Congress Returns, Trump's Justice Department , Biden's Global Bind

Summary

Up First from NPR: Congress Returns, Trump's Justice Department, Biden's Global Bind

NPR’s Up First delivers a comprehensive overview of the most pressing news stories shaping the day. In the episode titled "Congress Returns, Trump's Justice Department, Biden's Global Bind," hosts Michelle Martin and A Martinez delve into the intricate dynamics of the U.S. political landscape as Congress reconvenes, the impending changes within the Justice Department under President-elect Donald Trump, and President Joe Biden’s strategic maneuvers on the global stage amid Trump's resurgence.

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1. Congress Returns: GOP Leadership Contenders and Trump's Influence

As Congress resumes its sessions, the Republican Party faces pivotal decisions in leadership selections, with President-elect Donald Trump actively seeking to shape the Republican majority.

Republican Leadership Shake-Up:

• Key Players: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is stepping down from his leadership role, prompting a search for his successor.

• Front-Runners: Senators John Cornyn (Texas) and John Thune (South Dakota) emerge as primary candidates due to their leadership experience and peer respect.

  "They're both well liked by their peers. They both have leadership experience."
  — Barbara Sprunt, NPR Congressional Correspondent [02:42]

• Trump’s Push for Rick Scott: Despite the strong standing of Cornyn and Thune, there is a significant campaign from Trump loyalists advocating for Florida Senator Rick Scott to assume the top leadership position.

  "He's a Trump loyalist, previously ran against McConnell two years ago, got less than a dozen votes then."
  — Barbara Sprunt [03:12]

Impact of Trump’s Pressure:

• Limited Influence: Most GOP senators, not seeking immediate re-election, remain resistant to Trump's overt influence, valuing their autonomy and the traditional selection processes.

  "The odds that this campaign changes the hearts and minds of most GOP senators is slim."
  — Barbara Sprunt [03:37]

• Potential for Recess Appointments: Trump has pressured senators to agree to recess appointments, allowing him to bypass the Senate's confirmation process for his nominees.

  "Any GOP senator wanting the leadership job has to agree to recess appointments."
  — Donald Trump Tweet [04:00]

House of Representatives:

• Narrow GOP Majority: Republicans maintain a slender lead in the House, with leadership elections underway and Mike Johnson expected to retain the Speaker’s gavel.

  "Mike Johnson is expected to keep the gavel."
  — Barbara Sprunt [05:20]

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2. The Future of the Justice Department under Trump

With Trump's impending administration, significant transformations within the Department of Justice (DOJ) are anticipated, reflecting his campaign criticisms of the FBI and DOJ.

Importance of the Attorney General Role:

• Central Figure: The Attorney General is deemed the most crucial position after the President, overseeing over 100,000 personnel and steering key legal and enforcement policies.

  "The attorney general leads more than 100,000 people."
  — Kerry Johnson, NPR’s Justice Department Correspondent [06:35]

Potential Candidates:

• Diverse Pool: Names such as Senator Mike Lee, Jeff Clark, Todd Blanch, and Mark Paoletta are under consideration, each bringing distinct backgrounds and affiliations.

  "Mark Paoletta is a longtime D.C. lawyer who's been advising the transition."
  — Kerry Johnson [07:12]

DOJ's Upcoming Priorities:

• Handling Ongoing Cases: Special Counsel Jack Smith is actively working to resolve federal cases against Trump, including potential pardons for January 6 riot participants.

  "Special counsel Jack Smith is already unwinding the two federal criminal cases against Donald Trump."
  — Kerry Johnson [07:35]

• Policy Shifts: Potential maneuvers include reducing federal grants to non-compliant local police, enforcing stricter abortion-related laws, reinstating federal capital punishment, and restructuring the FBI’s accountability.

  "He could try to cut federal grant funds for local police who won't go along with his immigration plans."
  — Kerry Johnson [07:53]

FBI Leadership Dynamics:

• Term Constraints: FBI Director Chris Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017, holds a 10-year term designed to insulate the bureau from political pressures.

  "The 10 year term was imposed by Congress after J. Edgar Hoover..."
  — Kerry Johnson [08:45]

• Potential Dismissal: Given the strained relationship between Trump and Wray, legal advisors predict a possible dismissal in the near future, although Wray continues to manage daily operations effectively.

  "It sounds to me like if Trump wants Wray to go, he's going to have to fire him."
  — Kerry Johnson [09:10]

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3. President Biden’s International Trip: Navigating Trump's Return

Amid President-elect Trump's return to the political forefront, President Joe Biden embarks on a crucial foreign trip to Peru and Brazil, aimed at reaffirming U.S. global commitments.

Objectives of the Trip:

• International Engagement: Biden targets significant summits like APEC in Lima and the G20 in Rio, seeking to consolidate alliances and address pressing global issues.

