Daily US Times: The Trump administration threw the presidential transition into tumult on Monday, with President Donald Trump firing the Pentagon chief, Attorney General William Barr authorizing the Justice Department to probe allegations of voter fraud and blocking government officials from cooperating with President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team.
Barr signed off on investigations into unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud made repeatedly by President Trump. Even as Biden began assembling experts to face the surging coronavirus pandemic, the federal agency that needs to green light the beginnings of the transition of power held off on taking that step. And the White House moved to crack down on those not deemed sufficiently loyal as President Trump continued to refuse to concede the race.
Top Republicans largely refused to put widespread pressure on the President to accept his election loss. Mr Trump remained out of sight at the White House, discussions ongoing about how the defeated President would spend the coming weeks and days as he challenged the people’s verdict.
The termination of Defense Secretary Mark Esper was expected by some aides to be the first of several firings by the Republican President, now freed from having to face voters again and angry at those in his administration perceived to be insufficiently loyal. Others believed to be vulnerable: infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, FBI Director Christopher Wray, CIA head Gina Haspel.
Out of sight but not unheard, Trump again dispute the result of the election in twitter, making baseless accusations of widespread “unthinkable and illegal” activity in the election.
You may read: President Trump fires Defence Secretary Mark Esper
