Stocking the Cabinet

This Week in Democracy

• Americans overwhelmingly oppose pardons for people who committed violent crimes at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, according to a new States United survey. The data shows that majorities of both Democrats and Republicans oppose the pardons that President-elect Trump has said he will “most likely” issue as soon as next week.
• The Department of Justice released the first volume of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s final report. The 137-page volume details Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. “Indeed, but for Mr. Trump’s election and imminent return to the presidency, the office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial,” the report concluded.
• Trump’s Cabinet nominees appeared before the Senate for confirmation hearings. Some senators raised concerns that Cabinet secretaries may put loyalty to him above their oaths to the Constitution. Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick for attorney general, was also asked about potential pardons for Jan. 6 convictions and about weaponized investigations. She pledged that the Justice Department would not prosecute anyone for political reasons.
• President Biden delivered a farewell address on Wednesday. In it, he warned of continuing threats to American democracy and encouraged the nation to protect it. “After 50 years of public service, I give you my word, I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands—a nation where the strength of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure,” he said. “Now it’s your turn to stand guard.”
• Trump will be inaugurated as president on Monday. Security officials are prepared, even as plans are changing to accommodate bad weather.