  "It's his last big foreign trip where he'll meet a large group of world leaders..."
  — Ayesha Rascoe, NPR White House Correspondent [09:46]

Challenges Posed by Trump’s Resurgence:

• Shifting Global Dynamics: Trump's populist and protectionist tendencies pose a challenge to Biden’s efforts to rebuild and strengthen international alliances.

  "Trump is back with his same worldview that was threatening broad based tariffs on friends and foes."
  — Asma Khalid [10:18]

Biden’s Messaging Strategy:

• Reassuring Allies: Biden is expected to emphasize the enduring commitment of the U.S. to global partnerships, countering any instability introduced by Trump’s policies.

  "You don't know exactly how Trump will govern and engage with the world, but he says that is not the message Biden can give."
  — Asma Khalid [11:23]

Impact on U.S.-China Relations:

• Consistent Policy Stance: Biden maintains many of Trump’s China policies, including tariffs, while enhancing cooperation with allies like India, Japan, and Australia to counterbalance China’s influence.

  "Biden has not drastically broken with Trump on China policy. He largely maintained the Trump era tariffs on China..."
  — Asma Khalid [12:32]

• Strategic Messaging: Biden may highlight the tangible consequences of Trump’s protectionist approach to urge China and other nations to adhere to global trade norms.

  "One practical message Biden could try to make this week is that the threat of more tariffs from Trump is real..."
  — Asma Khalid [13:05]

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Conclusion

The episode of Up First from NPR provides an insightful analysis of the evolving political and global landscape as the U.S. prepares for a transition of power. From the strategic battles within Congress influenced by Trump's ambitions, the anticipated overhaul of the Justice Department under Trump's administration, to Biden's delicate balancing act on the international stage amid Trump's return, listeners are offered a nuanced understanding of the challenges and developments shaping the nation's future.

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Notable Quotes:

• "The most important job after president of the United States and the next administration, it's not me, it's who we select as attorney general."
  — A Martinez [00:34]

• "Senators John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota are seen as the frontrunners going into this."
  — Barbara Sprunt [02:42]

• "It's a huge priority, and you don't need to take my word for it."
  — Kerry Johnson [06:15]

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This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and expert insights presented in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven’t tuned in.

Transcript

[Michelle Martin]

Congress is back in session, and President elect Donald Trump is already trying to influence who will lead the Republican majority.

[A Martinez]

Will the GOP rally around familiar faces, or will Trump loyalists allow him to bypass congressional confirmations?

[Michelle Martin]

I'm Michelle Martin. That's a Martinez. And this is up first from NPR News. The Justice Department will be in for a shake up when Trump and his vice president take office.

[A Martinez]

The most important job after president of the United States and the next administration, it's not me, it's who we select as attorney general.

[Michelle Martin]

Republicans criticized the FBI and DOJ on the campaign trail. So what changes are they planning to make?

[A Martinez]

And President Joe Biden will travel to South America this week to meet with world leaders where Trump's return is already reshaping the conversation. Stay with us. We've got all the news you need to start today.

[Ron Rudsen]

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[A Martinez]

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[Ron Rudsen]

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[Asma Khalid]

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[A Martinez]

Is back this week with a busy agenda. First on the list, selecting the person who will lead each chamber.

[Michelle Martin]

President Elect Donald Trump has made it known that he wants to influence these choices, and his allies are pushing hard to accommodate him. So who will get these top jobs?

[A Martinez]

Here to talk us through this is NPR congressional correspondent Barbara Sprunt. So, Barbara, first up, the Senate Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell stepping down from leadership. Who are the top contenders to replace him now that Republicans will be in charge in January?

[Barbara Sprunt]

Well, Senators John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota are seen as the frontrunners going into this. They're both well liked by their peers. They both have leadership experience. Cornyn previously served in leadership and Thune is currently the second highest rank Senate Republican. That said, there is a pressure campaign from Trump World for Florida Senator Rick Scott to get this top leadership gig. He's a Trump loyalist, previously ran against McConnell two years ago, got less than a dozen votes then. But he now has the vocal support of a lot of Trump allies, including Elon Musk, RFK junior Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, and Matt Schlapp of the Conservative Political Action Conference. They see Cornyn and Thune as to establish Scott has never publicly been in conflict with Trump.

[A Martinez]

How much though, does that Trump pressure change the dynamics?

[Barbara Sprunt]

Well, the odds that this campaign changes the hearts and minds of most GOP senators is slim. Most of them aren't running for another four years or more. Most of them don't like this kind of online campaign trying to change their potential votes. And most importantly, perhaps this is a secret vote, but it is an open question as to whether Trump himself decides to publicly put his finger on the scale and what kind of consequences that might have.

