The beginning of the new presidential administration.
PRAY FIRST for God to guide and direct the president, congress, and all newly elected officials as they take part in the peaceful transfer of power. We ask that they seek Your perfect wisdom as they lead the nation over the next four years.
The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will. – Proverbs 21:1
The transition of power between presidents is a hallmark of American democracy, ensuring a smooth and orderly transfer of authority. This process began immediately after the election. The president-elect’s transition team then worked to prepare for taking office, including selecting key personnel, receiving security briefings, and planning policy initiatives. The transition culminated on Inauguration Day, January 20, when the president-elect took the oath of office, and the powers of the presidency were formally transferred.
Inauguration
Monday, January 20, 2025, was Inauguration Day for President Donald J. Trump, the 47th President of the United States of America. Traditionally, the ceremony is held outside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C., however, due to extremely cold temperatures, it was moved inside to the Capitol Rotunda. The last time this happened was for President Reagan’s second inauguration. The swearing-in ceremony began at noon Eastern. The day’s events, planned by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, included the swearing-in, the inaugural address, and the pass in review. Following the ceremony, there was an Inaugural Parade and several Inaugural Balls.
Staff
Incoming presidents bring their own administrative staff with them who play crucial roles in the daily operations of the Executive Office. The White House Chief of Staff, often considered the president’s right-hand person, oversees the Executive Office and manages the president’s schedule, communications, and policy initiatives. Other essential staff include the National Security Advisor, who provides counsel on national security issues; the Press Secretary, who communicates the administration’s messages to the public and media; and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, who assists in preparing the federal budget. Additionally, senior advisors and counselors to the President offer strategic advice on a wide range of policy areas, ensuring that the President’s agenda is effectively implemented.
Cabinet
The President’s Cabinet serves as the principal advisory body to the President of the United States. Comprising the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments, the Cabinet’s primary function is to provide counsel on a wide range of issues, from national security to economic policy. Traditionally, the Cabinet meets regularly with the president to discuss and coordinate the implementation of federal policies and programs. While Cabinet members do not have collective executive powers, they wield significant influence within their respective departments, overseeing the administration of federal laws and the execution of presidential directives. Each member is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, ensuring a balance of executive authority and legislative oversight.
Most confirmations are completed within the first 100 days of office. The confirmation process involves several rounds of investigation and review, beginning with the submission of a personal financial disclosure report and a background check. Nominees are then evaluated in committee hearings, where their views on public policy are closely examined. Once the committee hearings are closed, the nomination goes to the Senate floor for consideration. Unlimited debate is allowed until a majority of the Senate votes to invoke cloture and close debate, followed by a simple majority vote on whether to confirm, reject, or take no action on the nomination.
If a cabinet spot is not yet confirmed, the work will be done by acting officials who are typically senior career employees or deputies within the respective agencies. They can step in to ensure continuity of operations until a permanent appointee is confirmed.
The First 100 Days
In the first 100 days of office, a new president will focus on setting the tone for their administration and implementing key policy initiatives. President Trump is expected to use this time to pass significant legislation and issue critical executive orders that demonstrate the administration’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises. He will outline his legislative agenda and the submission of the federal budget proposal when he speaks to the nation at the State of the Union address.
Why It Matters and How We Can Respond
PRAY100 is a nationwide initiative to unite praying Americans to lift up President Donald J. Trump and his administration in prayer during their first 100 days in office.
This movement calls on believers to pray not only for President Trump but also for his entire administration, key bureaucratic leaders, the new Congress, the judiciary, and the nation as a whole.
All who are willing to commit to this 100-day challenge will receive Presidential Briefing emails daily through April 30, 2025.
Join us in this vital mission. Enrollment is now open at www.PRAY100.org.
HOW THEN SHOULD WE PRAY:
— Pray for the Lord to give wisdom to President Donald Trump as he leads the nation and guides America into the next four years. The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
— Pray for Americans across the nation to come together in unity to work towards creating a better future and seek a relationship with God. If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
CONSIDER THESE ITEMS FOR PRAYER:
- Pray for God to direct the President, Congress, and all who hold public office to seek effective solutions to meet the needs of the nation
- Pray for our hearts to be open to love and care for our fellow citizens.
- Pray for members and employees of the federal government as they take part in this transitional period.
- Pray for all members of our federal leadership to seek God’s perfect love and truth in all that they do.
Sources: Whitehouse.gov, Wikipedia, USA Today, Center for Presidential Transition
