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.”

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.

Kari Lake, the Republican Senate nominee in Arizona and a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, has stated she will “accept the results of the election.” Addressing the media, Lake expressed ongoing concerns but acknowledged efforts that have been made to address election-related issues.

Lake’s statement marks a notable departure from her previous refusals to acknowledge past election outcomes. She had strongly endorsed Trump’s baseless claims about the 2020 presidential election being rigged. Additionally, following her loss in the 2022 gubernatorial race to Democrat Katie Hobbs, Lake refused to concede, declaring on X (formerly Twitter), “Arizonans know BS when they see it.”

Lake’s comments about accepting the Senate election results come as scrutiny remains high on election integrity and transparency in Arizona and nationwide.