For most presidents-elect, the transition period between Election Day and Inauguration Day is a time of uneventful preparation—generally defined by little more than appointment announcements and routine policy planning.
But since November 5, President-elect Donald Trump’s transition has been anything but routine. Showcasing the wisdom and institutional knowledge he gained during his first term, Trump has already begun crafting policies and working with lawmakers to be ready for day one back in the White House. Just last week he met with congressional leaders on passing his most urgent legislative priorities, and he reportedly has more than 100 executive orders ready to go as soon as he takes the oath of office.
Moreover, Trump’s policy announcements have led to a flourishing of economic activity, with stock market surges and a bevy of corporate investments in the United States spurred by Trump’s promises for lower taxes, less regulation, and cheaper energy. The morning following Election Day, according to NBC News, the “Dow Jones Industrial Average gained more than 1,500 points, or 3.6 percent, hitting an all-time high.” Additionally, the S&P 500 closed up 2.5 percent and the Nasdaq soared three percent—both all-time highs.
“Shares in major banks, which are often the beneficiaries of increased merger and acquisition activity, experienced large increases, with JPMorgan up 11.5 percent, Bank of America up 8.4 percent and Wells Fargo up 13 percent,” NBC continued.
Furthermore, days following the election, Bitcoin surged to a record high—a milestone that was reached yet again in December, when Trump indicated he would establish a U.S. Bitcoin reserve.
In the business world, mere days after the election, shoe retailer Steve Madden announced plans to “rapidly” pull back its production in China by as much as 45 percent—and other companies and CEOs are widely expected to follow suit.
“We have been planning for a potential scenario in which we would have to move goods out of China more quickly,” the Steve Madden CEO said. “As of yesterday morning, we are putting that plan in motion.”
The power of Trump’s victory was further reinforced in December when Softbank, a Japanese investment firm, announced that it would invest $100 billion in U.S.-based projects over the next four years—a move that is expected to create at least 100,000 American jobs.
“This historic investment is a monumental demonstration of confidence in America’s future,” Trump said at a press conference. “It will help ensure that artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and other industries of tomorrow are built, created, and grown right here in the USA.”
Trump has also announced a historic $20 billion investment from DAMAC Properties, one of the largest real estate development companies in the Middle East, set to launch in states like Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. “They may go double, or even somewhat more than double, that amount of money,” Trump said.
The monumental aftermath of Trump’s comeback was also felt in the realm of foreign policy. Following the media’s declaration of Trump as the winner of the election, Hamas called for an “immediate” end to the Israel-Hamas war. Russian President Vladimir Putin also indicated he was ready and willing to discuss a peace plan in Ukraine—a sentiment echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Meanwhile, the European Union has signaled a willingness to purchase more liquefied natural gas from the United States to avoid the threat of tariffs—a massive win for American energy dominance. Perhaps most significantly, China declared its desire for a “peaceful coexistence” with the U.S.
On the immigration front, the president of Mexico pledged to work to stop the flow of illegal aliens entering the United States through the southern border. And immediately following Election Day, a migrant caravan headed for American soil drastically shrunk—demonstrating the effectiveness of Trump’s border security agenda.
During the transition period, Trump has also announced the creation of a new federal agency—dubbed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—to fulfill his signature promise of crushing the unelected bureaucracy that has for far too long wielded unearned and unconstitutional power over the lives of American citizens.
Based on every indication, the American people are strongly supportive. A December Gallup poll found that a majority of Americans support Trump’s handling of his transition. A previous poll issued by Morning Consult further showed that more Americans than not approve of Trump’s Cabinet nominees—even despite fierce attempts by the corporate media to smear and discredit them.
As the nation prepares for Inauguration Day in just one week, the foundation laid during this historic transition period signals one clear message: America is back—and the growing slate of victories for American freedom, prosperity, sovereignty, and greatness are only just beginning.
Aaron Flanigan is the pen name of a writer in Washington, D.C.
