Presidential Transition, Trump First 100 Days, January 6 Pardons

Summary

Summary of NPR’s Up First Episode: "Presidential Transition, Trump First 100 Days, January 6 Pardons"

Date: November 8th

NPR’s Up First delves into three pivotal topics surrounding the incoming Trump administration: the lagging presidential transition, anticipated actions in Trump's first 100 days, and the potential pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot. This comprehensive summary captures the essential discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

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1. Delayed Presidential Transition

Overview: The episode opens by highlighting concerns over the delayed start of Donald Trump’s presidential transition compared to his 2016 campaign. With the election results finalized, the next two months are critical for shaping the new administration, yet reports suggest Trump's transition team is struggling to keep pace.

Key Points:

• Chief of Staff Appointment: Trump has appointed Susie Wiles, his campaign manager, as the White House Chief of Staff—the first woman ever to hold this position. This marks a significant step in filling the approximately 4,000 political positions required for the new administration.

  "Wiles will be the first woman ever to hold the job." [03:34]

• Historical Context: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie compares the current transition to the chaotic one during Trump's first term. In 2016, despite initial progress, the transition was derailed shortly after the election, leading to numerous unfilled positions and acting roles that impeded the administration’s functionality.

  "The Trump administration never fully recovered from that rough start." — Chris Christie [05:08]

• Current Delays: As of the episode’s recording, Trump’s team has yet to sign formal legal agreements with the General Services Administration (GSA), which are essential for accessing government resources necessary for a smooth transition. This overdue step contrasts with Trump’s previous transition, which was expedited under Governor Christie’s coordination.

  "This delay sends a very bad signal... we might see something similar again." — Max Steyer, Partnership for Public Service [06:15]

Insights: NPR Senior White House Correspondent Tamara Keith discusses the implications of these delays, suggesting that a sluggish start could mirror the inefficiencies seen in Trump’s prior administration. The administration’s focus on loyalty and disruption may further complicate the transition process, potentially leading to a lack of experienced personnel in key roles.

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2. Trump’s First 100 Days: Policy Priorities and Challenges

Overview: The discussion shifts to what Donald Trump aims to achieve in his first 100 days in office. His agenda includes significant moves on immigration, energy policy, healthcare, and cultural issues.

Key Points:

• Immigration Reform: Trump vows to initiate the largest deportation program targeting criminals, emphasizing a national security approach.

  "On day one, I will launch the largest deportation program of criminals in the history of America." — Franco Ordonez [07:15]

• Energy and Climate Policies: He plans to dismantle President Biden’s climate initiatives, expand oil drilling, and provide tax breaks to the oil and gas industry.

  "He has promised ... to supercharge energy exploration." [07:30]

• Healthcare and Trade: Repealing and modifying the Affordable Care Act and imposing new tariffs on U.S. imports to protect domestic industries are also on the agenda.

• Cultural Wars: Addressing issues like banning transgender women from sports and eliminating critical race theory in schools reflects his administration’s focus on cultural and ideological battles.

Challenges:

• Operational and Legal Hurdles: Implementing these extensive reforms will require substantial investments in resources and navigating complex legal frameworks. The use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport foreign nationals without hearings introduces significant legal challenges.

  "It's really complicated... operational and legal challenges here." — Franco Ordonez [08:17]

• Congressional Approval: While Republicans hold the Senate, the success of Trump’s agenda will depend heavily on the House of Representatives, whose composition remains uncertain.

• Government Bureaucracy: Overcoming entrenched bureaucratic resistance, titled by Trump as the "deep state," will be essential for the administration to enact its policies effectively.

  "He will need congressional approval for some things... loyalty is a big deal to Trump." — Franco Ordonez [09:33]

Insights: Franco Ordonez notes that while Trump aims to reclassify federal workers into political positions to ensure alignment with his policies, the feasibility of such moves will be closely monitored. The historical context of the previous administration’s delays underscores the potential for similar obstacles.

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3. Potential Pardons for January 6th Rioters

Overview: A significant portion of the episode focuses on Trump’s pledge to pardon individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot. This pledge raises questions about its impact on ongoing investigations and the broader implications for justice.

