The ascendant new right

Good morning and welcome to White House Watch. I'm Steff Chávez, the FT's Washington reporter. Donald Trump goes to the Oval Office tomorrow for a meeting with President Joe Biden. In the meantime, let’s take a look at:

• The Maga court
• Musk’s minions
• Democrats in dire straits

Come take a tour of Maga court, which looks completely different than it did eight years ago.

Last time around, Trump was forced to look to the Republican establishment for guidance. This time, it’s the Maga loyalists who have his ear [free to read].

Now Trump is more willing to embrace the ideology of this politically ascendant new American right. He’s determined to enact his aggressive agenda immediately with the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, sweeping tax cuts and across-the-board tariffs on imports. He may also be plotting revenge on his political opponents.

The president-elect’s billionaire donors and allies appear to have unrivalled influence, giving his incoming administration a plutocratic vibe. . . . Register for the FT to keep reading the newsletter for free.