Donald Trump was elected barely a week ago and there are already reports of shake-ups and signs of disarray within his transition team.
Reports are emerging as to whether those within Trump’s inner circle, namely his son-in-law Jared Kushner, are exercising undue influence during the transition process.
Connections are being drawn between Kushner’s father, real estate developer Charles Kushner, and Trump surrogate and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
While serving as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey in 2004, Christie prosecuted the elder Kushner for tax evasion, making illegal campaign contributions and witness tampering.
Christie, who’s been running the transition team for months, was booted from his position and replaced by Vice President-elect Mike Pence on Friday.
On Tuesday, former Michigan Congressman and Christie ally Mike Rogers stepped down from the transition team, although some reports indicate he was pushed out.
Amid murmurings of transition turmoil, Trump took to Twitter on Monday night and early Tuesday morning to decry media reports as “false” and claim the ongoing process is going “so smoothly.”
The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition. It is going so smoothly. Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016
Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016
How are Trump supporters viewing the president-elect’s transition and what do they expect or envision from a Trump presidency?
Three prominent supporters share their thoughts on the president-elect's transition process. Joining Carol Marin are Kent Gray, former Illinois Trump campaign director; Jay Bergman, owner and CEO of the Petco Petroleum Corporation; and Doug Ibendahl, former general counsel to the Illinois Republican Party.
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