Politico: “Much of Biden’s first week in office is likely to be consumed by executive actions, many of which have already been telegraphed by his chief of staff, Ron Klain, and grouped by the four priorities of Biden’s nascent administration: the coronavirus pandemic, the economic recession, racial inequities and climate change. The second day of Biden’s presidency is expected to center on responding to the pandemic, especially setting in motion efforts to reach Biden’s ambitious goal of 100 million vaccines in 100 days. The new president has already outlined his first legislative priority, a $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill that includes funds for states to distribute the vaccine, extended unemployment insurance and stimulus checks.”

“But Biden officials have conceded that execution of their agenda is likely to be hobbled by the rocky transition, fueled by Trump’s refusal to acknowledge he lost the election. As the new officials started assuming their posts across the government on Wednesday, they were bracing to uncover chaos and problems concealed by Trump officials who refused to cooperate with the Biden team. In particular, there are concerns throughout the national security apparatus, given the acrimonious transition process at the Department of Defense and the National Security Council. At the Pentagon on Wednesday, outgoing Trump officials were, for the most part, nowhere to be found. The Trump White House liaison team had ordered the political appointees to vacate their offices by Tuesday, as Wednesday was considered a holiday, according to one former senior defense official who departed with the Trump administration.”