Key Points:

• Trump’s Pardon Promises: Over the years, Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to pardon those charged in connection with the Capitol attack, referring to them as “political prisoners” and “hostages.”

  "He's called them hostages. He's called them political prisoners." — Ryan Lucas [11:16]

• Scope of the Investigation: The Justice Department continues one of its largest investigations, with over 1,500 individuals charged, nearly 1,000 pleading guilty, and about 200 convicted at trial, including members of extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.

  "More than 1,000 people in connection with the January 6th attack." — Ryan Lucas [11:04]

• Impact of Pardons: While the decision to unwind Special Counsel Jack Smith’s case against Trump is specific to him and does not affect other defendants, the possibility of mass pardons could influence ongoing prosecutions. Prosecutors appear undeterred, continuing to bring new cases forward despite Trump’s potential return to power.

  “Prosecutors have been bringing new January 6th cases this week, so it does appear to be business as usual.” — Ryan Lucas [12:50]

• Defendants’ Stance: Defendants, including high-profile individuals like Stuart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers, are actively seeking pardons. Rhodes’s attorney publicly appeals to Trump for clemency, signaling an aggressive legal strategy to mitigate severe convictions.

  "He's going to say that certain countries... are intentionally authorizing criminal elements to come into the country." — Leon Fresco [08:17]

Insights: Ryan Lucas emphasizes the tension between the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts and Trump’s pardon promises. The administration’s approach to pardons could set a controversial precedent, potentially undermining accountability for those involved in the Capitol riot.

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Conclusion

NPR's Up First episode provides a detailed examination of the incoming Trump administration’s transition challenges, ambitious policy agenda for the first 100 days, and the contentious issue of pardoning January 6th rioters. Through expert analysis and insightful commentary, the podcast underscores the complexities and potential ramifications of Trump's return to the White House, setting the stage for a tumultuous and closely watched presidency.

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Notable Quotes:

• "That's what the American people deserve." — President Biden [04:50]
• "The Trump administration never fully recovered from that rough start." — Chris Christie [05:08]
• "He will need congressional approval for some things... loyalty is a big deal to Trump." — Franco Ordonez [09:33]
• "He's going to say that certain countries... are intentionally authorizing criminal elements to come into the country." — Leon Fresco [08:17]

Attributions:

• Chris Christie: Former New Jersey Governor and guest discussing transition comparisons [05:08]
• Tamara Keith: NPR Senior White House Correspondent providing insights on transition delays [06:15]
• Franco Ordonez: NPR White House Correspondent analyzing policy priorities [07:15, 08:17, 09:33]
• Ryan Lucas: NPR Justice Correspondent covering January 6th investigations [11:04, 11:16, 12:50]
• Leon Fresco: Member of Trump's Homeland Security Advisory Council offering perspectives on deportation policies [08:17]

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This summary encapsulates the critical discussions from NPR’s Up First episode, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the topics without needing to reference the original podcast.

Transcript

[Leila Faulden]

A quick word before the show. The 2024 election, as you know, is over.

[A Martinez]

And as a new administration prepares to assume power with promises of major changes to the federal government, it's our job across the entire NPR network to report on what they do with that power.

[Leila Faulden]

And that's why we're here, because information is power. Your support makes it possible for us to break down big stories, to fact check and to make sure you understand what's going on. So when you donate today, you make a difference in our ability to do work tomorrow.

[A Martinez]

If you're already a supporter, we just want to take a moment to say thank you. And if you're not and you value this work, go to donate.NPR.org to give donate.NPR.org thank you for your support. Now here's our show. With the election now over, a two month sprint begins to shape the next administration and Donald Trump's transition is lagging behind.

[Leila Faulden]

Can he catch up and avoid the chaos of his last presidential transition?

[A Martinez]

I'm Leila Faulden. That's a Martinez. And this is up first from NPR News. Trump's campaign promises include expanding oil drilling, replacing the civil service with partisan loyalists, and deporting millions of immigrants he demonizes as criminals.

