Americans' Mixed Reactions to Trump's Transition Period
As Donald Trump prepares for his new presidential term, the Western media is analyzing the diverse reactions of Americans towards his actions during the transition period. A recent CBS News/YouGov poll highlighted that 59% of Americans approve of Trump's transition efforts, particularly his selection of candidates for key government positions. While 23% of respondents expressed excitement about Trump's presidency, an equal percentage voiced concerns, with another 23% feeling outright fear regarding his future decisions.
The New York Post reports that other surveys, including a Pew Research poll, echo these sentiments, showing that 53% of Americans either strongly or somewhat approve of Trump's plans. The political divide is evident, with Democrats feeling fatigued and pessimistic—45% believe the best days for America are in the past—while 67% of Republicans are optimistic about the nation's future.
Former President Bill Clinton criticized Trump's personnel choices, suggesting they undermine public trust in the federal government. Clinton expressed concern that Trump's administration would prioritize loyalty over facts, potentially leading to detrimental decisions.
Concerns Over Transition Funding and Military Policies
The New York Times raised alarms over Trump's failure to disclose the sources of funding for his transition team, marking him as the first elected president not to do so. This lack of transparency raises questions about the influence of undisclosed donors on his administration. Trump must sign a memorandum of understanding with the outgoing Biden administration to access $7.2 million in federal transition funds, but deadlines for this agreement have passed, prompting concerns from experts about the implications of undisclosed financial support.
In addition to funding issues, Trump's potential military policies are also under scrutiny. Reports indicate he may seek to reinstate a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, which could impact around 15,000 current service members. This move comes at a time when the military is already struggling to meet recruitment targets, having fallen short by 41,000 personnel last year. Sources suggest that this ban could be more extensive than in Trump's first term, potentially affecting even long-serving members of the military.
