Heading into Election Day, Hillary Clinton was such a strong favorite that her campaign had already planned a fireworks celebrating. By the end of the night, Donald Trump had become president-elect, and the direction of the country was instantly altered.
Trump's division
Described by campaign advisors as "shocked," Trump really didn't believe that he had a chance at winning the election. Recent reports also note that Trump was planning to end his campaign last October and endorse New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, but his unexpected popularity forced a change of plans.
In the days since winning the election, Trump has made two major moves, as he's hired Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus as his new Chief of Staff, and executive chair of breitbart News, Steve Bannon, as his Chief Strategist. With future announcements expected to be made shortly, CNN reported on November 14 that there is disarray behind the scenes.
Trump's transition has drawn sharp internal disagreements, sources say; One source described it as a "knife fight" https://t.co/UutiB4GOv4 pic.twitter.com/0oezuqXQ3t
— CNN (@CNN) November 15, 2016
The current climate inside the Trump administration has been described as a "knife fight" by one CNN source, as advisors are having a hard time finding common ground.
The transition team is currently being led by Vice President Mike Pence, who took over the role after Christie was let go earlier in the week. A power struggle is reportedly occurring between Priebus and Bannon, as well as Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, in regard to how much power each individual will have moving forward.
The environment is getting so heated that Pence will make his way to Trump Tower on Tuesday to personally meet with the former host of "The Apprentice." As of press time, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is considered the favorite to become the next Secretary of State, with Sen. Jeff Sessions, known for his harsh immigration policies, being considered for the job of Attorney General or Secretary of Defense.
KKK, American Nazi Party praise Trump's hiring of Bannon https://t.co/emZhmnDNh4 pic.twitter.com/YWYdvC9pCv
— The Hill (@thehill) November 15, 2016
Other names
Other names that have been floated around have also raised eyebrows. Former half-term Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has been considered as Interior Secretary, with former WWE CEO Linda McMahon being vetted for a position in the commerce department.
Moving forward
Trump has just over nine weeks to ease tensions and put together a cabinet that he will work with for at least the next four years. As Trump and his team prepare for a moinve to the White House, the former host of "The Apprentice" will face charges of fraud and racketeering in a federal courthouse in relation to the Trump University trial which begins on November 28.