[Ryan Lucas]

On day one, I will launch the.

[Franco Ordonez]

Largest deportation program of criminals in the history of America.

[A Martinez]

What might his first 100 days look like?

[Leila Faulden]

And nearly four years ago, the House of Representatives impeached Trump for incitement of insurrection after a mob attacked the Capitol. Will he make good on his promise to pardon the January 6 riders? Stay with us. We've got all the news you need to start your day.

[Tamara Keith]

This message comes from HubSpot. Growing a business means a lot of audience attracting, lead scoring and long days. But with HubSpot, it's easier than ever for marketers to remix content, boost leads and score customers fast. Learn [e-mail] marketers this message comes from BetterHelp. It's important to take time to show gratitude towards others, but it's equally important to thank yourself. Life throws a lot of curveballs, and being grateful isn't always easy. Therapy can help remind you of all that you're worthy of and all that you do have. Let the gratitude flow with BetterHelp. [e-mail] NPR today to get 10% off your first month.

[Franco Ordonez]

This message comes from Noom. Using psychology and biology to build personal meal plans to fit your life lifestyle, taking into account dietary restrictions, medical issues and other personal needs. With daily lessons that are personalized to you and your goals. Noom's flexible program focuses on progress instead of perfection to help you build new habits for a healthier lifestyle. Sign up for your trial [e-mail] this.

[Tamara Keith]

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[Leila Faulden]

President elect Donald Trump has made his first big announcement. He's chosen his campaign manager, Susie Wiles, to be his White House chief of staff.

[A Martinez]

In his victory speech, Trump singled out Wiles for praise and said she's known for working behind the scenes.

[Franco Ordonez]

Suzy likes to stay sort of in.

[Ryan Lucas]

The back, let me tell you, the Ice baby.

[Franco Ordonez]

We call her the Ice Baby.

[A Martinez]

Wiles will be the first woman ever to hold the job. That's one job filled. But there are about 4,000 political positions to fill in any new administration and.

[Leila Faulden]

There are already questions about whether Trump's transition is on track. NPR senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith is here. So, Tam, it's only been, what, a few days, three days since Trump won. How can the transition possibly be behind?

[Chris Christie]

These plans are supposed to start over the summer, well before it's clear which candidate will win. By law. Each team is invited to sign formal legal agreements with the gsa, the General Services Administration, to get things rolling. And that gives them access to everything from office space and government email addresses to detailed information about agency operations. They haven't done it yet. The White House says they're keeping the lines of communication open. And President Biden said yesterday that he has told his team to do what they can to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. He said, quote, that's what the American people deserve. A spokesperson for the Trump team says they're still having conversations with the GSA about these agreements. And they said, quote, we will update you once a decision is made.

[Leila Faulden]

Okay, but how big of a deal is this that the agreements aren't signed yet?

[Chris Christie]

Well, in 2016, the Trump team did sign them. Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie spent months building the transition plan for Trump in close coordination with the outgoing Obama administration. And then two days after the election, Christie was fired and all those plans were thrown out.

[Leila Faulden]

You know, Tam, I remember there were cameras, TV cameras trained on the elevator doors in Trump Tower. They were watching people go in for interviews with Trump. I mean, it was like a TV show, like one of his shows.

[Chris Christie]

Yeah, it was quite the reality show. And there was a long list of people picked for jobs during that period who didn't last very long because it turns out they didn't agree with Trump's vision for the country. Rex Tillerson as secretary of state, former General James Mattis as defense secret. But at a lower level, hundreds of political appointments were not made. So there were a lot of Obama holdovers and high ranking acting positions when Trump took office. Chris Christie told the Transition Lab podcast that the Trump administration never fully recovered from that rough start.

[Franco Ordonez]

So you had people there who were hostile to the president personally and hostile to his agenda that he had just been elected on, and then he would wonder why he couldn't get things done.

[Leila Faulden]

So is history repeating itself here?

[Chris Christie]

I spoke with Max Steyer. He heads the Partnership for Public Service, which has assisted past transitions. And he says that this delay sends a very bad signal.

