected to be a strong advocate for the administration’s America First foreign policy on the global stage. Elsewhere in U.S. politics, a record 13 women were elected as governors following Republican Kelly Ayotte’s victory in New Hampshire, surpassing previous records and marking a milestone for female representation in state leadership.

As Trump’s transition moves forward, he has assembled a mix of allies and loyalists in preparation for his upcoming administration, indicating a renewed focus on immigration control, deregulation, and economic growth. This period of early appointments, policy announcements, and diplomatic engagement signals a new chapter as Trump prepares to return to the White House in January.