Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, expressed his joy on the 14th (local time) as the Republican Party secured not only the White House but also both the Senate and the House of Representatives. He said that the market has surged since his election victory and added, "My term should start from November 5th (Election Day)." He also named Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, as the first Secretary of the Interior for his second-term administration.
On the night of the same day, Trump attended the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) gala event held at the Mar-a-Lago Resort in Palm Beach, Florida, and stated, "I will probably have to pass a bill," adding, "My term should start on November 5th. Or it should start on November 6th." He boasted that the market has surged and is enthusiastic since his election victory, quoting a progressive commentator, saying, "Beautiful light is shining on our country and the entire world."
Trump, despite winning the 2016 presidential election, said that because he lost the popular vote to then-Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, "They (the Democrats) have always said, 'He (Trump) did not win the popular vote,'" but added, "Now, no one can say that to us anymore." He also raised his voice, saying, "We have taken the White House, regained the Senate (majority), and now have also regained the House."
He also mentioned the appointments for his second-term administration, which will begin in January next year. Regarding Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom he nominated as Secretary of Health and Human Services and who is known as a 'vaccine conspiracy theorist,' he expressed expectations, saying, "I hope you will bring forth the ideas and things you have talked about for a long time," and "You will do incredible things."
He also announced that he would nominate Governor Burgum as Secretary of the Interior the following day. Trump jokingly said, "I am going to make a big announcement, but I won't say it. I won't say the exact name," and added, "I think he is an amazing person. His name might be similar to Burgum. He is from North Dakota." Then, pointing to Governor Burgum and waving his hand, he confirmed, "He will lead the Department of the Interior."
Governor Burgum is a two-term governor and an entrepreneur who ran a software company. He competed against Trump in the Republican primary but withdrew early and declared his support for Trump. He was also mentioned as a potential running mate (vice presidential candidate) for Trump and had been considered as a candidate for Secretary of Energy in the next administration.
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