[Leila Faulden]

The Trump team did not understand the process or the importance of understanding that process and did not respect that process and paid a real price. And I fear that we might see something similar again. So, Tam, what's the Trump team saying about this?

[Chris Christie]

Well, a week before Trump won, the co chair of his transition, Howard Lutnick, said they were ready. They have lots of candidates and it would be completely different than 2016. A campaign adviser tells NPR that the jockeying for jobs in the administration is already intense. Loyalty to Trump and a desire to disrupt Washington are top qualifications this time.

[Leila Faulden]

NPR's Tamara Keith. Thanks, Tam.

[Chris Christie]

You're welcome.

[Leila Faulden]

President elect Donald Trump and his transition team are working vigorously to pick political appointees who will carry out his agenda.

[A Martinez]

He has promised on his first day in office, within the first few hours, in fact, to close the border and more.

[Franco Ordonez]

On day one, I will launch the largest deportation program of criminals in the history of America.

[A Martinez]

Trump has also promised to take a hatchet to President Biden's climate agenda and supercharge energy exploration.

[Leila Faulden]

So let's see how feasible. This is with NPR White House correspondent Franco Ordonez. So, okay, so Franco Trump gets sworn in January 20th. What can we expect to see 100 days from then?

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, I mean, you mentioned the border and drilling. You know, he also plans to gut climate subsidies and offer tax breaks to oil and gas producers. He's promising to change the Affordable Care act and impose big new tariffs on US Imports. There's also been a focus on the culture war issues with Trump planning to ban transgender women in sports and critical race theory in schools. But basically, Trump wants to return and resume where he left off after his first term in office. Clearly, the top priority is immigration.

[Leila Faulden]

So as we heard, he's calling for deporting record numbers of immigrants. What might that look like?

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, I mean, it's really complicated. I mean, there are so many operational and legal challenges here. It would take a huge investment in resources, manpower to deport millions of people. I will note Trump tweaked his language a bit in the last few weeks. As you heard in the clip, he added, quote, criminals. It's the mass deportation of criminals that is a key distinction that does give him some flexibility. But he's also planning to invoke a wartime authority. It's called the Alien enemies Act of 1798. To deport foreign nationals without a hearing. I spoke with Leon Fresco about this. He was appointed to serve on Trump's Homeland Security Advisory Council in his first administration. You have to show that a specific country invaded or attempted to invade you to cause instability. And so President Trump is going to say that certain countries, like Venezuela and others, are intentionally authorizing criminal elements to come into the country. Fresco is a Democrat, and he says Trump is trying to create a, quote, shock and awe type of environment so that people will take matters into their own hands and basically self deport.

[Leila Faulden]

Now, I keep hearing that Trump won't have the same guardrails this time around. How true is that?

[Franco Ordonez]

I mean, it won't be the same guardrails, but that doesn't mean there won't be any. I mean, he will need congressional approval for some things, such as for tax breaks and make changes to the Affordable Care Act. Republicans did win the Senate, so a lot will depend on who wins the House. There's also dealing with the government bureaucracy, but his team has experience with that. Loyalty is a big deal to Trump. He hired Susie Wiles as chief of staff, who was his campaign manager. So he's obviously looking for people he trusts. And one thing we'll be watching very closely is Trump wants to reclassify tens of thousands of federal workers and turn them into political positions for people who will need. Who will be more invested in carrying out his policies.

[Leila Faulden]

Yeah, that's who Trump has called the deep state that stopped or slowed him from carrying out some of his more extreme ideas.

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, more guardrails. Trump actually did this at the end of his last administration. Biden rescinded it and imposed a rule to make it harder for him to do it again. The reality is any rule that can be made can be rescinded. The question is, how long will it take?

[Leila Faulden]

NPR's Franco Ordonia is good to talk to you again.

[Franco Ordonez]

Thanks, Hay.

[Leila Faulden]

It was almost four years ago that a mob of Donald Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. capitol.

