Political Wire

Left Off Biden’s Pardon List

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“Among the flurry of last-minute pardons issued by Joe Biden in the final moments of his presidency Monday, a group of names was conspicuously absent: prosecutors and judges who have sought to apply the law to Donald Trump,” Politico reports.

“Trump has frequently mused about seeking revenge on prosecutors like special counsel Jack Smith, who led the two federal criminal cases against Trump, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the New York hush money case that ended in Trump’s conviction…”

“Neither was named by Biden on Monday as the recipient of a pardon, even as the outgoing president moved to protect other prominent officials who have sparked Trump’s ire.”

A Direct Way to Send Money to the President

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Over the weekend, Donald Trump launched a cryptocurrency, $TRUMP, calling it a way to “celebrate our win and have fun.”

Despite warnings that $TRUMP was “not an investment opportunity,” the memecoin quickly attracted tens of thousands of buyers.

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Steve Bannon Absent from the Inauguration

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“Former White House strategist Steve Bannon was noticeably absent from the inauguration’s presidential fanfare on Monday amid his ongoing feud with Elon Musk,” the Daily Beast reports.

“Bannon’s normally active social media accounts were also radio silent on President Donald Trump’s big day, adding to the rumors of a growing civil war between MAGA’s old guard, led by Bannon, and its new billionaire leaders led by Musk.”

Trump to Pardon Capitol Rioters

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“President Donald Trump is planning to pardon people convicted of nonviolent offenses related to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack and to commute the sentences of others convicted of more serious offenses,” CNN reports.

“The Justice Department also is expected to move in court to dismiss cases that have not yet gone to trial, according to a Trump transition official.”

Trump’s Family Returns to Washington

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“The inauguration of Donald Trump is not just a restoration of power for the former president. It’s a return for his family, as well,” the New York Times reports.

“They left Washington four years ago, alienated from many of their former friends and acquaintances in New York City because of their work in the administration. They return to Washington with more political and cultural support — and a far better understanding of how to wield their soft power.”

Trump to Take Oath as 47th President

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Donald Trump — in a truly remarkable return to power — is set to be sworn in at 12 p.m. ET as the 47th president of the United States.

Trump will take the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda four years after a mob of his supporters ransacked the same building in a failed attempt to overturn an election that he lost.

Today marks a political comeback unlike any in our history.

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Trump Plans to Declare National Emergency at Border

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Bloomberg: “Trump plans to declare a national emergency at the border, direct the Pentagon to deploy additional individuals to the border, and seek to end ‘catch and release,’ the policy by which migrants are released while awaiting a hearing on their asylum status.”

“The president-elect is also preparing a proclamation to end the asylum process, which officials say would allow the immediate removal of those in the country already awaiting a court hearing.”

“The administration will look to reinstate the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy that requires those seeking asylum to stay in Mexico before their immigration court date, direct federal agencies to resume construction of the border wall, and declare gangs and cartels involved in human smuggling as terrorist organizations.”

CBS News: Trump to issue sweeping immigration orders once in office.

Mark Milley ‘Deeply Grateful’ for Pardon

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Retired Army Gen. Mark Milley said he was “deeply grateful” to receive a preemptive pardon from outgoing President Joe Biden Monday, USA Today reports.

Said Milley: “After forty-three years of faithful service in uniform to our Nation, protecting and defending the Constitution, I do not wish to spend whatever remaining time the Lord grants me fighting those who unjustly might seek retribution for perceived slights.”

Trump Will Declare U.S. Only Recognizes Two Sexes

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“President-elect Donald Trump will declare shortly after taking office on Monday that the federal government only recognizes two sexes — male and female — a move that reverses protections for transgender people put in place under outgoing President Joe Biden,” USA Today reports.

An incoming White House official who described the measure said it is about “restoring sanity.”

Putin Congratulates Trump

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Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump in televised comments to his country’s security council, the New York Times reports.

He welcomed Trump’s readiness to “restore direct contacts with Russia” and to “do everything to prevent World War III.”

About Political Wire

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire, one of the earliest and most influential political web sites. He also runs Political Job Hunt, Electoral Vote Map and the Political Dictionary.

Goddard spent more than a decade as managing director and chief operating officer of a prominent investment firm in New York City. Previously, he was a policy adviser to a U.S. Senator and Governor.

Goddard is also co-author of You Won - Now What? (Scribner, 1998), a political management book hailed by prominent journalists and politicians from both parties. In addition, Goddard's essays on politics and public policy have appeared in dozens of newspapers across the country.

Goddard earned degrees from Vassar College and Harvard University. He lives in New York with his wife and three sons.

Goddard is the owner of Goddard Media LLC.

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