[A Martinez]

So speaking of that, Trump made a demand over the weekend on social media saying any GOP senator wanting the leadership job has to agree to recess appointments. He said that's key to getting his nominees confirmed in a timely manner. Walk us through, Barbara, what that means.

[Barbara Sprunt]

So basically, if the Senate is in a recess, the president can appoint and mostly get around a longer Senate confirmation, which makes it easier to fill vacancies or usher in temporary, perhaps controversial picks. Senate leaders in both parties have tried to prevent this in order to rich retain their full power of checking the president's nominees. And they do that by having what's called pro forma sessions during a scheduled recess, kind of a shorthand way to block these recess appointments. Now, Scott came out strongly in support of Trump's post tweeting, quote, I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible. Thune and Cornyn also signaled some openness there. Now, recess appointments are only allowed when Congress is out of session for at least 10 days, and a recess appointment expires at the end of of a Senate session. So it's an inefficient way to fill out a cabinet, for example, but it can be an easier way to get judges approved.

[A Martinez]

Okay, now let's shift to the House. Republicans currently hold a thin majority in that chamber, but not all the races have been called yet. So what does that path look like?

[Barbara Sprunt]

Well, the GOP appears to be on track to retain a narrow majority in the House. New member orientation is starting this morning, and there will be leadership elections for the speaker tomorrow afternoon. Mike Johnson is expected to keep the gavel. And Democrats will hold their own leadership elections in the House next week.

[A Martinez]

All right. That's NPR's Barbara Sprunt. Barbara, thanks.

[Barbara Sprunt]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

President elect Donald Trump is making some big decisions.

[Kerry Johnson]

Yeah.

[A Martinez]

One of them is who will lead the Justice Department on the campaign trail. Trump has blasted the DOJ and the FBI. Soon he will have a chance to do something about his resentment.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR's Kerry Johnson has covered the Justice Department for nearly two decades, and she's here with me now to talk about what the Trump administration might do there. Kerry, good morning.

[Kerry Johnson]

Good morning.

[Michelle Martin]

How big a priority is this for Donald Trump?

[Kerry Johnson]

This is a huge priority, and you don't need to take my word for it. Here's J.D. vance, the Vice president elect, talking recently on the campaign trail.

[A Martinez]

The most important job. This is a bit of a hit to my ego, but the most important job after president of the United States and the next administration, it's not me, it's who we select as attorney general.

[Kerry Johnson]

Michelle. The attorney general leads more than 100,000 people. The Department prosecutes crimes, polices businesses. It defends laws about antitrust and the environment, and it protects civil rights. And the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the US Marshals all report to that attorney general who might be in.

[Michelle Martin]

Line for this job.

[Kerry Johnson]

You know, there are a lot of names floating around from members of Congress, like Senator Mike Lee of Utah. There are people like Jeff Clark. He's the DOJ official Trump tried to promote in late 2020. Clark advanced phony claims of election fraud. He's faced some legal discipline for that. And then there are other lawyers like Todd Blanch, a former federal prosecutor who represented Trump in several of Trump's criminal cases. I hear Blanche might be more likely to lead the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan. But another strong candidate is Mark Paoletta. He's a longtime D.C. lawyer who's been advising the transition. He's also very close to Justice Clarence Thomas.

[Michelle Martin]

So what are some of the top priorities for the new Trump doj?

[Kerry Johnson]

Special counsel Jack Smith is already unwinding the two federal criminal cases against Donald Trump. Trump has said he plans to pardon people involved in the January 6 riot at the Capitol. But there are a bunch of other things unrelated the president might try to do, and they're wide ranging because the DOJ is involved in so many things. Here are just A few of them. He could try to cut federal grant funds for local police who won't go along with his immigration plans. He could try to enforce the COM st Act and criminalized the use of the mail for abortion, medication and equipment. He could restart the engine of federal capital punishment for the 40 or so people on federal death row. And some conservative advisers have also suggested trying to overhaul the FBI to try to make its director accountable to more junior officials inside the Justice Department with more political control.

[Michelle Martin]

Can you talk a little bit about that whole question of who the FBI is accountable to? Because Donald Trump appointed the current FBI director in 2017. But it's my understanding that his term isn't contemporaneous with the president's and that's intentional because they don't want the FBI director to be subject to political pressures per se. So how would this work?

[Kerry Johnson]

Yeah, the 10 year term was imposed by Congress after J. Edgar Hoover lord it over the bureau for decades and decades. And the thinking was he got too involved in politics and his own personal vendettas. Donald Trump appointed the current FBI director, Chris Wray, only after he fired Jim Comey. And the FBI has only one political appointee, the director. Chris Wray has now served just over seven years, so he has some time left. But Trump has had a really tense relationship with Wray. Lawyers close to Trump expect him to dismiss the FBI director sometime next year. As for the FBI director, Chris Wray, I'm told he continues to oversee the day to day operations and he's actively planning with his team to lead the FBI into next year and beyond. It sounds to me like if Trump wants Wray to go, he's going to have to fire him.

