WASHINGTON − On a Wednesday at 4:28 p.m., just a week before Christmas and Hanukkah, Donald Trump reemerged with a statement that dominated social media once again.

As lawmakers were eager to wrap up for the holidays following their bipartisan stopgap funding bill to keep the U.S. government operational—which seemed headed for success—Trump intervened. In a joint statement with Vice President-elect JD Vance posted on X, he criticized the legislation pushed by Republican House leaders, deeming it a “betrayal of our country.”

The shockwaves from Trump’s announcement reverberated through the Capitol’s marble corridors, leaving lawmakers scrambling for a new plan. Tension rose as frustrated Democrats urged Republicans to stand firm together, leaving many Republicans confused.

“Enormous political disruption,” commented Vermont Democratic Senator Peter Welch after he viewed Trump’s statement on a reporter’s phone outside the Senate chamber. Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, hurrying past reporters to an elevator, remarked, “It’s all a fascinating mess.”

Trump 2.0 appears to be mirroring Trump 1.0—filled with unpredictability and chaos, along with significant Republican conflicts. Even before officially taking office, Trump was asserting his influence over the legislative process and showing his eagerness for confrontation. With Trump’s second-term Inauguration Day approaching on Monday, insiders and opponents tell YSL News to prepare for considerable upheaval. A new Republican administration filled with bold advisers, including Elon Musk, the wealthiest man globally, suggests that major changes are on the horizon, aligning with Trump’s campaign promises and what many voters hope for in the next four years.

Recent polls indicate that a significant majority of Americans support Trump’s transition, which has already lasted over 70 days since his victory over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. During this time, Trump was named Time magazine’s person of the year. The various legal challenges that previously dominated Trump’s attention during his 2024 campaign seem to be declining. His Mar-a-Lago estate has evolved into a hub for conservative personalities and high-profile press events where Trump’s statements have significant global implications. It’s also the stage for strategizing around key administration appointments, with decisions signaling an American leader determined to act swiftly and disruptively, according to interviews with nearly three dozen of Trump’s allies, insiders, and critics.

“I anticipate he’ll kick off with significant momentum and will execute plans rapidly, which may be overwhelming for some,” stated Ralph Reed, founder of the Faith & Freedom Coalition and a longtime backer of Trump.

‘It’s wild’: Planning the Presidency from Mar-a-Lago

A separate room adjacent to the main living area at Mar-a-Lago has become the launching point for Trump’s second administration. A recent visitor encountered the president-elect and transition co-chair Howard Lutnick seated together at a large boardroom table.

Among the guests present at Mar-a-Lago that day were Vance, Musk, and Vivek Ramaswamy, a billionaire who formerly competed against Trump in the primaries and now acts as an advisor.

Trump’s transition base features multiple screens displaying video clips of potential nominees, resumes, and various information that cater to a visually-oriented president-elect. This approach reflects Trump’s background as a reality television host, his habitual TV consumption, and a trend of selecting individuals from media backgrounds for top positions.

The transition atmosphere at Mar-a-Lago also includes not just job applicants but celebrities, world leaders, and influential business figures who are visiting as the locus of American power shifts back to Trump from the 82-year-old President Joe Biden.

“It’s wild. Everyone in the world seems to want to be there,” remarked Texas GOP Senator Ted Cruz, once a Trump opponent now turned ally, who has made recommendations regarding personnel.

The guest roster at Mar-a-Lago encompasses individuals from various political and ideological backgrounds. Trump recently hosted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss trade, later teasing him about Canada potentially becoming a U.S. state. Trudeau later announced his intention to resign. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who aligns with Trump’s conservative views, visited Mar-a-Lago and when back in Rome, indicated she received an invitation to attend Trump’s inauguration. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg, along with Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Apple CEO Tim Cook, have also dined with the president-elect.

“Everyone seems eager to be my friend,” Trump commented last month regarding the interest from these business leaders, some of whom were apprehensive during his first presidency.

