Trump Administration Faces Scrutiny Over Appointees

As Donald Trump prepares for a second term, he is positioned more powerfully than in 2017, with a silent Republican party fearful of his retribution. His administration is expected to bypass Congress on key issues like immigration and tariffs, using executive powers to expel undocumented individuals and impose trade penalties. Meanwhile, a new inspector general report reveals that Trump’s Justice Department spied on congressional staffers and members during his first term, raising concerns over governmental overreach. Trump's appointments, including felon Peter Navarro, signal a troubling trend of integrating individuals with legal issues into his cabinet, which critics argue undermines democratic norms. The current political landscape reflects a disjointed calmness in Washington, contrasting with alarming developments as Trump consolidates power by vetting loyalists who align with his disputed election claims. As these dynamics unfold, they pose significant implications for the future of American democracy.