[A Martinez]

Federal authorities have charged more than 1,000 people in connection with the January 6th attack. And now Trump is headed back to the White House after promising to pardon the people charged in connection with that attack.

[Leila Faulden]

NPR justice correspondent Ryan Lucas has covered the January 6th investigation. So, Ryan, let's start with Trump and potential pardons. What has he said about clemency for Capitol rioters?

[Ryan Lucas]

Well, first off, for years, Trump has tried to rewrite the history of January 6th. He talks about it as a peaceful day instead of what it actually was, which is a violent attack on the U.S. capitol by his supporters, an attack that injured more than 140 police officers who were defending the building that day. It was an attack that the FBI director, a Trump appointee, has called domestic terrorism. Trump, though, has called the people who are facing federal charges for January 6th. He's called them hostages. He's called them political prisoners. And over the past few years, including very much so, during the 2024 campaign, Trump has promised pardons for January 6 rioters if he were to win back the presidency. He said that he would absolutely pardon them. And now he's headed back to the. To the White House.

[Leila Faulden]

That federal investigation into the January 6 riots, where does that stand?

[Ryan Lucas]

Well, look, this is a massive investigation, one of the largest in the history of the Justice Department. It started on the day of the Rio, and it is still going on as of today. So far, more than 1500 people have been charged. Almost a thousand have pleaded guilty. Many of those are for misdemeanors, but a lot of them are also for violent offenses, things like assaulting police with a deadly weapon. Around 200 people have been convicted at trial. That includes members of two far right extremist groups, the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys. Ten members of those two groups have been convicted at trial of seditious conspiracy. In other words, of opposing the authority of the US Government by force.

[Leila Faulden]

I know the Justice Department is looking to wind down the special counsel's cases against Donald Trump now that he's now going to be president, does that affect the DOJ's work against the Capitol rioters?

[Ryan Lucas]

So the decision to unwind Special Counsel Jack Smith's case is against Trump. That stems from a Justice Department policy that says that a sitting president can't face indictment or trial. That policy does not apply to anyone else. Full stop. That said, I did ask the Justice Department whether the potential for mass pardons of January six defendants has changed its approach to these cases. The department declined to comment on that. But I will say that prosecutors have been bringing new January 6th cases this week, so it does appear to be business as usual.

[Leila Faulden]

So the defendants, then, are they angling for pardons? I got to imagine that probably that's true.

[Ryan Lucas]

They definitely are. They're certainly aware of Trump's promises for pardons and they are angling for them. That goes for nonviolent offenders. It also goes, though, for folks convicted of attacking police and other serious charges. Stuart Rhodes is an example of this. He is the founder of the Oath Keepers group that I mentioned earlier. Rhodes was convicted by a jury in D.C. of seditious conspiracy and other crimes in connection with Jan. 6. The judge sentenced him to 18 years in prison, called him an ongoing threat to the country and its democracy. Rhodes's trial is one that Trump kept a close eye on, I'm told. Now Rhodes's attorney, Lee Bright, tells our colleague Kerry Johnson that he's going to personally urge Trump to do the right and honorable thing in pardon Rhodes. I have asked the Trump campaign whether Trump would pardon rioters convicted of violent crimes or just nonviolent ones. The campaign did not respond.

[Leila Faulden]

NPR's Ryan Lucas Ryan, thanks.

[Ryan Lucas]

Thank you.

[Leila Faulden]

And that's up first for Friday, November 8th. Emmy Martinez.

[A Martinez]

And I'm Leila Fauldel. And don't forget, up first airs on the weekends. Two Aisha Roscoe and Scott Simon have the news. It'll be here in this feed for your next listen. Consider Consider this from npr. We hear it up first, give you the three big stories of the day. Our Consider this colleagues take a different approach. They dive into a single news story and what it means to you in just 15 minutes. Listen now on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Leila Faulden]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Roberta Rampton, Megan Pratts, Anna Ukunanoff, Olivia Hampton and Jan Johnson. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Niad Dumas and Lindsey Toddy. We get engineering support from Carly Strange. And our technical director is Zach Coleman, joining us Monday.

[Tamara Keith]

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