‘Wondering how strong to go’

During his 2016 transition, Trump operated out of his private golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and Trump Tower in New York City. Back then, prospective nominees would paraded before reporters who camped outside his tower. Many Trump staffers acknowledged that the planning process at that time was chaotic and filled with internal rivalries encouraged by Trump’s unique leadership style.

A recent Mar-a-Lago visitor, wishing to remain anonymous, indicated that Trump’s transition for 2024 is “far more organized” compared to his first. Other Republican figures echoed similar sentiments. “Having been present during his first term and now his second, I can confidently say they are much more prepared and focused heading into Inauguration Day this time around,” noted Kentucky Representative James Comer.

However, while those near Trump cite a more seamless transition than in 2016, it hasn’t been without its controversies, particularly with several appointments triggering bipartisan concern.

Trump’s selection process is inclusive of opinions from a diverse array of advisors. One individual who consulted Trump early in the transition reported that the president-elect pondered the idea of appointing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, a decision he had yet to finalize.

“He was curious about how bold to be with that choice,” the anonymous source explained.

Choosing Kennedy, known for questioning vaccine safety—contrary to the stance of the agencies he aspires to lead—has sparked substantial debate. Despite this, Kennedy has gained traction in both the MAGA movement and beyond through his critiques of public health initiatives and industrial farming, positioning him as a disruptive figure. This choice suggests, according to the individual who spoke to Trump, that the president-elect seeks assertive individuals who will enact significant changes.

“I believe that’s his approach now; he recognizes it functions differently compared to last time,” the individual added, stating that Trump is very much “hands-on” with his Cabinet selections, analyzing each one closely.

Cabinet announcements began with his nomination of attorney general Matt Gaetz, a former congressman who was under federal investigation for sex trafficking but was not charged, followed by former Fox News host Pete Hegseth for the Department of Defense, long-time supporter Kash Patel for the FBI, and former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for the intelligence agencies.

Hegseth has faced allegations of sexual assault, which he denies, and lacks extensive military experience. Gabbard has minimal experience in intelligence and has been criticized for her remarks that some view as sympathetic to authoritarian leaders. Critics label Patel a Trump loyalist.

Gaetz rescinded his nomination following public backlash. However, Trump’s other contentious selections have remained as the president-elect stands firm in their defense, with Senate confirmation votes anticipated to start as soon as Monday as control is transferred to a new administration.

Many of Trump’s selections have openly criticized the agencies they are set to lead and are expected to implement significant changes. Both Republicans and Democrats suggest that the composition of Trump’s team reflects his governance style, although their perceptions of the future diverge substantially.

“These individuals are preparing for a major confrontation,” stated Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., remarked that Trump has chosen individuals “ready to stand and fight, which is essential for him.”

“They will need to enter these agencies and eliminate any obstacles to ensure his administration is not sabotaged by the so-called Deep State,” Johnson remarked.

Concerns about Retribution

In an NBC interview from Trump Tower that aired on December 8, Trump stated that members of the House committee investigating his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot “should be jailed.” This interview, along with his appointees, raises questions about whether Trump intends to retaliate against his political adversaries.

“This is not a good sign for democracy,” commented Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the former chair of the House January 6 Select Committee, reflecting on the threats of retribution with a reporter beneath the Capitol.

While some of Trump’s allies have dismissed the president-elect’s remarks as mere talk, and Trump asserted to NBC that “success will be the best retribution,” Thompson maintains that Trump’s comments and choices are cause for concern.

John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser who has since become a critic, has stated that the president-elect is selecting “yes men and yes women” for key positions, some of which are “quite alarming.”

“This suggests that Trump’s agenda for retribution is a serious matter,” said Bolton, a former GOP foreign policy adviser and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during George W. Bush’s administration. Bolton appears on a list in Patel’s book identifying individuals as part of the “deep state.”

A spokesperson for Trump’s transition dismissed the fears of retribution, highlighting the president-elect’s statements. “President Trump has asserted time and again that his retribution will come through success, and he has appointed brilliant and highly regarded outsiders to his administration because the American public is weary of the status quo,” Anna Kelly stated. “With the assistance of these skilled Cabinet nominees, all families will reap the rewards as he fulfills his promises to reduce costs, secure the border, and Make America Great Again.”

