What's happening in America since the election of Donald Trump?

President-elect Trump has started work on the transition.

Donald Trump is the president elect. In the aftermath of his surprise victory over Hillary Clinton, events have happened in rapid succession. What's going on and what's next?

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - On Wednesday morning, following Trump's victory speech and Clinton's concession, Donald Trump was assigned full Secret Service protection. Trump Tower, which will remain Trump's residence until he is inaugurated, has been secured. The NYPD has sent a security detail. Dump trucks filled with sand were temporarily parked in front of the building. Concrete barriers have been placed and a no-fly zone established above the building.

Protests have gathered outside of the building, but they have been peaceful and kept at bay by the NYPD.

Donald Trump later flew to Washington D.C. on his private jet, and met with President Obama. Obama will spend a considerable time helping Trump and his team transition into the White House.

Donald Trump has begun the selection process for his cabinet. Several names have been proposed for various positions. Right now, speculation and rumor suggests the following appointments will be made:

Newt Gingrich, Secretary of State
Rudy Giuliani, Attorney General
Ben Carson, Secretary of Education
Christ Christie, is heading the Trump transition team

Trump's wife, Melania Trump, has met with Michelle Obama.

Hillary Clinton has conceded, and she has admitted the pain and difficulty of her defeat. She stressed the importance of a peaceful transition and her commitment to that process. She has remained out of public view for the past few days. She is presently at her home in Chappaqua, New York, enjoying some private time with her family.

Some people continue to call for the prosecution of Clinton, but it is possible Obama may intervene and pardon her preemptively before a Trump Justice Department can take action.

Several international leaders have congratulated Trump, others have condemned his election or expressed reservations. Islamic State terrorists have praised his election, hoping he will somehow adopt policies that will favor their cause. Trump has called for the destruction of ISIS.

The presidents of both Mexico and Canada have said they are now willing to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Their announcements which occurred almost simultaneously, reflect their concern that Trump will end American participation in the treaty which has cost millions of American jobs.

While the transition is peaceful in Washington, the streets are full of chaos.

Protests have erupted in several major U.S. cities. In Portland, police have declared the protests to be a full-blown riot. Over two dozen people have been arrested in Portland for acts of mayhem. Police were compelled to deploy flash grenades to suppress the riots. Storefronts were smashed and cars vandalized.

Many people who belong to minority groups have expressed fear and concern following the election of Trump. Some believe Trump will deport illegals, several gays believe their legal right to marry is in jeopardy, and many are worried about bullying and other acts of violence.

Trump is not yet in office and it will be difficult for him to change things such as gay marriage, which has become normalized. It is also unclear if Trump will be able to marshal the state resources and wherewithal to round up and deport millions of illegal immigrants. Most experts this these are unlikely scenarios.

However, the bullying and violence are real. Some people, emboldened by Trump's win, have made violent threats, committed acts of vandalism, and in some cases they have assaulted others. These people are the greatest danger. There is a number who believe that a Trump presidency excuses violence and hostility toward others. This has not been condoned by President-elect Trump.

There is a backlash to Trump's election, grounded mostly in fear that he will become a political tyrant and strip people of fundamental protections. However, most serious observers think this is an irrational fear. Trump did not win the popular vote. There are a significant number of Democrats in government. While Republicans control the House and Senate, Democrats still have a voice. A poor job by Trump, or some act that galvanizes resistance in his first two years could be a disaster for Republicans.

Trump will also be constrained by other normal means including the judicial branch. At this point, anxiety over Trump's election is illogical and serves little purpose. However, the violence is real with protestors and bullies both acting out as a result of the election. Such behavior should stop at once and perpetrators brought to justice.

Donald Trump will be inaugurated on January 20, 2017.
 

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