TikTok, energy, crypto executive orders

The Trumps, alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife Usha, participated in a church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lafayette Square.

Following the service, they are expected to have tea at the White House with outgoing President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

Trump has indicated plans to sign an executive order today that could strip protections from a significant number of federal employees.

By reinstating the Schedule F order from his first administration, Trump would make it easier for the new administration to terminate many government workers, as this new classification would lack the rights that career civil servants typically possess, including protection from dismissal without cause.

This executive order is perceived by Trump’s officials as part of a broader strategy to dismantle what he terms the “deep state” and reduce federal bureaucracy.

Furthermore, it would enable Trump to appoint individuals aligned with his agenda.

— Annie Nova

Bitcoin reached a new all-time high after the Trumps recently launched their respective meme coins.

As of 8:15 a.m. ET, Bitcoin was trading at $106,522.98, reflecting a nearly 1% increase, according to Coin Metrics.

Donald Trump’s “Official Trump” meme coin debuted on Friday, achieving a market cap of $10.6 billion, a staggering increase of over 659%, based on data from CoinGecko and Coinbase.

Melania’s meme coin has also performed well, reaching a market cap of $1.3 billion with a 14% rise since its launch on Sunday, attracting $7.3 billion in trading volume over the last 24 hours, compared to the $31 billion volume of Trump’s coin.

While meme coins are generally viewed as a high-risk segment of the cryptocurrency market, the launch of the Trumps’ coins appears to have given traders confidence in a favorable regulatory environment under the new administration.

— Tanaya Macheel

On his last morning in office, President Biden granted preemptive pardons to General Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, members of Congress and staff from the Jan. 6 committee, as well as officers who provided testimony before them.

Biden stated, “These public servants have honored our nation and should not face unwarranted and politically motivated legal actions.”

Biden continued, “These are extraordinary circumstances that I cannot ignore. Politically motivated reviews cause turmoil in the lives and financial security of the individuals targeted and their families.”

“That’s why I am exercising my constitutional authority to pardon these individuals.”

— Christina Wilkie

Trump’s inaugural speech will prominently feature a call for a “revolution of common sense,” as reported by NBC News’ Kristen Welker.

Trump will express, “I take office optimistic, believing we are on the brink of an exhilarating new chapter for our nation. A wave of change is transforming our country,” as outlined by an incoming White House official.

“Today, I will enact a series of historic executive orders. With these actions, we will commence the full restoration of America and the revolution of common sense,” Trump will announce to the gathered audience.

His message will emphasize the need for Americans to act with the courage and vigor reminiscent of our nation’s greatest moments.

— Christina Wilkie and NBC News’ Kristen Welker

President-elect Donald Trump and Melania were seen celebrating the night prior at a black-tie candlelight dinner hosted at the National Building Museum, attended by influential figures from the new Trump administration.

Attendees included Musk, Jeff Bezos and fiancée Lauren Sanchez, philanthropist and Trump supporter Miriam Adelson, incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend Bettina Anderson, Eric Trump and wife Lara Trump, and Ivanka Trump with husband Jared Kushner.

Vice President-elect JD Vance and his spouse Usha were also in attendance, alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump’s nominee for HHS Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Trump arrived at the dinner around 9 p.m. and departed shortly after 11:30 p.m. He made brief remarks to thank his supporters. The majority of the dinner was not open to the press, aside from the few moments he spoke.

— Christina Wilkie

Elon Musk met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, who is visiting for Trump’s inauguration.

According to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Han “encouraged Tesla and other American companies to seize opportunities and share in China’s development.”

Musk reciprocated by sharing Tesla’s eagerness to enhance investment and collaboration in China to bolster economic exchanges between the two countries.

With Shanghai housing Tesla’s largest single assembly plant, the company remains a strong contender in China’s EV market.

Han also engaged with Vance and various U.S.-China business groups.

— Christina Wilkie

Trump will deliver his second inaugural address immediately after being sworn in today at noon, with a focus on the theme of “unity,” as he informed NBC News’ Kristen Welker.

He remarked, “It will be a message celebrating unity and our commitment to success and safety in America. Essentially, it’s about uniting our country.”

When asked whether his address would include references to “American carnage,” a powerful line from his first inauguration, Trump responded, “No, no American carnage this time.”

— Christina Wilkie

The Trump-Vance inaugural committee has outlined today’s events.

While the timeline is flexible, it’s confirmed that Trump will officially begin his presidency at 12:00 p.m. ET with the oath of office beforehand.

Here’s the committee’s agenda, slightly adjusted to add an event at Capital One Arena, replacing the customary outdoor parade:

Schedule for January 20, 2025

– Service at St. John’s Church

– Tea at the White House

– Swearing-In Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol

– Farewell to the Former President and Vice President

– Departure Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol

– Signing Room Ceremony

– Congressional Luncheon

– Event at Capital One Arena [added to schedule]

– Oval Office Signing Ceremony

– Commander in Chief Ball: Remarks by President Donald J. Trump

– Liberty Inaugural Ball: Remarks by President Donald J. Trump

– Starlight Ball: Remarks by President Donald J. Trump

— Christina Wilkie