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Welcome to logout: It’s a whole new world for President Donald Trump.
What happened? So far, there’s been little surprise: As we wrote yesterday, Trump has been largely silent since Tuesday’s midterm election debacle (barring the ballroom tour), and that continued on Thursday.
However, as the day approaches for Democrats to take control of Congress, there are signs that things may start to change for his administration.
What Can occur? Cabinet reshuffle, whether that means firings, resignations or anything in between. This is not unusual after any midterm election, especially after this seismic defeat (Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld resigned the day after the 2006 midterms amid voter outrage over Iraq).
Whatever happens, though, may need to happen quickly: There’s always a chance Trump may slip up with an acting secretary (he’s said he’s a fan before), but if he wants to get his successor confirmed, he’ll likely need to do it within the final two months of the current Republican Senate majority.
Who is watching the exit? Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are possible, but for very different reasons.
In Rubio’s case, it would give him a chance to distance himself from an unpopular presidency ahead of a potential presidential run in 2028 — especially at a time when Vice President J.D. Vance has been posting on social media explaining why a war with Iran might be a bad idea.
At the same time, Hegseth was one of the public faces of the war. Trump has so far denied any plans to replace Hegseth, but the secretary of state faces the prospect of impeachment as soon as next week. He’s also reportedly interested in being appointed to Tennessee’s soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat, which would provide him with a convenient escape (although based on Tuesday’s results, he could be at an electoral disadvantage anywhere in the country).
What’s the big picture? We don’t yet know what will happen next, but the chatter reflects the new world Trump and his administration face: deeply unpopular, deprived of cushy confirmation hearings and cover from congressional Republicans, and facing an aggressive oversight agenda.
That’s it, it’s time to log off…
Hello readers, here’s a really cool story about an atmospheric phenomenon I’ve never heard of – a transient luminous event, a type of lightning that occurs in the upper atmosphere. You can read all about them – and see them! – There is a gift link here.
Have a great night and see you tomorrow!