Trump Begins Transition as World Leaders Call to Congratulate President-Elect
Donald Trump, fresh off his victory in the presidential election, spent his first day as president-elect fielding congratulatory calls from world leaders, including his defeated opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, and President Joe Biden, The Associated Press reports.
While Trump is keeping a low profile following his victory speech in Florida, he is beginning the process of transitioning into the White House.
Harris called Trump to concede the race and congratulate him on his victory, while Biden, the man Trump ousted from the White House four years ago, extended an invitation to a meeting in the Oval Office.
“President Trump looks forward to the meeting, which will take place shortly, and very much appreciated the call,” said Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung.
The delay in formal transition talks is holding up the processing of security clearances for potential Trump administration appointees, limiting their access to sensitive information and federal facilities. It also prevents them from accessing necessary documents and personnel to prepare for taking office.
Despite this delay, Trump has been busy receiving calls from leaders, donors, and key supporters. Transition discussions are expected to ramp up later this week as attention turns to naming an inaugural committee and a formal transition team.
Trump’s election victory also brings the prospect of an end to the two federal cases against him, with special counsel Jack Smith evaluating how to wind down the investigations in light of the Justice Department policy that prohibits the prosecution of sitting presidents.
Smith charged Trump last year with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The latter case was dismissed earlier, but with Trump’s return to the White House, the Justice Department believes he is now immune from prosecution.
Meanwhile, the world has taken note of Trump’s return to power, with markets, banks, and Bitcoin all surging on Wednesday. Trump’s close ally Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, also saw his company’s stock rise significantly.
Among the many world leaders reaching out to Trump was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who spoke of the “Iranian threat” in a “warm and cordial” conversation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also called Trump, praising him for his support and commitment to aiding Ukraine in its war against Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also contacted Trump, as did Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi crown prince expressed his desire to strengthen ties between the two countries and wished the American people “progress and prosperity” under Trump’s leadership.
Trump’s first foreign trip as president during his previous term was to Saudi Arabia, where he stood by the kingdom despite the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi operatives in Istanbul.
Now, with tensions rising in the Middle East, Trump has vowed to bring peace to the region.
