Politics
Democrats Rally Behind Kamala Harris After Biden Withdraws; Speculation on Running Mate
Washington and the world are still processing President Joe Biden’s surprise announcement on Sunday that he is ending his re-election campaign. In a move that has energized Democrats, Biden swiftly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place at the top of the Democratic ticket, reinvigorating their campaign to defeat former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.
The “Biden for President” campaign committee has been officially renamed the Harris for President committee, retaining the Biden campaign’s infrastructure, staff, and its $98 million in cash reserves. This transition has spurred a wave of donations, with tens of millions of dollars flowing into the Harris for President campaign.
With Harris now the presumptive Democratic nominee, speculation is swirling about her potential choice for a running mate. Several Democratic governors are considered early favorites, including Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
On the Republican side, the Trump campaign is scrambling to adjust its strategy. Originally built to face Joe Biden, the campaign now needs to pivot to contend with Kamala Harris.
Both parties are also grappling with the aftermath of an assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. Trump survived the attempt, but a supporter in the audience was tragically killed. The incident has raised serious questions about security and what led to the breach that allowed the would-be assassin to take a shot at Trump while he was on stage.
News
Trump Appoints Energy Executive as Energy Department Head; Biden Heads to Amazon Rainforest
President-elect Donald Trump has named Chris Wright, an oil and gas executive, to head the US Energy Department. Wright, the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, is known for his scepticism regarding climate change and is expected to advance Trump’s agenda of increasing fossil fuel production.
Trump praised Wright in a statement, describing him as a “key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape, and ushering in a new Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace.” The president-elect also announced that Wright will serve on a newly formed Council of National Energy, which aims to guide the United States toward energy dominance through deregulation and encouraging private sector investments.
In related news, Trump’s campaign revealed that Will Scharf, one of the president-elect’s personal lawyers, will become the assistant to the president and White House staff secretary. Trump highlighted Scharf’s legal expertise, referring to him as a “highly skilled attorney who will be a crucial part of my White House team.”
Scharf notably represented Trump in a Supreme Court hearing on presidential immunity, where the court ruled that Trump was partially immune from prosecution for actions taken during his presidency. In his new role, Scharf will manage key documents, including reports and briefings for the president.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is set to visit the Amazon rainforest later today, where he will engage with Brazilian indigenous leaders. This visit underscores his administration’s commitment to environmental and conservation efforts on a global scale.
News
Trump Announces Key Appointments: Elise Stefanik as UN Ambassador, Tom Homan as Border Tsar
President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled two significant appointments as he prepares for his return to the White House in January. Elise Stefanik, a 40-year-old New York Congresswoman, has been confirmed as Trump’s choice for the role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Additionally, Trump has appointed Tom Homan, 62, to be his “border tsar.” Homan previously served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump’s first term.
This move comes as the Republican Party inches closer to securing full control of Congress. The GOP has already captured a majority in the Senate and is three seats away from winning the House of Representatives. The Republicans currently hold 215 seats, while Democrats have 210. Control of the 218-seat majority in the House would grant Republicans significant legislative power, including initiating spending bills and launching impeachment proceedings.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to announce Homan’s appointment, saying, “Tom Homan will be in charge of our Nation’s Borders (‘The Border Czar’), including… the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security.” Trump emphasized Homan’s role in deportation efforts, adding, “Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.”
News
Biden to Host Trump at White House for Transition Talks Next Week
President Joe Biden has invited President-elect Donald Trump to the White House for a meeting in the Oval Office next week. This tradition of sitting presidents welcoming their successors has been observed for decades, though it was notably absent in 2020 when Trump did not extend the invitation to Biden.
These meetings typically focus on the transition period and key considerations for establishing a new administration. During their sessions, outgoing and incoming presidents often discuss both domestic and foreign policy and emphasize a smooth transition of power.
In 2016, President Barack Obama hosted Trump and later said they agreed to collaborate for the good of the country. Similarly, when President George W. Bush met President-elect Obama in 2008, they talked about economic and security matters, while Laura Bush and Michelle Obama explored the White House grounds.
This upcoming meeting between Biden and Trump marks a significant step as the nation prepares for the presidential transition.
-
News2 days ago
President Biden Pardons Son Hunter in Final Act of Clemency
-
News3 days ago
Trump Names Kash Patel as FBI Director
-
Sports2 days ago
Tragedy Strikes Guinea Football Match, Dozens Killed in Stadium Crush
-
News4 days ago
Zelensky Proposes NATO Membership as Path to Peace, Raises Theoretical Scenario
-
General13 hours ago
South Korea President Yoon says he will lift martial law
-
Sports2 days ago
McLaren Calls for Inquiry into Norris Penalty
-
News3 days ago
Namibia’s Opposition Rejects Election Results Amid Allegations of Malpractice
-
News14 hours ago
Afghan Women Lose Access to Midwifery Training