[Michelle Martin]

That is NPR's Kerry Johnson. Kerry, thank you.

[Kerry Johnson]

My pleasure.

[A Martinez]

President Biden travels to Peru and Brazil this week.

[Michelle Martin]

He's meeting with leaders of the world's biggest economies at two summits, Apec in Lima and the G20 in Rio. It's his last big foreign trip where he'll meet a large group of world leaders and it might be his last chance to make a major statement on the global stage. But it comes on the heels of Donald Trump's victory. It's an awkward moment. So how does he shape his parting message?

[A Martinez]

NPR's White House correspondent Asma Khalid will be traveling along that trip. So President Biden has said many times that America's back when he's talking about working with allies. Asma, Donald Trump is back too now. So what's he going to say?

[Asma Khalid]

Well, Biden came into office after Trump shocked world leaders with the way that he conducted foreign policy. You'll probably recall, you know, Trump did not like Naito and he was openly skeptical of a whole bunch of other alliances. And so Biden has spent the last four years trying to rebuild alliances, expand NATO, working to counter China. But you know, as you say, he is now in this awkward position. Trump is back with his same worldview that was threatening broad based tariffs on friends and foes.

[A Martinez]

So how does Biden's message have to shift now after this election?

[Asma Khalid]

Yeah, I mean, Biden is still expected to provide some reassurances about the long term US Commitment to the world. You know, former President Barack Obama was in a similar position in the fall of 2016. He also traveled to Peru shortly after Trump's first victory. And Ben Rhodes, who was former Obama's one of his advisors, was on that trip. And he told me at that point, Obama's message was wait and see. You know, you don't know exactly how Trump will govern and engage with the world, but he says that is not the message Biden can give.

[A Martinez]

Now, I think what's changed in eight years, the rest of the world has really priced Trump in. And I don't think that there's any time in the last four years where any country wasn't hedging against a Trump return.

[Asma Khalid]

And you know, multiple former Obama aides told me that there was a sense in 2016 that the world may have seen Trump as an aberration. That is no longer the case. You know, and I spoke to other people, though, I will say, who point out that international partners have a longer view of the United States relationship with the world. Take Danielle Pletka. She's with the conservative think tank the American Enterprise Institute. And she told me that Trump may have an untraditional approach, but he is still going to be engaged in the world. US Global leadership is based not simply on sentimental ideas about the beauty of NATO or about what great chardonnay we all get together at the G7. Right. US global leadership is based on the fact that we are the largest economy in the world.

[A Martinez]

That chardonnay better be really good. I mean, you would think it's the G7. Okay, so how does the return of Donald Trump then affect global relationships with China? That's the world's second largest economy.

[Asma Khalid]

Yeah, I mean, that's one thing I'll be watching closely for this week because China's Xi Jinping is also expected to travel to South America for these meetings. You know, broadly, I will say Biden has not drastically broken with Trump on China policy. He largely maintained the Trump era tariffs on China, and he deepened cooperation with India, Japan and Australia, building on an initiative that Trump began. And you know, one practical message Biden could try to make this week is that the threat of more tariffs from Trump is real, and so China and other countries ought to play by the rules.

[A Martinez]

All right. That's NPR's Asma Khalid. Thank you very much.

[Asma Khalid]

Good to speak with you.

[A Martinez]

And that's up first for Tuesday, November 12th. I'm A. Martinez.

[Michelle Martin]

And I'm Michelle Martin. Your next listen is Consider this from npr. President elect Donald Trump has suggested that in his second term he will take on the news media with more than just words. How might he do it? And how will the press respond? Listen to Consider this from npr.

[A Martinez]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Anna Ukoninoff, Roberto Rampton, Mohammed El Bardici and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Ben Abrams and Julie Deppenbrock. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Zach Coleman. Join us again tomorrow.

[Asma Khalid]

Want to hear this podcast without sponsor breaks? Amazon prime members can listen to up first sponsor free through Amazon Music, or you can also support NPR's vital journalism and get up first [e-mail] that's plus.NPR.org this message comes from Bolin Branch, Bowen. Branch's best sale of the year is right now. Try the organic cotton sheets loved by millions. Go to bolinbranch.com and use code NPR for 25% off everything. Limited time only exclusions apply. C site for details. This message comes from Bombas. Socks, underwear and T shirts are the top three requested clothing items by people experiencing homelessness. Bombas makes all three and donates one item for every item purchased. Go to bombas.com NPR and use code NPR for 20% off.