While Bolton expressed concern over Trump’s intentions with his nominees, he also suggested that the transition appears to be disorganized, lacking careful consideration despite claims from Republicans. This could mean that Trump’s second term may be as chaotic as his first. Bolton pointed to a “remarkable lack of vetting” among certain selections, mentioning Hegseth specifically.

Even as Republican allies describe a formal recruitment process for administration roles, informal avenues exist, like “anyone with a direct line to Trump,” according to a source close to the transition who preferred to remain anonymous.

“New year, same situation,” the source remarked.

Breaking Norms

Trump’s initial transition actions, such as his unconventional Cabinet choices, confirm his readiness to break norms and challenge traditional methods, according to Gwenda Blair, a biographer of Trump.

“This attitude is unlikely to change,” she remarked. “It’s also why his followers appreciate him. They find it very engaging.”

Blair also questioned the narrative pushed by Trump’s supporters that he is appointing outsiders free from elite influence, pointing out that many of his choices are extremely affluent. Forbes reports that Trump has named at least nine billionaires or individuals married to billionaires. Their extensive business affiliations could lead to significant financial conflicts.

Throughout his first term, Trump frequently faced ethical scrutiny for allegedly utilizing the federal government for personal gain, including hosting official and unofficial events at his properties. This issue was a key and recurring topic during his first administration.

Currently, Trump owns Truth Social, a social media platform, and a cryptocurrency business, both of which ethics experts warn could lead to major financial conflicts. Simultaneously, a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling has lessened the limits on his power by establishing that presidents enjoy considerable immunity regarding their official actions.

“Regarding boundaries and ethics, there has been noticeable regression in recent years,” stated Richard Painter, chief ethics counsel for former President George W. Bush.

Trump’s tendency to challenge boundaries is evident not just in ethical matters but also raises questions about the extent of presidential authority and compliance with the law. The president-elect has suggested deploying the military for mass deportations, raising legal concerns, and has not excluded using military pressure to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal.

Painter expressed hope that Trump will pursue his agenda by “adhering to the regulations.”

“Is that in line with his character? Well, that’s not what we’ve observed up to this point,” he remarked.

A CNN survey conducted from December 5-8 indicated that 55% of Americans approved of Trump’s management of his transition, though Painter warned that he could jeopardize his “political capital” if he oversteps.

There are multiple potential challenges ahead, including a slim Republican majority in the House, which may complicate Trump’s efforts to advance his agenda in Congress, even with Republican control of both legislative bodies.

“The Republicans can’t afford to have someone fall ill,” noted a GOP consultant aligned with Trump who wished to remain nameless.

The fragile nature of Trump’s position as his second term approaches became evident when the government was on the brink of shutting down just before Christmas. Congressional Republicans attempted to control the agenda during the final days of the Biden administration when Trump disrupted it, reminiscent of the turmoil during his initial term when lawmakers and the public were always on edge, awaiting a potential tweet that could reshape the federal government’s operations drastically.

In this situation, Trump compelled lawmakers to shift their focus and approve a new spending bill, but only after the legislation he wanted failed due to opposition from 38 Republicans, necessitating revisions by the House speaker. By disrupting the stopgap funding measure, Trump showcased his influence in a closely divided Washington. However, he also put himself and the Republicans under scrutiny regarding whether the unified GOP control of government they are about to assume would fulfill a multitude of campaign commitments.

On Capitol Hill that late December day, confusion quickly transitioned to blame, as Democrats criticized Republicans, and Republicans turned on each other.

“What’s unfolding right now is utterly disgraceful,” remarked Missouri GOP Senator Josh Hawley, attributing the dysfunction to the leadership within his own party. He added that he had expressed similar frustrations to Trump, arguing that Mike Johnson should no longer serve as speaker.

Just over two weeks later, Johnson maintained his speakership by a slim margin of Republican votes, aided by Trump’s late support and lobbying efforts. A tenuous partnership appeared to sustain, at least for the moment, into the dawn of Trump’s next presidency.